The National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas is led by people who know that blindness does not define a person’s future. Our Board of Directors brings together dedicated leaders, advocates, and community members who are committed to expanding opportunity, strengthening independence, and ensuring that blind Arkansans have the tools, voice, and support to live the lives they want.

Through advocacy, education, outreach, and lived experience, the Board helps shape the work of NFBAR across the state. Each member contributes a unique perspective, but all share the same purpose: to break down barriers, challenge low expectations, and build a stronger Arkansas where blind people are valued, included, and empowered.

Together, these leaders carry forward the Federation’s belief that blind people can live full, meaningful, and self-directed lives—and they work every day to make that promise real in communities across Arkansas.

Officers

President

Charles Tate
Phone: (870) 271-8219
Email: charles.tate1987@gmail.com

Term Expires: 2028

Charles Tate is a dedicated advocate for the blind and a committed leader in the National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas. Since joining the Federation in 2023, he has served in several leadership roles, including Treasurer of the At-Large Chapter, 1st Vice President of the Arkansas Affiliate Board, and President of the Northeast Arkansas Chapter. He also participated in the 2024–2025 Kenneth Jernigan In-Service Leadership Program and helped establish a new chapter in northeast Arkansas before being elected Affiliate President in April 2026. Charles enjoys engaging with his community by speaking about blindness, courtesy rules, and resources available throughout Arkansas, and he is passionate about helping the public, employers, and employees better understand blindness and the support systems that promote independence and opportunity. He is also preparing to graduate from Arkansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in social work and a minor in sociology. Outside of his advocacy and education, Charles values time with his family, especially dinners, outings with his daughter, Sady, and time with his wife, Rikki. Through his work with the Federation, he continues to strengthen his nonvisual skills and is proud to be a Blind Arkansan.
 

First Vice President

Cindy Scott-Huisman
Phone: (501) 920-7454
Email: cindyscotthuisman@gmail.com
Term Expires: 2028

Cindy is a lifelong Arkansan and a graduate of Hendrix College in Conway. She is the owner of Cantrell Gallery, a small business in Little Rock, where she operates the gallery alongside her husband, Clarke Huisman. Cindy has been actively involved in the National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas since 2020 and currently serves as chapter president in Central Arkansas. She joined the Operations Board of World Services for the Blind in 2025.

Cindy enjoys connecting people, building relationships, and planning events that bring communities together. Her writing has been published in the Braille Monitor, and she has appeared on multiple podcasts to discuss blindness, advocacy, and her experiences. She is also a graduate of the Presidential Leadership Seminar.

Second Vice President

Jerree Harris
Phone: 870-335-6333
Email: jerreeharris@outlook.com
Term Expires: 2028

Jerree Harris brings more than 25 years of leadership, advocacy, and service to her role as Second Vice President of the National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas. A former state president, she has long worked to advance equality, opportunity, independence, and diversity for blind people. Her advocacy has taken her to Washington, D.C., many times, where she has met with members of Congress to support policies that protect the rights and improve the lives of blind Americans.

In addition to her advocacy, Jerree is a blind executive with more than 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, and business development, including work with Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies. Her professional experience strengthens the leadership and perspective she brings to the Federation. Outside of her professional and advocacy work, Jerree is blessed to share life with her husband, Ron, to whom she has been married for 34 years. She is also a proud mother and grandmother whose faith, family, commitment to service, and passion for advocating for blind people continue to guide all that she does.

Secretary

Gene Deleon
Phone: (765) 431-7652
Email: genedeleon@outlook.com
Term Expires: 2028

Gene DeLeon brings a strong background in technology, problem-solving, and service to his role with the National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas. He holds a Master of Science in Applied Computer Science from Purdue University and is a retired mainframe programmer and IT helpdesk professional. Gene enjoys helping other blind people, sharing practical information, and educating the sighted public about the skills and strategies blind people use to live independently and get things done. Since moving to Arkansas and joining the NFB three years ago, he has remained committed to supporting the blind community through advocacy, encouragement, and service.

Treasurer

Bryson Jones
Phone: 501-472-3051
Email: Bryson.jones.nfb@outlook.com
Term Expires: 2028

Board Members

Board Member 1:

April Scurlock
Phone: 870-490-1825
Email: April.nfbar@gmail.com
Term Expires: 2028

April Geater brings a strong background in education, leadership, and advocacy to her role as a board member. A retired middle school math teacher and former special education leader, April has dedicated much of her career to helping others learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Since becoming blind in 2002 due to Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), she has become a passionate advocate for blindness awareness, independent living, and empowering blind people to pursue their goals with confidence. Through both her professional experience and personal journey, April is committed to supporting blind people as they build the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to live the lives they want.

Board Member 2:

Joshua Goolsby
Phone: (501) 606-6282
Email: jgoolsby6@gmail.com
Term Expires: 2026

Joshua Goolsby is a husband, father, disability advocate, and dedicated professional committed to helping individuals with disabilities achieve greater independence. He currently serves as an Older Individuals who are Blind Counselor with the Division of Services for the Blind and also contributes as an affiliate board member. Joshua has worked in his current role for two years and has more than five years of service with the State of Arkansas, including prior experience with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services.

After experiencing a drowning accident at age 17 that resulted in cortical blindness, Joshua developed a strong passion for empowering others and working alongside people with disabilities as they pursue their personal and professional goals. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Central Arkansas and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Board Member 3:

Wesley Hillman
Phone: 501-258-1301
Email: wesleyevanhillman@gmail.com
Term Expires: 2027

Wesley Hillman is an active leader and advocate within the National Federation of the Blind of Arkansas, bringing a strong commitment to service, accessibility, and community engagement. A graduate of the Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Wesley earned a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in religious studies from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Since becoming involved with the organization in 2022, Wesley has served the Central Arkansas Chapter as president, secretary, and vice president, and he currently serves on the affiliate board. He has also participated in the National Federation of the Blind Leadership Seminar and attended the National Convention as a Kenneth Jernigan First-Timer Scholarship recipient. His leadership experience reflects a dedication to advancing opportunity, independence, and inclusion for blind individuals across Arkansas and beyond.

Board Member 4:

Ronnie Patterson
Phone: 870-680-7278
Email: ronniepatterson23@gmail.com

Ronnie Patterson graduated from Black River Technical College with an associate degree. Before losing his sight, he was a licensed electrician. Ronnie has been blind for about nine years, but that has not stopped him. Over the past few years, he has become a Vending Machine Master with VFP and now runs several locations through his business. He enjoys technology, spending time with his kids, and making a difference in his community.