Linda K. Merrill

is honored with a Brick from Gail Jordan, Jason and Lori Morton

A native Texan, Ms. Merrill was born in Wichita Falls where she attended Midwestern State University. Her career in services to people who are blind began in Wichita Falls, at Beacon Lighthouse for the Blind, in 1979.

In 1986, Ms. Merrill relocated to Wichita, KS to accept the position of President, CEO at Envision. Under her leadership, Envision has posted record years in employment, sales and services, thereby positioning the agency as a national leader in employment of people who are blind.

As a person who likes change, Merrill has continually advanced Envision since 1986. Through two name changes, the construction of a new facility for the industries division, the opening of two satellite employment centers, the purchase of a low vision rehabilitation center, the opening of sixteen retail businesses on military installations throughout the United States, and the purchase and remodeling of a new location for the rehab center and corporate offices, Merrill has challenged her organization to reach new heights.

While seen as a leader within Envision, Ms. Merrill has also achieved national recognition in the field of blindness and low vision. She served as President of the General Council of Industries for the Blind, a peer group comprised of CEO’s of similar nonprofit agencies across the nation. She has also served as Vice President, Secretary and Regional Representative for the group for a total of eight years. When the General Council reorganized as the National Association for the Employment of People who are Blind, Ms. Merrill’s leadership was called upon again and she served for three years as Vice President of the organization and one year as the organizations representative to the Washington D.C. based Committee for Purchase from People who are Blind or Severely Disabled. Altogether Merrill has served in a leadership role for these national organizations for twelve years..

Ms. Merrill served as the Chairperson of the National Vision Rehabilitation Association, a membership association whose sole objective was passage of a national Medicare reimbursement policy for low vision rehabilitation. She served a total of eleven years as a board member for the National Industries for the Blind, including positions as Chair of the Government Relations Committee and as a member of the Executive Committee. She has also been appointed to the Kansas State Use Law Committee by Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius.

Despite her busy career she returned to college at the age of 50 to complete her undergraduate degree. Linda credits her success to her parents who where excellent role models in their careers and lives. Linda has one son, Jason who is married to Lori and one grandchild, Morgan. Other family members include her parents, Mr. & Mrs. John F. Greenwood, a brother, Stuart Greenwood, all of Wichita Falls, TX, a sister and brother in-law, Brenda and Ray Garrison, of Rose, OK, a sister Gail Jordan of Wichita, KS and nephew John Jordan, of Albuquerque, NM.