Our Leaders
President Emeritus
Dr. Robert Langford
Founding Father of the Texas Center for the Visually Challenged (TCVC). Dr. Langford received his Ph.D. from New York University in Rehabilitation-Administration. He has dedicated his life to the blind - believing that all people are contributing members of society. Robert has held executive leadership roles with rehabilitation centers, state agencies, and The Texas Commission for the Blind. Dr. Langford recently retired after 50 years of service to the blind and their families.
Former Board Member & Volunteer Extraordinaire
John Austin
Founding Son of TCVC. John Austin’s story is amazing. He saw a need and he filled it. Dr. Langford started the refurbishing efforts of TCVC out of his home. In the early 1990s, a sighted friend began helping Langford. That friend was John Austin. John moved the refurbishing center to his airplane hanger and personally rebuilt 1500 of the 4,000 computers that TCVC has provided to the visually impaired.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Gil Brand
Mr. Brand is the first executive director for TCVC following the retirement of the founding father, Robert Langford. As an advocate for the underserved, Gil has been a community and church volunteer for many years. He brings compassion, commitment, and over 20 years of technology experience to the organization. In the corporate world, Mr. Brand held technology leadership roles for Bank of America and Computer Associates.
Treasurer
Lee Mann
Ms. Lee Mann has served TCVC a number of capacities over the years. She helped Dr. Langford build the organization into the viable entity that it is today. She currently serves as the foundation’s Treasurer and acts as the primary interface with potential computer recipients. Ms. Mann has a personal commitment to give back and advocacy for the blind is a major motivator. Brian is her sight-impaired grandson.
Board Members
Board Member |
Jetta Hoffman |
Board Member |
Richard Robbins |
Secretary |
Nancy White |
Treasurer |
Lee Mann |
Board Member |
Joanne Bowles |
Board Member |
Karen Bruyere |