Our Staff

One fourth of our staff has a disability, predominantly blindness, filling positions at all levels. A fundamental belief at NBP is that blind people can, want to, and should work for companies that value talent and hard work above all.

Our transcribers and proofreaders ensure the highest quality braille materials. All of our transcribers are certified by the Library of Congress and have competencies in one or more of the following codes: literary, Nemeth, computer, and music braille. Our proofreaders are braille readers, also certified by the Library of Congress, and collectively bring over 80 years of experience to the job.

NBP's Leadership

Brian A. Mac Donald
President

Brian Mac Donald joined National Braille Press as its new president in May, 2008. He holds an MBA in Marketing and Finance from Boston College and an undergraduate degree in Biology and English from the University of Vermont. Most recently, he was Chief Operating Officer of New Hampshire Audubon where he helped lead a major restructuring that included strategic planning, change management, and improved revenue generation. He also has significant experience in planned giving, business development, and building corporate partnerships. Prior to Audubon, he was the Senior Director of Sales and Revenue for over twenty years at New England Aquarium where he managed business development, operations, sales, marketing, and international tourism for its business units.

Mac Donald's significant volunteer work has included four years as Essex County Director of the Massachusetts Special Olympics where he led operations and regional/state competitions involving 33 cities and towns. He also founded the Northeast Whale Watching Association; authored an economic impact study; and testified before Congress on the reauthorization of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Diane L. Croft
Publisher

Diane Croft has been working at National Braille Press since 1982 after receiving her Masters in Education from Harvard University. She oversees all publishing efforts, new product development, and the marketing and promotion of braille products.

Croft is a published author and editor of several original publications related to blindness, including Louis Braille: A Touch of Genius, Captured by the Net: An Internet Guide for Blind Users, Take Charge: A Strategic Guide for Blind Job Seekers, and Safe Without Sight: Crime Prevention and Self-Defense Strategies.

Croft has been recognized by the blindness community for her contributions to the field with numerous awards: 2009 Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award from the National Federation of the Blind, the Uncommon Vision Award given by the Massachusetts Association for the Blind, the Bay State Council of the Blind's Outstanding Service Award, the 1990 Book Award from the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, the Access Award from the American Foundation for the Blind, the Vernon Henley Memorial Award from the American Council of the Blind, the Looking Out Award from the Guide Dog Users of Massachusetts, and the Jacobus tenBroek Award from the National Federation of the Blind of Massachusetts.

From her knowledge as editor of Louis Braille: A Touch of Genius, Ms. Croft served as curator for a traveling exhibit on the life and achievements of Louis Braille, which traveled the country in honor of his Bicentennial.

Kimberley Ballard
Vice President of National Marketing and Community Relations

Kimberley has been at NBP since 2003 and has been a development professional for nearly 15 years. Currently, she oversees external communications, branding, and public relations, as well as managing corporate and foundation relations fundraising and contributing to overall fundraising strategy. Previously, she held positions at the American Cancer Society, New England Division and the Weingart Center in Los Angeles. Kimberley is a graduate of Boston University and a member of Women in Development and the Massachusetts Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Susan Challis
Controller

A Certified Public Accountant, Susan Challis has a B.S. in Accountancy from Bentley College and 20 years experience as an auditor in local and regional public accounting firms, including Friedman, Suvalle, and Salomon, PC, and Gray, Gray, and Gray, LLP. She has also served as volunteer treasurer for several nonprofit organizations. At National Braille Press, Challis manages all the financial and human resource functions of the organization.

Tony Grima
Vice President of Braille Publications

Tony Grima started at NBP as Marketing Manager in 2001 after 11 years with other publishing companies such as Houghton Mifflin and Alyson Publications. He and NBP's Publisher are the creative forces in the braille production process, selecting the books published for all the children's and adult literacy programs. He also maintains the company website, including the fully-accessible online bookstore. Grima is a graduate of Bates College.

Joseph Quintanilla
Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving

Joseph Quintanilla joined NBP in July 2011 after previously serving as Director of Development at the Carroll Center for the Blind. Quintanilla has a degree in communications from Boston College and is an avid runner, representing the USA at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympics. Quintanilla created the Vision 5K, a unique fundraiser where blind and sighted individuals compete side-by-side, showcasing the abilities of blind athletes.

Jennifer Stewart
Vice President of Development Operations & Annual Giving

Jennifer Stewart is the Vice President of Development Operations and Annual Giving for National Braille Press. She started her career in the development field in 2001 and has valued her experiences in different roles in NBP's development department over the years. Jennifer is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and has happily accepted becoming a Bostonian after living here for almost 10 years.