PHILADELPHIA (Jan. 30, 2023) — VisionLink, a nonprofit organization that is a trusted resource for adults with vision loss, has expanded its senior leadership team with the hiring of Sarah DeLaurentis as chief advancement and philanthropy officer and Alyssa (Ally) Richman as chief administrative and financial officer. DeLaurentis and Richman bring more than two decades of nonprofit experience to the organization.
“Sarah and Ally bring to our team strong development and operational experience in the nonprofit sector that will be highly valuable to our organization,” said President and CEO Karla S. McCaney. “They are joining VisionLink at a transformational time as the organization continues to evolve to meet the growing need for coordinated services for adults with vision loss in Philadelphia.
VisionLink provides focused, high-quality instruction and access to a network of community-based referral sources and partner organizations to support the needs of adults with vision loss. VisionLink is committed to developing partnerships and collaborations with community-based organizations to help achieve a more accessible city and region.
DeLaurentis, in her role as chief advancement and philanthropy officer, will lead all aspects of fundraising and communications, working to increase awareness of the services that VisionLink offers and its importance to the Philadelphia Community. Her extensive management and development experience includes prior roles at Action Wellness, the National MS Society, Surrey Service for Seniors, and most recently the Arthritis Foundation.
“Throughout my career, I have found myself looking to serve others,” said DeLaurentis. “I am really excited about the opportunity to help make Philadelphia more accessible place through my role at VisionLink, and I look forward to growing our organization and working closely with our leadership team to fulfil our strategic plan.”
A Millville, New Jersey native, DeLaurentis has also dedicated her time apart from work to several nonprofits, serving on the Board of Directors for the Young Professionals Network and Dining Out for Life International. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Lynchburg.
Ally Richman joins the VisionLink team as the chief administrative and financial officer bringing significant experience in the management of nonprofit operations and financial departments. Her role is a key leadership position, responsible for ensuring all organizational objectives are met in accordance with established financial, performance and strategic goals and metrics. A Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional, Richman’s experience has included roles with the William Way LGBT Community Center and Philadelphia FIGHT.
“This role will allow me to combine my analytical skills and my commitment to supporting people to access what they need,” said Richman. “I am excited to work with Karla and her leadership team in order to best serve adults with vision loss in the Philadelphia region.”
Currently residing in Palmyra, New Jersey, Richman earned a doctorate in sociology from Temple University, her master’s in sociology from San Jose State University and her bachelor’s degree in English from Penn State University.
To learn more about VisionLink, visit www.VisionLinkPHL.org.
About VisionLink
VisionLink is the largest provider of services to those experiencing vision loss in Greater Philadelphia. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to assisting all who are living with vision loss to achieve greater independence through excellence in education and wrap-around support services that advance necessary skills and establish meaningful community connections. VisionLink is committed to collaborating with local, regional and national partners to broaden access to resources and opportunities that enable those with vision loss to live their lives to the fullest. For more information, visit www.VisionLinkPHL.org.
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