Lions Industries for the Blind establishes foundation, names Proctor executive director

Lions Industries for the Blind (LIB) has established the LIB Foundation and named veteran nonprofit executive Sue Norcross Proctor as its first executive director. Proctor, who served as executive director of SAFE for 30 years and most recently led Friends of the Homeless in Kinston, began her new role on October 1, 2026.

The Foundation was created by the LIB Board earlier this year as a mechanism to focus additional assistance for the visually impaired as well as support for the communities served by LIB. The LIB Board appointed a five-member Board to lead the new Foundation with Mike Taylor as Chair. “Lions Industries for the Blind has always supported the visually impaired in our region as well as local communities in a philanthropic nature such as a major gift to the water park and the creation of a scholarship at Lenoir Community College. However, our efforts have not always been focused, nor have we made a consistent effort to assist the visually impaired or the communities we serve.  The Foundation under Sue’s leadership will do just that,” Taylor commented.

Sue holds a BS from East Carolina University and has volunteered with UNC Healthy Lenoir, Flynn Christian Fellowship Home, and Women Fellowship Hall. Drawing on her nonprofit experience and commitment to helping the community, she plans to explore technologies that can help individuals with visual and hearing impairment succeed in life and employment.

Lions Industries for the Blind has operated in Kinston since 1971 and currently employs more than 90 workers including nearly 50% with visual or hearing impairments. LIB serves both the U.S. government and the private sector. Taylor added, "Lions Industries for the Blind is one of the better-kept secrets in Kinston and the surrounding region. By supporting programs that assist people with visual and hearing impairments, the Foundation will help raise awareness of LIB." 

Lions Industries for the Blind is located at 4126 Berkley Avenue in Kinston, and the Foundation maintains an office at 1136 US-258, Kinston, NC 28504.

The new LIB Foundation Executive Director can be reached at:

libfoundation2026@gmail.com / 252-560-5114.