Get to Know: BBI Board Co-Chairs
One of BBI’s most influential and insightful groups of stakeholders is its Board of Advisors, led by co-chairs Joshua H. Heintz L’69 and Laurence A. Silverman. Heintz and Silverman each bring unique perspectives from their own experiences and a passion for enhancing the lives of people with disabilities and their families.
Joshua H. Heintz L’69
University Trustee and BBI Board Co-Chair
Partner, Gilberti Stinziano Heintz & Smith (Syracuse, NY)
University Trustee and BBI Board Co-Chair
Partner, Gilberti Stinziano Heintz & Smith (Syracuse, NY)
Laurence A. Silverman
BBI Board Co-Chair
Partner, Bracewell & Giuliani (New York, NY)
BBI Board Co-Chair
Partner, Bracewell & Giuliani (New York, NY)
Why did you decide to take a leadership role with BBI’s Board of Advisors?
JH: BBI is a global leader in disability. As co-chairman of BBI’s Board of Advisors, a graduate of Syracuse University’s College of Law and former Chairman of its Board of Advisors for eight years, I believe that my experience could contribute to BBI’s further success.
LS: I have served on the board of other organizations devoted to those with disabilities. BBI is unique. It is devoted to empowerment for those with disabilities. BBI is devoted to giving those with disabilities the opportunity to reach their full potential. Having a disability does not mean being unable to succeed.
What disability issue is of interest in your role on the board?
JH: There are 650 million persons with disability in the world and 55 million persons in the United States. I am passionate about addressing all issues of disability through BBI.
LS: I would like to see the formation of a national forum giving all of the organizations representing those with specific disabilities, whether it be epilepsy, blindness, autism, whatever, the opportunity to come together to exchange ideas on fulfilling the needs of the disability community and formulating a national agenda. The time is perfect with a presidential election coming.
Why should all people care about disability-related issues?
JH: We are all members of a global society; all of us one day will be touched by disability in one manner or another. It is only a question of whether it occurs at birth or another milestone. The way we are educated and engaged, the more we will do for each other.
LS: We would be amazed if we had accurate figures of how many people have friends, family members or colleagues with disabilities. By helping those with disabilities reach their potential we will be empowering a significant portion of the population to make a real contribution to our society and take them beyond reliance on public benefit programs, which are aimed at meeting basic level of need.
BBI is one of many organizations to which you give your time. Why is this type of service important?
JH: The impact of giving time to BBI has a near term impact.
LS: Helping others makes you feel better about yourself. Achievement should not be measured in dollars and cents, but how much we have contributed to making better the lives of those who need help. By helping others we set the right role models for our kids. They need to see us do more than just earn income.
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