During their May 2025 meeting, the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Board of Trustees voted in favor of the following resolution honoring Joseph Hedum as the 2025 recipient of the Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award.

WHEREAS, Mr. Joseph Hedum has been named Blind Worker of the Year by Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB), and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hedum is the 2025 recipient of the Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award which is presented to an individual who demonstrates career advancement at a National Industries for the Blind associated nonprofit agency or in the private sector. Named after the late Dr. Samuelson, the award is a tribute to his leadership in establishing upward mobility and placement programs for people who are blind. Nominees are evaluated for the award based on job performance, positive activities both at work and in their community, and career advancement or steps taken toward career development, such as participating in training or attending college, and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hedum began his employment at AIB in 2005, and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hedum joined the AIB team after completing an adult education program through E. H. Gentry Technical Facility at Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind to gain job skills and experience, and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hedum is the Line Leader for the AIB Paper Department where he goes above and beyond to make sure that all employees assigned to his department are taken care of, both professionally and personally, while also meeting production deadlines. Joseph continuously investigates ways to make his department more accessible, whether that is through Assistive Technology or just making changes in current processes, and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hedum has completed the NSITE Effective Supervision course and is committed to continuous learning and personal growth. He is always seeking opportunities to expand his expertise in the operation of his department, including effective supervision, the maintenance of machinery, and the completion of work orders in a timely manner. His career goal is to become the supervisor of his department and lead his team effectively, and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hedum mentors his co-workers daily, encouraging them to be the best they can be and helping them realize that they are limitless and not limited. He also enjoys volunteering in his church and with the extracurricular activities of his children, and

WHEREAS, Mr. Hedum moved to Alabama from Orlando, Florida, after graduating high school in 2004. He purchased his first home in 2010. In 2016 he met the love of his life, and they married in 2019. His favorite activities include spending quality time with his family. Additionally, his hobbies include fishing and sports, especially football and basketball.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Board of Trustees congratulates Mr. Joseph Hedum for being named the Alabama Industries for the Blind Worker of the Year and receiving the Peter J. Salmon Award.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Joseph Hedum and a copy be spread across the minutes of this meeting.

DONE this the 13th day of May 2025.