Presented annually, the Samuelson Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates career advancement at an NIB-associated nonprofit agency or in the private sector.
Mission Services Supervisor Michael ‘Mike’ Philips is the 2026 Austin Lighthouse Employee of the Year and the recipient of the National Industries for the Blind Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award. His award will be presented at the Realizing America’s Promise Conference & Expo in Washington, D.C., this February.
From Warehouse Specialist to Supervisor
Mike’s journey didn’t begin with leadership in mind. A former truck driver, he joined the Lighthouse in 2004 as a warehouse specialist after an allergic reaction to IB Profin caused him to lose his vision. With the help of Lighthouse trainers, he learned to navigate the 3PL warehouse and pick orders shipped to U.S. soldiers around the world. At the time, he was content — maybe even resigned — to staying in that role.
After briefly leaving, Mike returned in 2014. He worked hard and naturally began mentoring new warehouse employees, offering the same guidance he once received. When a trainer position opened, he applied and was hired.
He kept pushing himself.
“He’s a top-notch worker,” said Vince Boyd, Vice President of Mission Services. “He has a willingness to learn. He listens and gets things done.”
Sometime after Mike became a trainer, Austin Lighthouse President & CEO Jim Meehan told him something he still carries with him: “You can do whatever you want here. If you want to do it, you can do it.”
That moment mattered.
Mike was later promoted to supervisor of Mission Services, a department focused on developing training and employment skills of blind and visually impaired people. Today, he oversees four on-the-job trainers, makes job referrals, and works with external partners. One of the most rewarding parts of his job is welcoming people into the warehouse and reminding them that things are still possible — even when life feels hard.
“It’s about the drive and having confidence in yourself,” Mike said, reflecting on his own difficult moments. There were times he felt stuck. But he knew more was possible — and chose to take the next step.
His advice to others:
“Things can pull you down, but when you put that badge on, focus on the job. When you take it off at the end of the day, you can go back to that other stuff.”
Related Video: A Day in the Life of Mike
Mike is still processing the award. He was surprised to be named Employee of the Year, thinking, I just do what I do. When Jim called to share the news about the national recognition, he had to put the phone down.
“I just kept asking him, what does this mean?” Mike said. “I’m still processing it. It might take until I get back from D.C. to really finish.”
So, What’s Next?
Now that he’s a totally blind supervisor, Mikee wants to become a totally blind manager. Then a director.
And then?
He just plans to keep moving up.