NCBVI Staff

Carlos R. Serván: NCBVI Executive Director 

Carlos R. Serván serves as the Executive Director of the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NCBVI), a role he has held since 2017. Under his leadership, NCBVI has continued to strengthen its national reputation for excellence, innovation, and high expectations in services for blind and visually impaired Nebraskans. 

Early Life and Education

Born in Lima, Peru, Mr. Serván lost his vision and right hand at the age of 20 during an explosion while training with the Peruvian National Police. In 1989, he immigrated to the United States to receive blindness skills training —an experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve independence, competitive employment, and full participation in society. 

After arriving in the United States, Mr. Serván learned English and pursued higher education with distinction. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, followed by both a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) and a Juris Doctor (J.D.), graduating with honors. His personal journey as a blind immigrant and minority professional has given him a deep understanding of the barriers many individuals with disabilities face, as well as the vital importance of opportunity, high expectations, and effective public service. 

Career and Leadership in Vocational Rehabilitation

Mr. Serván’s professional career in vocational rehabilitation and blindness services spans more than three decades. Prior to his work in Nebraska, he coordinated transition programs for blind youth in New Mexico from 1992 to 1998. There, he developed a nationally recognized model focused on high expectations, work experience, and early intervention for blind students, including youth with multiple disabilities and students from minority backgrounds. This program successfully demonstrated the value of strong collaboration between vocational rehabilitation agencies and public schools in preparing blind youth for integrated, high-quality employment. 

In 1998, Mr. Serván joined NCBVI, serving as the Deputy Director for Services until 2017. During this tenure, he was twice recognized for outstanding leadership with the State of Nebraska’s “Manager of the Year” award—first by Governor Mike Johanns in 1999 and again by Governor Dave Heineman in 2011. 

Executive Directorship and Innovation

Since being appointed Executive Director by the agency’s five-member Board of Commissioners in 2017, Mr. Serván has overseen significant growth and innovation across NCBVI programs and services. Under his leadership, the agency has: 

• Expanded services for older blind Nebraskans. 
• Strengthened partnerships with the Nebraska Legislature and the Governor’s Office. 
• Significantly increased opportunities through the Nebraska Business Enterprise Program, including operations in state facilities, correctional institutions, and federal military dining facilities. 
• Launched Nebraska’s first Support Service Provider (SSP) pilot project for deaf-blind individuals. 
• Expanded accessible STEM opportunities for blind students through partnerships with blind scientists and educators. 
• Helped bring innovative 3D tactile and audio-described art and science exhibits to Nebraska, including the nationally recognized tactile replica of the historic Pershing Mural. 

These initiatives have contributed to NCBVI’s recognition as one of the leading blindness rehabilitation agencies in the nation, celebrated for its consumer-driven philosophy, innovation, and commitment to high-quality outcomes. 

In recognition of his leadership and service, Mr. Serván received the prestigious “E.B. Whitten Silver Medallion Award” from the National Rehabilitation Association in 2020 for his demonstrated leadership in improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. 

Professional Affiliations and Board Service

Mr. Serván has held numerous leadership positions at both the state and national levels, including:

• President, National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (2023) 
• Member, Executive Committee, National Council of State Agencies for the Blind (2018–present) 
• President, National Association of Blind Rehabilitation Professionals (2002–2006) 
• President, National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska (2000–2003) 
• Member, Board of Directors, National Federation of the Blind (2000–2003) 
• Member, Board of Directors, Disability Rights Nebraska (2008–2016) 
• President, National Association of Blind Students (1995–1996) 

Mr. Serván remains a staunch advocate for innovation, accountability, and high expectations in public service. His leadership continues to reflect NCBVI’s core mission: empowering blind and visually impaired Nebraskans to achieve independence and success in every aspect of life. 

NCBVI Staff Directory

NCBVI Administration

Located on the First Floor, West end of the NCBVI Lincoln Building

 

Nebraska Business Enterprise (NBE)

Located on First Floor of the NCBVI Building.

Nebraska Center for the Blind

Located on First Floor, East end of the NCBVI Lincoln Building

 

Lincoln District - Lincoln Office

Located on the First Floor of the NCBVI Building.

 

 

Lincoln District - Norfolk

Name	Email	Phone Number
Kathy Navrkal, Orientation Counselor II	kathy.navrkal@nebraska.gov	402-440-2005
Graciela Swim, VR Counselor II	graciela.swim@nebraska.gov	402-419-6042

Omaha District – Omaha Office

Omaha State Office Building

1313 Farnam Street, Suite 316

Omaha, NE  68102-1881

 

North Platte District – Western Nebraska