Anne DuPrey

Executive Director, retired Literacy Nassau

As executive director of Literacy Nassau — formerly Literacy Volunteers of America Nassau County — Anne DuPrey shaped the agency into one of the largest literacy organizations in the nation. She retired in 2006 after 28 years of service, but her legacy lives on.

During her tenure, DuPrey worked tirelessly to expand Literacy Nassau’s services, with the goal of helping those who lacked literacy skills. Now, the organization — with the assistance of more than 800 volunteers — works with more than 1,000 students each year.

Under her leadership, Literacy Nassau has become increasingly involved in family literacy initiatives and developed programs for mentoring troubled youths living in group homes and the Nassau County Juvenile Detention Center. The agency also began working with adults in the Nassau County Correctional Center.

Two years into her retirement, DuPrey’s passion for promoting literacy is just as strong as ever. “There are millions who can’t read,” she said. “It’s a huge problem in America, and the stories are heartbreaking. A mother of a child with an ear ache can’t read the instructions on the prescription bottle. So what does she do? She pours the medicine where it hurts.”

Since DuPrey became executive director in 1980, Literacy Nassau has been named Outstanding Affiliate of the Year twice. She has received many individual awards as well, including LVA’s prestigious Chairman’s Award for turning a small program into a “model affiliate.” She also was named a New York State Woman of Distinction and a Long Island Woman of Distinction.

Her expertise on managing volunteer organizations has made her a sought-after presenter at local, state and national confer- ences. She also is a consultant for the United Way of America’s Literacy Initiative project and has written a book, “Maintaining the Balance: A Guide to 50/50 Management.”