The announcement was made via a formal video address by Board President Stephanie Hakulin, signaling a strategic pivot toward long-term organizational health and renewed community engagement. Kiego’s appointment follows a rigorous, months-long search process conducted by a specialized committee tasked with identifying a leader capable of balancing the NAD’s historical mandate with the evolving technological and social needs of the deaf community in the 21st century.
Chronology of the Leadership Transition
The path to this appointment began in the wake of significant organizational turbulence that necessitated a shift in executive governance. Over the past two years, the NAD has operated under the stewardship of Interim CEO Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins. During her tenure, Scoggins was credited with stabilizing the organization’s internal operations and restoring institutional confidence.
The search for a permanent successor began in early 2025, involving an extensive outreach process that solicited feedback from individual members, organizational affiliates, and various stakeholders within the deaf community. The Board of Directors emphasized that community input was a critical component of the selection process, ensuring that the new CEO’s vision aligned with the collective priorities of the federation’s diverse membership. Following the identification of a shortlist and a series of interviews, the Board unanimously selected Kiego, citing his strategic foresight and dedication to the mission of the association.
Strategic Priorities for the New Administration
In his inaugural remarks following the appointment, Nicholas Kiego outlined a multi-faceted agenda designed to address the immediate and long-term requirements of the NAD. His stated priorities include:
- Rebuilding Institutional Trust: Addressing concerns from the membership regarding organizational transparency and responsiveness.
- Financial Stabilization: Developing a robust fiscal framework to ensure the long-term sustainability of NAD programs and advocacy efforts.
- Membership Growth: Implementing strategies to expand the association’s reach, particularly among younger generations and diverse segments of the deaf community.
- Revenue Diversification: Identifying new funding streams to reduce reliance on traditional grants and donor models.
- Legacy Preservation: Strengthening the organization’s role as the primary advocate for the linguistic and civil rights of deaf individuals.
Kiego’s focus on financial stability is particularly pertinent given the current economic climate for non-profit organizations. With increasing competition for philanthropic dollars and the rising costs of legal and political advocacy, the ability to maintain a strong balance sheet is essential for the NAD to remain effective in its role as a watchdog for accessibility rights.
The Role of the 58th Biennial NAD Conference
The official transition of power is timed to coincide with the 58th Biennial NAD Conference, scheduled for June 30 to July 5, 2026, in San Francisco. This gathering represents the most significant assembly of the organization’s leadership, affiliates, and members. The conference is expected to serve as a laboratory for the NAD’s future strategic goals, providing a platform for Kiego to engage directly with the constituency he is set to lead.
For the Board, the conference is not merely a ceremonial event but a pivotal moment for collective planning. By positioning the transition within the context of the conference, the NAD aims to foster a sense of shared ownership over the organization’s direction. Attendees will participate in goal-setting workshops and policy discussions that will directly inform the Board’s strategic agenda for the next several years.
Legacy of Interim Leadership
The transition process has been characterized by close coordination between the Board, the incoming CEO, and the outgoing interim leadership. Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins, a veteran leader in the deaf community, played a critical role in steering the NAD through a period of significant change. Analysts observing the organization note that Scoggins’ tenure was marked by a commitment to "heavy lifting"—specifically, the correction of internal procedural inefficiencies and the establishment of a baseline for professional governance.
By the time Kiego assumes the role in August, he will inherit an organization that has been substantially "right-sized" and stabilized. This preparation is a departure from the reactive mode of leadership required during the previous two years, allowing the incoming administration to focus on proactive growth rather than damage control.
Implications for the Deaf Community
The appointment of Kiego carries implications that extend beyond the internal mechanics of the NAD. As the primary advocacy body for deaf Americans, the organization’s efficacy has a direct impact on the enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other civil rights legislation.
The NAD’s influence is felt across various sectors, including:
- Education: Advocacy for the rights of deaf students to receive quality, language-accessible education.
- Employment: Combating workplace discrimination and promoting inclusive hiring practices.
- Communication Access: Pushing for universal accessibility in government services, media, and digital platforms.
- Legislative Advocacy: Representing the interests of the deaf community before federal agencies and the U.S. Congress.
The community’s reaction to the news has been cautiously optimistic. Many stakeholders have expressed that the clarity of Kiego’s priorities—particularly his emphasis on rebuilding trust—matches the current needs of the membership. However, the organization faces the ongoing challenge of representing a community that is increasingly diverse in terms of age, race, socioeconomic status, and communication preference. Balancing these varied interests while maintaining a unified voice will be the defining challenge of Kiego’s term.
Fact-Based Analysis of the Organizational Outlook
From an organizational behavior perspective, the NAD is currently in a "transition-to-growth" phase. The appointment of a new CEO often signals a desire for a fresh perspective on stagnant issues. Kiego’s background and focus suggest a departure from purely reactive advocacy toward a more business-oriented model of non-profit management.
Data from the non-profit sector suggests that organizations that successfully integrate community feedback into their strategic planning—as the NAD has done during this search process—are significantly more likely to achieve long-term buy-in from their membership. Furthermore, the decision to hold the transition during a high-visibility event like the Biennial Conference serves to mitigate the uncertainty often associated with executive changes.
The success of Kiego’s administration will likely be measured by several key performance indicators (KPIs):
- Member Retention and Acquisition Rates: Whether the organization can reverse any potential membership attrition.
- Advocacy Impact: The frequency and success of legal and legislative interventions led by the NAD.
- Fiscal Health: Growth in unrestricted revenue and the success of capital campaigns.
Looking Ahead: A Call to Action
As the NAD prepares for its biennial conference, the Board of Directors has issued an open invitation to the community to engage in this "historic change." By involving affiliates and individual members in the goal-setting process, the leadership is attempting to move away from top-down governance toward a more participatory model.
For Nicholas Kiego, the first 100 days in office will be critical. He will be expected to balance the administrative demands of the national office with the need for high-visibility engagement across the country. The upcoming months will serve as a bridge between the stability provided by the interim administration and the vision of the future that the new CEO aims to implement.
In closing her announcement, President Stephanie Hakulin reiterated the board’s commitment to the incoming leadership. "The Board stands ready to support Nick in working with our affiliates and members to chart new pathways forward," she stated. The NAD, therefore, enters this next chapter with a defined roadmap, a stabilized internal environment, and a new executive who has explicitly articulated a mandate for reform and growth. The 58th Biennial Conference in San Francisco will ultimately serve as the testing ground for this new direction, setting the tone for the association’s activities for the remainder of the decade.
