Kiego’s appointment follows an intensive nationwide search process conducted by the NAD Board of Directors, a committee tasked with identifying a leader capable of balancing the organization’s historical legacy with the modern demands of a digital-first, advocacy-heavy environment. Kiego will succeed interim CEO Bobbie Beth Scoggins, who has provided steady leadership over the past two years during a period of organizational restructuring.
The Chronology of Leadership Transition
The selection of Nicholas Kiego is the culmination of a multi-year effort by the NAD Board to stabilize the organization after a period of administrative turbulence. In 2024, the Board of Directors initiated a comprehensive search for a permanent CEO to provide long-term continuity.
Bobbie Beth Scoggins, a veteran leader within the deaf community, stepped into the interim role with a mandate to restore internal stability and operational efficiency. Her tenure was characterized by a focus on "heavy lifting"—a phrase used by Board President Stephanie Hakulin to describe the difficult task of repairing infrastructure and ensuring the organization remained financially viable during a volatile economic climate.
By early 2026, the Search Committee had finalized its candidate vetting process. The committee’s work involved gathering direct feedback from community members, affiliate organizations, and stakeholders, ensuring the next CEO reflected the diverse needs of the federation. With the appointment finalized, the transition plan involves a strategic handover period, with Kiego formally assuming his responsibilities on August 1, immediately following the conclusion of the 58th Biennial NAD Conference.
Strategic Goals and Organizational Priorities
In his inaugural address, Kiego outlined a multi-pronged strategy designed to address the most pressing challenges facing the association. His stated priorities are:
- Rebuilding Institutional Trust: Addressing internal and external concerns that have surfaced over the past several years.
- Financial Sustainability: Diversifying revenue streams to ensure the organization can sustain its advocacy efforts without reliance on inconsistent funding models.
- Membership Growth: Expanding the reach of the NAD to younger demographics and underrepresented segments of the deaf community.
- Mission Alignment: Refocusing the organization on its core advocacy pillars, including education reform, employment equity, and the protection of American Sign Language (ASL).
"The work I have to do is clear," Kiego stated during the official announcement. "I am committed to rebuilding trust, making the NAD financially stable, growing our membership, and reminding the community of the significance of the NAD’s legacy."
Financial and Membership Context
The NAD operates as a federation of state associations, organizational affiliates, and individual members. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the organization’s ability to influence federal policy—such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and FCC regulations regarding video relay services—is directly tied to its financial health and the size of its advocacy base.
Historically, the NAD has navigated a complex financial landscape, often relying on grants, individual donations, and conference-related revenue. The 58th Biennial NAD Conference, scheduled for June 30 to July 5, 2026, in San Francisco, serves as a critical revenue event and a forum for strategic planning. Analysts within the non-profit sector note that for an organization of the NAD’s scale, diversifying funding is essential to maintaining a permanent presence in Washington, D.C., where the association lobbies for legislative protections.
The Role of the Biennial Conference
The biennial conference is the primary mechanism through which the NAD conducts its democratic business. It is at this event that the organization sets its strategic goals for the coming two years. The San Francisco conference represents a "pivotal moment," according to President Stephanie Hakulin, as it provides a platform for the membership to participate in the goal-setting process that will define Kiego’s early tenure.
This gathering is more than a professional meeting; it is a cultural touchstone for the deaf community. It provides a space for stakeholders to engage with leadership, share personal stories of advocacy, and determine the policy trajectory for the federation. The inclusion of community feedback in the CEO search process underscores the organization’s commitment to a grassroots governance model.
Institutional Implications and Future Outlook
The appointment of Kiego signals a shift toward a more outward-facing, growth-oriented leadership style. Industry observers suggest that the transition from a period of "stability and restoration" under Scoggins to a phase of "growth and expansion" under Kiego is a logical progression for a legacy organization.
The challenges facing the deaf community are increasingly complex. Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, changes in remote communication technologies, and the ongoing struggle for equitable healthcare and education require an organization that is both agile and well-funded. Kiego’s background and his commitment to meeting members at the conference suggest an intent to prioritize direct engagement.
Furthermore, the board’s emphasis on "new opportunities and strengthening our collective future" reflects an acknowledgement that the NAD must adapt to the shifting sociopolitical landscape. As the organization prepares for the transition, the focus remains on the collaboration between the incoming CEO, the Board, and the broad network of state affiliates.
Official Responses and Community Reception
The Board of Directors has expressed full confidence in Kiego’s strategic vision. President Stephanie Hakulin’s public endorsement serves to unify the organization’s base, signaling that the search process was inclusive and that the outcome aligns with the needs expressed by the community.
For many in the community, the success of this transition will be measured by how quickly Kiego can implement the stated goals of financial and membership growth. The "heavy lifting" completed by Scoggins has provided a solid foundation, but the execution of long-term growth strategies will be the true test of the new leadership.
The community members who provided feedback during the search process are now looking toward the San Francisco conference as the venue where they can see the practical application of this new leadership. By inviting members to "come be part of this historic change," the NAD is attempting to galvanize its base, emphasizing that the strength of the organization lies not just in its CEO, but in the collective energy of its constituents.
Moving Forward
As August 1 approaches, the administrative machinery of the NAD is focused on a seamless transition. The partnership between the outgoing interim CEO and the incoming CEO is designed to ensure that no momentum is lost. For the deaf community, the transition represents more than just a change in personnel; it is a reaffirmation of the organization’s mandate to protect the rights of deaf and hard-of-hearing Americans.
The 58th Biennial NAD Conference in San Francisco, with its theme of a "bold future," serves as the launchpad for this new chapter. With the Golden Gate Bridge as a symbolic backdrop, the organization is looking to bridge its past achievements with the demands of the future. As Kiego steps into the role, he enters with a mandate to lead, a community to listen to, and a legacy to uphold. The coming years will determine if this appointment marks the beginning of a period of renewed influence and growth for the National Association of the Deaf.
