A Period of Transition and Strategic Stability
The appointment of Kiego follows a critical two-year period of restructuring and stabilization under the guidance of Interim CEO Bobbie Beth Scoggins. Since her appointment, Scoggins has been credited with steering the organization through a turbulent era, focusing on operational transparency and the restoration of institutional trust.
The NAD, founded in 1880, operates as a federation of state associations and organizational members, serving as the primary vehicle for deaf advocacy in the United States. In recent years, the organization has faced the dual pressures of navigating post-pandemic operational shifts and the necessity of modernizing its revenue streams. Scoggins’ tenure was characterized by "heavy lifting," according to the Board, which involved streamlining internal processes and establishing a foundation upon which a permanent successor could build.
By securing a permanent CEO, the Board aims to transition from a phase of recovery to one of long-term strategic growth. This leadership change is expected to provide the consistent oversight necessary to address the evolving civil rights landscape for deaf and hard-of-hearing citizens, including ongoing challenges in education, employment, and access to telecommunications and emergency services.
The Road to the 58th Biennial Conference
The formal introduction of Nicholas Kiego is scheduled to take place at the 58th Biennial NAD Conference, hosted in San Francisco from June 30 to July 5, 2026. This conference serves as more than a ceremonial gathering; it acts as the primary democratic forum for the federation. During the event, delegates from across the country will engage in strategic goal-setting, a process that will directly inform Kiego’s agenda for his first year in office.
The selection of Kiego was the culmination of an exhaustive search process led by the Board’s Search Committee. This committee was tasked with identifying a leader capable of balancing the diverse needs of a nationwide membership while managing the complexities of a non-profit organization that functions as a political lobby, a social advocate, and an educational resource. Throughout the search, the Board solicited feedback from the broader deaf community, ensuring that the selection reflected the priorities of those the organization represents.
Strategic Priorities for the Incoming Administration
In his inaugural remarks, Kiego outlined a multi-faceted strategy intended to reinforce the NAD’s position as the leading voice for the deaf community. His stated priorities suggest a focus on both internal health and external outreach:
- Restoring Institutional Trust: Kiego emphasized that transparency and consistent communication are foundational to his leadership. Rebuilding the relationship between the national office and its grassroots membership is a primary objective.
- Financial Sustainability: With the objective of increasing both revenue and membership, Kiego aims to diversify the organization’s income streams. This is critical for the long-term viability of advocacy initiatives that often require significant legal and lobbying resources.
- Mission-Centric Advocacy: Kiego intends to refocus the organization on its core legacy, ensuring that all modern initiatives remain aligned with the fundamental mission of protecting the rights and interests of deaf people in the United States.
- Member Engagement: By fostering an environment where individual members feel heard, Kiego intends to leverage the collective power of the federation to influence public policy at the federal and state levels.
The Broader Context of Deaf Advocacy
The appointment of a new CEO comes at a time when the deaf community faces significant technological and legislative hurdles. The integration of artificial intelligence in captioning and communication services, the fight for linguistic rights in early childhood education, and the ongoing struggle for equitable access to healthcare represent significant areas of interest for the NAD.
Historically, the NAD has been the driving force behind landmark successes, including the implementation of relay services, the expansion of closed captioning requirements, and the protection of American Sign Language (ASL) as a recognized language of instruction. However, as the digital landscape changes, the organization’s role as an advocate for digital accessibility has become increasingly complex. Kiego’s background and vision will be tested by the necessity to keep the NAD at the forefront of these technological advancements.
Furthermore, the organization’s federation model—which relies heavily on state-level chapters—requires a leader with strong diplomatic skills. Kiego’s approach, which encourages direct dialogue with conference attendees, indicates an intent to prioritize "boots-on-the-ground" feedback as he shapes the organization’s future policy priorities.
Implications for the Federation
The transition of leadership from Bobbie Beth Scoggins to Nicholas Kiego is viewed by industry observers as a sign of institutional resilience. By successfully completing a search process and preparing for a structured handover, the NAD has signaled its readiness to move past the volatility that often characterizes long-term non-profit leadership changes.
The success of this transition will largely depend on the alignment between the Board’s expectations and Kiego’s execution. The Board has expressed "full confidence" in Kiego’s strategic vision, a sentiment that provides the incoming CEO with the political capital necessary to initiate reforms. For the membership, the 58th Biennial Conference represents a critical opportunity to observe this new leadership dynamic in action and to provide input into the federation’s trajectory for the next decade.
Looking Ahead
As the organization prepares for the San Francisco conference, the focus remains on unity and forward momentum. President Stephanie Hakulin’s call for the community to "be part of this historic change" underscores the democratic nature of the NAD. Unlike many private organizations, the NAD’s legitimacy is derived from its membership; therefore, the upcoming conference will serve as a bellwether for the new CEO’s popularity and the degree of support he can expect from the state associations.
For the broader public and stakeholders interested in disability rights, the leadership transition at the NAD is a significant event. The organization’s ability to effectively advocate for the 11 to 30 million Americans who are deaf or hard-of-hearing depends entirely on the stability and vision of its leadership. With Kiego at the helm, the NAD intends to secure its legacy while adapting to the demands of a modern, interconnected world.
As the August 1 deadline approaches, the organization continues to finalize its preparations for the transition, ensuring that the momentum established by the interim administration is carried forward into the next chapter of the NAD’s history. Through the combination of strategic planning, community engagement, and a commitment to its founding principles, the NAD looks to solidify its role as an indispensable force for equity and empowerment in the 21st century.
