Innivee Strategies is honored to partner with the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) to relaunch the search for the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer.
NAD recently announced its decision to restart this search to ensure a process that is transparent, inclusive, and grounded in broad community participation. Our team will support NAD in shaping a values-aligned, community-centered search that identifies the leader who will guide the organization into its next chapter.
About the Search
As part of this renewed effort, Innivee Strategies will work closely with NAD to design a process that reflects the priorities of NAD’s membership and the wider Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard of hearing community. This includes:
- A comprehensive community survey to identify leadership qualities and organizational priorities
- Focus groups with community members, NAD staff, and the Board
- A leadership profile developed from community and stakeholder insights
- Structured support for each phase of the Board’s decision-making
- Regular search updates to promote transparency and shared understanding
“The next CEO will play a critical role in strengthening advocacy, policy, and programs that safeguard the civil, human, and linguistic rights of Deaf and hard of hearing people nationwide,” said Shane Feldman, CEO of Innivee Strategies. “We look forward to supporting NAD in a process that elevates the perspectives and values of the community.”
What This Role Represents
The Chief Executive Officer will be responsible for advancing NAD’s mission and leading one of the nation’s most significant civil rights organizations for Deaf and hard of hearing people. The ideal candidate will bring experience in:
- Nonprofit leadership and governance
- Financial and operational management
- Fundraising and resource development
- Advocacy, policy engagement, and program leadership
- Building relationships with community members, partners, and national stakeholders
This position will serve a diverse constituency—from native ASL users to those who became deaf or hard of hearing later in life, across varied geographies, identities, and communication preferences.
What Comes Next
Details about the survey, focus groups, and the full search timeline will be shared as NAD and Innivee Strategies begin the engagement phase of the process. The leadership profile and application details will be released once community input is gathered and incorporated.
About the National Association of the Deaf (NAD)
Founded in 1880, the National Association of the Deaf is the nation’s premier civil rights organization for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. NAD advocates for equal access, sign language rights, education, employment, technology, and full inclusion in society. Learn more at www.nad.org.
About Innivee Strategies, Inc.
Innivee Strategies is a Deaf-led consulting firm partnering with organizations to align leadership, governance, and strategy with community values and long-term vision. Our services include executive search and transition, organizational assessment, strategic planning, leadership development, and guided facilitation. Learn more at www.inniveestrategies.com.
