Helen Keller National Center Announces New Director of Field Services

SANDS POINT, NY (December 2, 2024) — Helen Keller National Center (HKNC), the nation’s only comprehensive vocational and rehabilitation program serving youths and adults who are DeafBlind, announced the appointment of Ashley Benton, MSW, as Director of Field Services, effective November 25, 2024.

With 25 years of experience serving Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing individuals, Benton brings extensive expertise in program development, community engagement, and collaborative leadership. In her new role, she will oversee HKNC’s nationwide network of Regional Representatives who serve as essential bridges between HKNC’s comprehensive services and local communities across the United States.

“Ashley’s deep understanding of the DeafBlind community, combined with her proven track record of creating innovative programs and fostering meaningful partnerships, makes her the ideal leader for our field services division,” said John Filek, Executive Director of HKNC. “Her vision for collaborative engagement and community-driven solutions will strengthen our ability to fulfill our congressional mandate of serving DeafBlind individuals nationwide.”

Prior to joining HKNC, Benton served in leadership roles within North Carolina’s Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Use Services and Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. She holds an MSW with Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind specialty certification from East Carolina University.

“Ashley’s appointment reflects our ongoing commitment to advancing leadership that deeply understands and represents the communities we serve,” said Dr. Sue Ruzenski, CEO of Helen Keller Services. “Her extensive experience as an advocate, mentor, and program developer will be invaluable as we continue to expand our impact and strengthen our partnerships with the DeafBlind community.”

Benton’s community involvement includes serving as Vice President of the NC Deaf-Blind Associates, director of the NCDBA DeafBlind Weekend at Camp Dogwood, and former board member of DeafBlind Citizens in Action. She has also contributed significantly to HKNC’s professional development initiatives, particularly in developing and implementing Haptics training programs across multiple regions.

“My belief in HKNC’s mission and the potential for growth is why I am excited to be the next Director of Field Services,” said Benton. “My passion for serving the DeafBlind community is always foremost in my mind no matter where I work, but it would be so gratifying to be able to do it full time, every day, and for HKNC, the place that gave me purpose in my life.”

In her role as Director of Field Services, Benton will lead HKNC’s extensive nation-wide network of Regional Representatives who collaborate with state vocational rehabilitation agencies, educational institutions, healthcare providers, employers, and community organizations to support DeafBlind individuals and their families.

With Benton’s appointment, HKNC strengthens its commitment to expanding access to comprehensive services for DeafBlind individuals across the United States. Her leadership of the field services division will help ensure that DeafBlind individuals nationwide can access the resources, training, and support they need to live and work independently in their communities of choice.

About Helen Keller Services
Helen Keller Services’ (HKS) is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to enable individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, have low vision or combined hearing and vision loss to live, work and thrive in their community of choice. HKS offers services and programs through two divisions: Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults and Helen Keller Services for the Blind. For more information, visit www.HelenKeller.org.