STATEMENT FROM SUE RUZENSKI, CEO OF HELEN KELLER SERVICES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2024
Dear community members, colleagues, friends and HKS family,
We share a mission: to support, champion and forward the interests of the DeafBlind community. That requires trust, collaboration and the assumption of good intent and willingness to work together.
We acknowledge that a growing number of community members are disappointed that we were unable to fill the position of Executive Director of HKNC with a DeafBlind candidate and have expressed their desire for needed change through a petition. Underlying assumptions about the selection of a hearing sighted leader has led to a further division between members of the DeafBlind community and HKNC. Long term collaborators and highly respected and revered community members have joined others on the petition.
We have shared already about our process and were truly following our best practices. It was inclusive and aligned with the values and responsibilities of ensuring we have a leader with the skills, talents, and qualifications to bring HKNC to the next level of success. After an extensive national search conducted with the assistance of an external search firm, and representation from the HKS Board of Trustees, the HKNC National Advisory Committee, and the Consumer Advisory Committee we selected the best person available for the job.
We know the process was thorough and the outcome fair, nonetheless the outcome strikes a chord among all of us that change, and action is needed. The result has made it clear that our community faces two significant challenges: 1. Identifying and reaching skilled and experienced DeafBlind candidates, and 2. Expanding the limited pool of candidates for leadership roles at HKS and elsewhere.
The petition speaks of a deadline whereby we must agree to certain terms or further action will be taken. This is difficult to say the least. A broader conversation and process of inclusive dialogue is critical. This experience has strengthened our resolve to support talent development within the DeafBlind community, not only for our organization but also to address a broader range of cultural values and inclusive best practices. In the coming week, many of you will hear from us as we seek your help and input to address these difficult questions. Together, we will formally establish and announce a working group, in partnership with community members external to HKS and other leaders working on behalf of organizations grappling with similar challenges and who have valuable perspectives. One goal is to create a leadership development program that will address the limitations revealed by this search. We are seeking valuable input from organizations such as DBCA and AADB and other individuals with a mindset of unity. HKNC is committed to a more inclusive strategy working collaboratively to improve leadership growth and advancement opportunities with the community and additionally bring important best practices with the adult learning environment at HKNC.
We know that this time reveals opportunities for growth and from conflict we can experience new beginnings, fresh insight, and positive change. But it cannot happen without a shared common denominator of good intentions.
In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns, or an interest in the working group, please email HKScommunityfeedback@helenKeller.org.
We appreciate your continued support and patience.
Sue Ruzenski
CEO, Helen Keller Services
