AG Bell Appoints New Executive Director

From: AG Bell - Aug 15, 2007

CONTACT: Catherine Murphy
202-204-4687
cmurphy@agbell.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

WASHINGTON, DC – August 15, 2007 – The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) announced today the appointment of Alexander T. Graham as its new executive director.

Established in 1890, AG Bell is the only national organization, with a network of 50 international affiliates, dedicated to supporting children and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing who use spoken language and hearing technology to communicate in mainstream society.

Most recently, Graham served as executive director of the Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals where he focused on efforts to increase membership, generate revenue and streamline operational costs. Graham revitalized the society’s governance structure, enhanced its education and training offerings, and established a foundation for research and development of resource materials for its members.

“Graham’s experience in introducing new strategic direction for membership-based advocacy organizations will be a tremendous asset as we begin a new phase in our association’s focus,” said Karen Youdelman, Ed.D., president of AG Bell. “In our July 19 membership update, our board affirmed that AG Bell should focus on informed choice about educational options, early intervention and identification of hearing loss, the use of new technologies (such as cochlear implants, digital hearing aids and assistive devices) and the availability of trained, highly qualified professionals to support those with hearing loss who use spoken language. Mr. Graham will be instrumental in spearheading our efforts.”

“It is a great honor to have been chosen to lead the organization at such a pivotal time in the association’s history,” said Graham. “I look forward to working with the board, the staff and its members on continuing AG Bell’s mission and promoting its advocacy for spoken language as a communication choice for those with hearing loss.”

Additional positions held by Graham include executive vice president of the National Association of Workforce Boards, where he initiated organizational budget, human resources and strategic planning programs; interim chief marketing officer for Printing Industries of America and the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation; and associate executive director for the Association of School Business Officials International with a special emphasis on membership recruitment and retention, professional development programs, and marketing and communications.

Graham is expected to officially take over as executive director in early October 2007.
The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing helps families, health care providers and education professionals understand childhood hearing loss and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Through advocacy, education, research and financial aid, AG Bell helps to ensure that every child and adult with hearing loss has the opportunity to listen, talk and thrive in mainstream society. With chapters located in the United States and a network of international affiliates, AG Bell supports its mission: Advocating Independence through Listening and Talking!

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