National Association of the Deaf

#NAD2026 Call for Board Candidates

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is pleased to announce the call for candidates for eight Board positions.

Executive Board (2-year term, 2026–2028):
President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer

Regional Board (4-year term, 2026–2030):
Region I (Northern States), Region II (Midwestern States), Region III (Southern States), and Region IV (Western States)

Prospective candidates are encouraged to review the NAD Election Standards and Procedures.  For questions, please contact [email protected].

Apply here: Applications Closed

The deadline to submit your candidacy is 11:59 PM Pacific Time on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Video Transcript

I’m Melissa Draganac-Hawk, past NAD president and currently chair of the Elections Committee.  On behalf of the elections committee, we are pleased to announce a call for candidates to serve on the NAD Board.  Two Election Committee members will explain to you Board’s Qualifications and Roles.

This is a great opportunity if you are considering serving as a volunteer on the Board of Directors. We are seeking individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the deaf and hard of hearing community and within the NAD. If that sounds like you, I encourage you to apply.

The Board of Directors provides oversight of the organization’s leadership, including the CEO, ensures sound fiscal management, and aligns the NAD’s work with its mission.

We have four executive Board positions available for a two-year term (2026–2028): President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

There are also four regional Board positions available for four-year terms (2026–2030):
Region I (Northeast), Region II (Midwest), Region III (South), and Region IV (West).

Serving on the Board is a meaningful commitment, averaging about 4+ hours per week. Responsibilities include virtual meetings, emails, projects, and supporting committees or membership sections.

The Board meets in person four times a year across the U.S., typically Wednesday through Sunday, along with monthly virtual meetings.

To qualify, candidates must have been NAD members in good standing for the past two years and be affiliated with a national or state organization connected to the NAD.

If you are interested, please review the Elections Standards and Procedures. For questions, contact the Elections Committee at [email protected].

Serving on the NAD Board is a rewarding experience. If you want to make a difference, this is a great place to start!

HI! I’m Jackie Correa-Alley, and I am currently a member of the Elections Committee.  I am here to explain what NAD Board qualifications and roles are.

Board Roles

Please see the NAD Bylaws and below for the roles of each elected Officer and Regional Board Members. 

Qualifications and Roles

All members of the NAD Board of Directors shall:

  • Demonstrate proven leadership experience at the local, state, or national level within nonprofit, advocacy, or community-based organizations.
  • Exhibit a strong commitment to the mission, values, and strategic goals of the NAD.
  • Have the ability to engage in policy development, governance oversight, and strategic decision-making.
  • Demonstrate financial literacy sufficient to review budgets and financial reports.
  • Uphold fiduciary responsibilities, including duty of care, loyalty, and obedience.
  • Act in the best interest of the NAD membership and broader Deaf community.

HI! I’m Moni  and I am currently a member of the Elections Committee.  I am here to explain what officer-specific qualifications are.

Officer-Specific Qualifications

President:

  • Must have a minimum of two (2) years of prior service on the NAD Board of Directors.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience, including governance, strategic planning, and organizational oversight.
  • Proven ability to represent NAD at national and external levels.
  • Strong experience in board leadership, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement.

Vice President:

  • Demonstrated leadership experience, including governance, or executive roles within nonprofit or advocacy organizations.
  • Ability to support and act in the absence of the President.
  • Ability to work with bylaws, policies, and procedures.
  • Strong experience in strategic planning and organizational oversight.

Secretary:

  • Experience with governance processes, documentation, and organizational compliance.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
  • Familiarity with bylaws, policies, and procedures.

Treasurer:

  • Demonstrated experience in financial oversight, budgeting, or financial management.
  • Ability to interpret financial statements and ensure fiscal accountability.
  • Preferred experience with nonprofit financial governance.

Regional Board Members:

  • Demonstrated leadership experience at local, state, or regional level.
  • Strong connection to and understanding of the needs and priorities of their respective regions.
  • Ability to effectively represent regional perspectives within the NAD Board of Directors.

We look forward to seeing you soon!