August 1, 2024
Hello, my name is Bryen M. Yunashko, and I am a DeafBlind business owner. I have also worked in various roles with the Helen Keller National Center, having done some technology training work and also briefly serving as a policy representative for governmental affairs. In 2014, I was invited to join the Helen Keller National Center Executive Director Search Committee. I was one of two DeafBlind members of the committee, which also included members of HKNC's parent organization, Helen Keller Services; board members, and the CEO of HKS himself.
I was part of the committee during its last half of its functions. So, I have limited knowledge of any discussions before my arrival. But by the time I arrived, a plan was forming. I considered it a great hope for all DeafBlind. That hope is once again dashed.
In those final meetings, it was decided to create a new position for Chris Woodfill, a talented DeafBlind candidate for the top position. The CEO himself expressed deep fondness for Chris and wanted to see him in the position but was concerned that Chris did not have enough financial management experience.
I personally approached Chris to find out how he really felt about this idea, since he apparently already knew of the plan as well. It was clear he wanted the job, but he accepted that he needed more financial experience. I did not press him any further to determine if this was his own words or not, but it was clear he was aware of the path and was willing to take this path.
It was during this search that the community held out hope that this time we would finally witness a DeafBlind leader at HKNC. And in my personal opinion, Chris was ready for the job, but I also respected the reservations being expressed and felt that Chris deserves to have a "learning period" before taking over the Center.
On the final day of interviews, Sue Ruzenski proved to be a well-prepared interviewee who presented very well. We agreed this would be the great union that not only achieves our goal of eventually having a DeafBlind executive director, but ensuring he would have the tools needed to keep the Center strong.
There was a previous conversation that stuck in my mind that day. Sue expressed privately that she wanted the job but understood that now was the time for a DeafBlind to take over. The tide was changing and like everywhere else in America, glass ceilings were being broken everywhere.
But she did get the job, with my endorsement of the plan that Chris would eventually fill the position when it became vacant again. And although I had not been keeping tabs on HKNC activities in recent years, the several times I stopped by and had a conversation, I was always told that Chris was absolutely ready for the job. So, I had no reason to question it.
It is now 2024. HKNC has signed on yet another non-DeafBlind to be executive director of HKNC, this being the third hire since 2014. It is clear that the promise has been broken and a betrayal exists. This, I do not understand.
We were very clear during our final deliberations that we wanted this and we wanted to send a clear message of accountability to the community about why we chose this path.
To Sue, I regret that it has come to this, because I do believe that, deep down, you do wish good things. But it cannot be ignored that you were a direct beneficiary of this plan. When you were promoted to become CEO of HKS, you did not follow through with the plan. For this I am deeply puzzled.
And to the newly appointed Executive Director, please be aware that your hiring was contingent on breaking a decade-old promise made to the very community you signed on to serve.
It is time for change. It is time for priorities to be determined by DeafBlind. It is time that we are the ones who should determine our destiny.
HKNC gets a significant amount of funding from the federal government via vocational rehabilitation funding. What is the point if that funding is used to tell DeafBlind that we can never lead ourselves? It is time for a change!
Sincerely,
Bryen M. Yunashko
