Barbara Kelley
BETHESDA, MARYLAND – The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) Board of Trustees announced, in a March 21st press release, the appointment of Barbara Kelley as the new Executive Director of HLAA.
Kelley, who served as acting Executive Director following the resignation of Anna Gilmore Hall in January, has been with the organization for 28 years. Previously, she served as deputy Executive Director for the past eight years. Her new appointment is effective immediately.
“Barbara’s commitment to HLAA is unquestionable. Her 28 years of dedicated service to the organization in various roles is exemplary. She has not only shown great leadership and fortitude in stepping into the acting executive director role this past January but also expresses a vision for the future that exemplifies an understanding of the needs of persons with hearing loss. We have every confidence she will transition smoothly into the official executive director role.” —Margaret Wallhagen, Ph.D., chairperson of the HLAA Board
The head of the committee tasked with finding a replacement Executive Director following the departure of Anna Gilmore Hall, Jan Blustein, M.D., Ph.D., noted that there was “deep support” from within HLAA and from outside stakeholders for appointing Kelley to the position.
A Key Player Since the Beginning
Having been a part of the organization from the very beginning, hired by HLAA’s founder Rocky Stone in 1988, Kelley started as an editor of the first issues of the SHHH Journal. Over the years she has also been involved with managing the office staff and has been a part of many of HLAA’s programs.
“It has been my life’s work to contribute to the mission of the organization through a range of activities. I look forward to using my history and knowledge of the organization to ensure that HLAA remains the valued consumer voice for people with hearing loss in both shaping public policy and helping people live well with hearing loss. I’m energized by our members and supporters whose dedication to HLAA is unwavering. I look forward to working with our members, board, supporters and staff in my role as executive director.” –Barbara Kelley
About the Hearing Loss Association of America
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) was founded in 1979 and seeks to open the world of communication to people with hearing loss through information, education, support and advocacy. HLAA produces the Walk4Hearing® in 22 cities across the country, publishes the bimonthly Hearing Loss Magazine, holds annual conventions, advocates for the rights of people with hearing loss, conducts educational webinars, and has an extensive network of chapters and state organizations across the country
