HELEN KELLER NATIONAL CENTER APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR John Filek M.Ed.
Helen Keller National Center has appointed John Filek (M.Ed.) as its new HKNC Executive Director, effective July 22, 2024.
New York, NY – [July 26, 2024] – The Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) a division of Helen Keller Services (HKS), is a national non-profit working with individuals who are DeafBlind and/or have combined hearing-vision loss to live, work and thrive, has appointed John Filek (M.Ed.), formerly HKNC’s Regional Service Coordinator, as its new HKNC Executive Director, effective July 22, 2024.
“John brings a vast experience and a proven track record in the field of working with people who are DeafBlind.” said Sue Ruzenski, CEO of Helen Keller Services. “John has built bridges, partnerships, and deep friendships among individuals and families of the DeafBlind community. As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) and an advocate, he believes in Helen Keller Services’ mission — both professionally and personally.”
HKS is excited about John’s 30+ years of experience serving alongside DeafBlind communities, his 20 years in nonprofit management, fiscal expertise, fluency in ASL/tactile sign language, and his dedication to building partnerships. With John working alongside our diverse HKNC team and the DeafBlind communities, HKS will build stronger collaborations based on his wealth of experience.
“I want to thank HKS for trusting me to lead. Everyone has the right to access and opportunities; it is my hope to serve everyone who is DeafBind or have a combined hearing and vision loss in reaching their goals.” said John Filek.”
We are confident that John will provide strong leadership and vision to guide our organization toward continued success and growth,” said Larry Kinitsky, Chairman of the Board for Helen Keller Services. “We look forward to working together to achieve our goals and drive our mission forward.”
The search for this position was extensive and thorough, involving many candidates and a rigorous vetting process. We aligned our recruitment with our values, industry standards, and best practices, engaging top search experts and maintaining a strong emphasis on inclusivity. Every aspect of candidate profiles was considered to ensure we selected the most qualified individual. We ensured representation from the HKS Board of Trustees, HKNC National Advisory Committee, and Consumer Advisory Committee throughout the interview process, to achieve a fair and comprehensive approach.
Our commitment to collaborating with the DeafBlind community and individuals with combined vision and hearing loss remains steadfast. John aims to grow community representation within HKS and foster a cultural environment that is both responsive and aligned with the communities we serve.
For the past three and a half years, John has worked at HKNC and managed the North Central region of six states and the largest team of employment specialists and service providers in the field. His close-knit team greatly expanded direct services in employment and independence. He successfully fostered strong collaborations with state vocational rehabilitation agencies, DeafBlind projects, centers for independent living, and consumer organizations. He supported and worked alongside DeafBlind communities in Ohio and Indiana to create SSP/CoNavigator pilot programs that provide access to DeafBlind individuals. He worked extensively with DeafBlind projects in Illinois and Wisconsin to develop family and youth activities preparing teens and young adults for work and college. His region is the first to achieve CARF accreditation for two of its states, bolstering standards of practice for both field and center services.
Prior to HKNC, John served as Director of Programs for six years at Vision Loss Resources where he managed DeafBlind Services of Minnesota (DBSM), Rehabilitation Services, and Community Services. For fifteen years, he managed the nationally recognized Children, Youth & Family Services program at DBSM providing access, direct services, and training to youth who were DeafBlind (birth through age 21) and their families.
About Helen Keller Services
Helen Keller Services’ (HKS) Mission is to enable individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, have low vision or combined hearing and vision loss to live, work and thrive in their community of choice. HKS offers services and programs through two divisions: Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults and Helen Keller Services for the Blind. For more information, please visit www.helenkeller.org. Follow Helen Keller Services on facebook, twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
