Letter from Lindsay Klarman & Bill Schiffmiller

Dear HSDC Team and Community,

After deep reflection, I have decided that it is time for me to step away from my role as Co-Executive Director of the Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center (HSDC). This decision comes from a place of love and respect—for my family, for this organization, and for the communities we serve. It is time for me to prioritize family and caring for aging parents, while making space for new leadership to guide HSDC into its next chapter.

This decision has been shared with the Board of Directors, and they are fully supportive. After careful discussion, the Board has decided to place the Co-Executive Director model on hold and has begun the search for HSDC’s next Executive Director, a key leadership role that will sustain and grow our mission for years to come. To ensure a smooth and stable transition, I will remain for a limited period to assist the Board and staff while the search is underway.

I will continue to work closely with HSDC’s Co-Executive Director, Ariele Belo, to ensure stability, continuity of operations, and strong fundraising support, along with the equity leadership team (ELT) and the Board of Directors.

Serving HSDC for 12 years has been the honor of my professional life. Together, we have strengthened services, expanded community connections, and advanced equity for the Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and broader disability communities—even through times of great challenge. I leave knowing that HSDC is resilient, mission-driven, and well positioned for a bright future.

I am profoundly grateful to every staff member, board member, donor, and community partner who has shared this journey with me. Please join me in supporting the Board and the entire HSDC team as they lead the search process and carry our work forward with strength and care.

With deep gratitude,

Lindsay Klarman | Co-Executive Director

​*********************************************************************************************************

Dear HSDC Community-

As a Board member and now Board President, I hold deep pride and responsibility in the work HSDC carries out every day. As someone who is part of, and represents, the community we serve, I lead with both commitment and heart. In our 90th year, HSDC continues to stand as a trusted leader for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and who experience communication challenges.

After a rigorous and thoughtful Request for Proposal (RFP) process, the Search Committee has selected Glick Davis & Associates (GDA) to guide our search for the next Executive Director. Among several strong firms, GDA distinguished themselves through their nonprofit executive search expertise, knowledge of the greater Seattle community, and an approach grounded in relationship-building and shared values.

We are confident their process will help us identify a leader who is not only highly capable but deeply aligned with our mission and the community at the heart of our work. The Board remains committed to a search that is transparent, thorough, and community-centered, with the goal of welcoming our next Executive Director by Summer of 2026.

We will continue to share updates as the search progresses. Thank you for your dedication, care, and partnership during this important time of transition.

With appreciation and warm wishes,

Bill Schiffmiller | Board President

*********************************************************************************************************

Hearing, Speech & Deaf Center (HSDC) is a resource hub redefining language and communication. Our multi-dimensional approach is driven by Deaf Culture and Sign Language and benefits the diverse community we share our lives with everyday.

HSDC is a nonprofit organization serving the Puget Sound area. We foster accessible communities through communication, advocacy and education. We offer services for people who are Deaf, hard of hearing or have speech/language differences as well as their families and friends. We also offer trainings for organizations that wish to better serve Deaf and hard of hearing community members.