Submitted by Isaacson, Miller on April 10, 2012.

The Willie Ross School for the Deaf (WRSD) seeks an inspirational and energetic President to shape the next stage of growth for this distinctive organization. The President will provide direction to the School and serve as its public face, leading advocate, and operational steward. S/he will build on the momentum created by a dedicated board, veteran staff, and the outgoing President, Dr. Louis Abbate, who will be stepping down in 2013 after 28 years in the role. The ideal candidate will be an experienced educational or nonprofit leader and strong communicator with a deep commitment to the needs of deaf children and their families. This is an outstanding opportunity to lead a school with a reputation for innovation that aims to provide for the evolving intellectual, social, and emotional needs of each and every student.

Located in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, WRSD is a private school that was founded in 1967 by parents who wanted a day school option for their deaf children. With a model that allows students to learn at its Longmeadow Campus as well as in East Longmeadow public schools, WRSD is a pioneer in the mainstreaming of deaf students. Its simultaneous communication model – combining English-based sign language with spoken language – underscores the school’s prioritization of individual student needs above any particular approach or philosophy. WRSD continues to expand its offerings in order to be as responsive as possible to its student body. In addition to its campus-based programs, WRSD offers an array of audiological and educational services to students in 20 communities in Central and Western Massachusetts. With its educational partnership model, the School has become a national thought leader in deaf education and stands poised to take the next step in its evolution.

The President reports to the Board of Trustees and oversees a school that enrolls 63 students and reaches about 200 more through its outreach division. The 48-person WRSD staff includes four senior administrators, faculty, interpreters, audiologists, counselors, and speech therapists. The ideal candidate will have senior leadership experience at an institution with a focus on educating students with special needs. S/he should be experienced in reaching out to community leaders, policy makers, parents, and educational experts. S/he should have a passion for educating children and possess strong entrepreneurial instincts.

WRSD has retained the national executive search firm Isaacson, Miller to assist in this recruitment. All inquiries, nominations/referrals, and resumes with cover letters, should be sent electronically and in confidence to:

Sheryl Ash, Vice President & Director Greg Esposito, Senior Associate Isaacson, Miller 263 Summer St., Boston, MA 02210 Email: 4434@imsearch.com

Willie Ross School for the Deaf is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from individuals who contribute to its diversity.

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