National Association of the Deaf

The NAD Board of Directors selected John Patrick Evans during its recent meeting to fill the Region IV seat vacated by James “Manny” Johnson, who moved to Maryland. Evans will serve out the remainder of the term for this position (2008-2012). The NAD Board includes two members for each of the four regions of the U.S., who serve staggered four-year terms for their respective regions.

“The NAD Board thanks Manny Johnson for his commitment and service. His enthusiasm, energy, and perspective from the eyes of deaf and hard of hearing youth in America will be missed. At the same time, we know he will always remain connected to the NAD,” said NAD President Bobbie Beth Scoggins. “We welcome John Evans who brings years of experience in the public service sector and vocational rehabilitation. His addition bolsters an already strong Board that is preparing for this summer’s 50th Biennial NAD Conference in Philadelphia.”

One of three brothers in his family who are deaf, Evans is a 1977 graduate of the Washington State School for the Deaf. He attended Gallaudet prior to graduating at Seattle University in Public Administration and Human Resource Development. As a statewide Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator for Employer Relations, Evans has over 25 years of public service with the State of Washington where he has earned a reputation as a “notable contributor and model of exceptional public service” for promoting the community integration and employment of individuals with disabilities. A board member of the Washington State Association of the Deaf, John resides in Woodinville with his wife of 28 years Kathy, and their daughter Amanda.

“To represent one’s peers with integrity, unwavering commitment to cause, a sense of urgency, and passion for success, is often said to be one of the greatest responsibilities a member of the community can undertake. It is my pleasure to embrace this challenge by joining the NAD Board on behalf of those we serve, and I will do my best to model the way, inspire a shared vision, challenge the process, enable others to act, and above all, encourage the heart,” said Evans.