The Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Deaf and hard of hearing individuals, has announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors. Brendan Gramer, a UX Design Manager at Amazon, and Roberta Mather, a seasoned professional in international relations, join the board, bringing diverse expertise to strengthen CSD's leadership and advocacy efforts.
Brendan Gramer, with 16 years of experience at Amazon, has been a driving force in promoting accessible design and Deaf representation in the tech industry. As UX Design Manager on the Payments team, Gramer has played a crucial role in Amazon's Design Tools & Resources Working Group and AUX (Accessibility to the UX Design Community). His leadership extends to encouraging Deaf representation in accessibility, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, including his recent role as Global President of AmazonPwD (People with Disabilities) affinity group. Gramer's appointment to the CSD board is significant for the Deaf community, as he brings a unique perspective shaped by his personal experiences. Born profoundly deaf in Chicago, Gramer grew up using oral communication before learning American Sign Language (ASL). His background and professional achievements position him to make valuable contributions to CSD's mission of supporting the Deaf community.
Roberta Mather joins the board with over 20 years of experience in diplomacy and international relations. Her most recent role as Senior Advisor for Employee Communications at the U.S. Department of State involved overseeing messaging for a global workforce of more than 75,000 employees. Mather's expertise in marketing, graphic design, and branding, coupled with her international recognition in Diversity of Thought and global equity, will be instrumental in advancing CSD's initiatives.
The addition of Gramer and Mather to the CSD board comes at a crucial time when accessibility and inclusion are increasingly important in both the tech industry and global communications. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will help CSD navigate the evolving landscape of Deaf advocacy and entrepreneurship. CSD CEO Christopher Soukup expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments, stating, 'Brendan's expertise in accessible design and Roberta's track record and deep commitment to effective communication will greatly enrich our board's leadership as we continue to advocate for greater accessibility and inclusion.'
These appointments underscore CSD's commitment to fostering leadership within the Deaf community and driving innovation in accessible solutions. As the largest Deaf-led social impact organization globally, CSD has been at the forefront of creating opportunities for personal and economic growth within the Deaf community for over four decades. The inclusion of Gramer and Mather on the board is expected to bring fresh perspectives and strategies to address the challenges faced by the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Their collective experience in technology, design, international relations, and advocacy will be crucial in shaping CSD's future initiatives and expanding its impact.
For those interested in learning more about CSD and its new board members, additional information can be found at csd.org/about. As CSD continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the Deaf community, the expertise of Gramer and Mather will be invaluable in guiding the organization towards its goals of creating a more inclusive and accessible world for all.
