Washington, D.C. – August 27, 2015 – The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) announces Gayla H. Guignard, M.A., CCC-A/SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT, as Chief Strategy Officer beginning September 1, 2015. The Chief Strategy Officer works with the CEO in developing, promoting and delivering up-to-date and accurate content and serves as the content expert for AG Bell and the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language. This position promotes and supports collaboration, develops strategy to achieve AG Bell’s mission, and works cooperatively on key strategic initiatives of AG Bell and the AG Bell Academy.
“Gayla brings a depth of experience in the field of listening and spoken language and a passion for the mission of AG Bell that will help the organization move forward,” said Emilio Alonso-Mendoza, AG Bell Chief Executive Officer. “Gayla has worked to effect systems change for children and their families, to enhance family support mechanisms and to strengthen systems for early hearing detection and intervention. Gayla truly recognizes the tremendous possibilities for children who are deaf and hard of hearing today.”
Guignard served as director of the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education within the Indiana State Department of Health since 2013 and was a consultant and content expert to Indiana’s Office of Management and Budget in the planning and development of the newly formed center. She served for six years as the Program Director for the Indiana Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program. Guignard was a consultant with the National Center on Hearing Assessment and Management’s (NCHAM) National Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Resource Center at Utah State University. She has over 12 years of experience as a clinical supervisor and instructor at the University of Tennessee–Knoxville in the Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. She returns to AG Bell after serving as the organization’s Deputy Executive Director of Education and Professional Outreach and Chief Programs Officer from 2003–2007.
Guignard served as a principal investigator and grant writer for projects that received more than a total of $14.3 million in funding. She has presented and published extensively on EHDI systems, and strengthening systems of care and support for families. She serves on numerous committees, councils and initiatives in Indiana as well as the National Initiative on Children’s Health Care Quality.
Guignard holds certification as a speech-language pathologist, audiologist and earned certification as a Listening and Spoken Language Specialist (LSLS®) from the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language. She earned two M.A. degrees in audiology and speech-language pathology from the University of Tennessee and a B.S. in audiology and speech sciences from Purdue University.
“With early identification, advanced hearing technology and appropriate support, children who are deaf and hard of hearing have unprecedented opportunities," said Gayla Guignard. “It is truly an honor to serve as Chief Strategy Officer of AG Bell at this pivotal juncture in our field and our association as we ensure that parents and professionals understand the potential of today’s children and can advance listening and spoken language development.”
About the AG Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AG Bell) helps families, health care providers and education professionals understand childhood hearing loss and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. Through advocacy, education and financial aid, AG Bell helps to ensure that every child and adult with hearing loss has the opportunity to listen, talk and thrive. With chapters located in the United States and a network of international affiliates, AG Bell supports its mission: Advancing Listening and Spoken Language for Individuals Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Visit the AG Bell website.
About the AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language
The AG Bell Academy for Listening and Spoken Language (AG Bell Academy) is an independently governed, subsidiary corporation of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. The AG Bell Academy was established in 2005 and envisions a future where individuals and families will have qualified listening and spoken language professionals available in their immediate geographic area. The AG Bell Academy is uniquely positioned to advance the revolutionary global opportunity for deaf or hard of hearing individuals to listen and talk via proven technologies and with guidance and education from certified professionals. Visit the AG Bell Academy website.
