Communication Service for the Deaf Strengthens Board with Two New Appointments

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 former Senior Advisor for Employee Communications at the U.S. Department of State, join the board, bringing diverse expertise to support CSD's mission.

Brendan Gramer, who has been with Amazon for 16 years, is renowned for his advocacy in accessible design. His work within Amazon has been pivotal in promoting accessibility, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. As the former Global President of AmazonPwD (People with Disabilities) affinity group, Gramer has consistently championed Deaf representation in the tech industry.

Gramer's experience extends beyond his professional role at Amazon. He serves on various advisory boards, including the Hearing Loss Advisory Council of the Washington Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Deaf Kids Code, and the United Airlines Accessible Travel Advisory Board. Born profoundly deaf, Gramer's personal journey from using oral communication to learning American Sign Language (ASL) informs his passionate advocacy for the Deaf community.

Roberta Mather brings over two decades of experience in international relations and diplomacy to the CSD board. In her previous role at the U.S. Department of State, Mather oversaw communications for a global workforce of more than 75,000 employees. Her expertise in marketing, branding, and graphic design, coupled with her international recognition in diversity of thought and global equity, adds a valuable perspective to CSD's leadership.

Mather's commitment to community service and her passion for creating impactful events that celebrate diversity align closely with CSD's goals. Her expertise in leveraging storytelling for policy and advocacy initiatives is expected to enhance CSD's outreach and effectiveness.

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 come at a crucial time when issues of accessibility and inclusion are gaining increased attention globally. The diverse backgrounds and expertise of Gramer and Mather are expected to contribute significantly to CSD's ongoing efforts to create opportunities for personal and economic growth within the Deaf community.

CSD, as the largest Deaf-led social impact organization worldwide, has been at the forefront of creating and providing accessible solutions for over four decades. The organization focuses on addressing leadership and employment challenges within the Deaf community, aiming to foster an environment of equal opportunity and representation.

The addition of Gramer and Mather to the board is anticipated to bring fresh perspectives and strategies to CSD's initiatives. Their combined experience in technology, design, international communications, and advocacy is likely to enhance CSD's ability to innovate and expand its impact.

For those interested in learning more about CSD and its initiatives, information is available at csd.org/about. The organization continues to be a pivotal force in creating a more inclusive society for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals, with these new board appointments signaling a commitment to further growth and innovation in their mission.