Head of deaf commission steps down

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Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins, executive director of the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH) for 14 years, has announced her resignation, effective Nov. 30.

She will be returning to Texas with her husband, Jim, to be with family.

Commission Chairwoman Dr. Patricia Freeman said a search committee would be named by the end of the year.

"Our goal is to hire a new executive director by Oct. 1, 2008," Freeman said.

Virginia Moore, KCDHH executive staff advisor, has agreed to serve as interim executive director "to hold the fort until this search is complete," Freeman said.

"Deaf and hard of hearing communities in this state have been greatly impacted by (Scoggins') work," Freeman said.

"From DeaFestival-Kentucky to the licensure law for interpreters, from the Telecommunications Access Program to the cutting edge technology in KCDHH offices and videoconferencing " everything she has been involved in has been exemplary."

Scoggins took over an organization that was small and developed relationships with individuals across the state and America, Freeman said. Those relationships led to increased services and opportunities for the deaf and hard of hearing throughout Kentucky, she said.

"KCDHH is now in a great position to continue advancing because of her work," Freeman said.

Scoggins said she has been blessed with a talented staff.

"I feel the joy of moving on and the heartache of leaving a wonderful group of friends I've grown to love over the years," Scoggins said.

She said her first priority has always been to bring the agency into the public eye and "demonstrate the difference a strong agency can make in the lives of all deaf and hard of hearing persons in Kentucky. Our successes have been phenomenal." She commended the staff and commission for working as a team.

"We have cooperatively represented the interests of all deaf and hard of hearing Kentuckians, as well as the agency," Scoggins said. "This priority remains alive within the staff and community as I depart."