Join the Board

Learn more about how to apply to join the board and about the roles and responsibilities of a board member.

ASL version

If you are DeafBlind or prefer to watch the video in a high contrast format, watch the DeafBlind friendlier ASL version instead. To adjust the video speed, use YouTube's playback speed tool.

English version

The Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing has 15 board members (10 at-large members and up to 5 regional representatives). 

Each of the regional representatives must be a member of the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing State Services Division regional office advisory committee in their area. (Minnesota Statute 256C.24)

While the Commission can submit recommendations based on our needs, the Governor makes the final decision on who is appointed to the board.  

Who is on the board

At least 50% of the members must be deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing. The statute also requires at least one parent of a child who is deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing. 

The board also has nonvoting “ex officio” members chosen by the commissioners of education, health, and employment and economic development and the director of the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing State Services Division in the Department of Human Services. (Minnesota Statute 256.C.28)

Diversity is important

Diversity is important. In addition to what is required by statute, the Governor's Office and the Commission also consider:

  • the racial, indigenous, ethnic, gender and cultural diversity of the state
  • representation of people who are D/deaf, DeafBlind, hard of hearing blind, hard of hearing and communication modes (ASL, spoken language, bilingual, Cued Speech, other modalities)
  • experts on the topics we are working on. This includes education, employment, communications, and age-related hearing loss. 

The selection of board members is not an easy process. We need to make sure all points of views are included at the table. 

Board responsibilities

Board members must commit to attending four to five all-day Commission meetings each year. All board members serve on at least one of the four committees (Executive Committee, Governance Committee, Recruitment and Training Committee, and the Community and Legislative Alliance Committee). Committees meet on Zoom. Some committees meet monthly, and others meet quarterly, depending on current projects. 

The board follows a board policy governance structure. 

Length of service

Terms are for four years. Members may not serve more than three consecutive full terms.

How to apply

If you believe you are a good fit and bring an important area of expertise to the board, do apply! Go to the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State's Boards and Commissions page, search for the Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing's open positions, and then complete the online application. 

Anyone may apply for the at-large positions. To apply to be a regional representative, you must be a member of your region's Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing State Services Division advisory committee; contact their regional offices to learn more about their advisory committees. 

The Commission is able to accomplish its work because of the board members and supporters in the community. Thank you for all that you do!

Here are the instructions for filling out a board membership application on the Office of the Secretary of State website. 

  • Go to the Commission page on the Office of the Secretary of State (OSS) website or go the OSS Boards and Commissions page and search for the Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing.
  • Scroll down to see the "Open Positions" section to see what seats have openings.
  • If you are interested in the seat, click the green 'apply' button in the "Open Positions" dropdown table near the top of the board page.
  • If you don’t already have an account, the website will walk you through steps for creating an OSS Boards & Commissions account. Email official.documents@state.mn.us if you encounter trouble setting up your account.
  • Attach additional supporting materials (e.g., cover letter or resume) with your application. The Commission encourages you to submit a cover letter and resume when you apply to be considered for a seat.
  • Hit the "submit" button when you are done.
  • Applications will stay on the website for one year. 

The Commission staff or Governor's office staff will reach out if they have any more questions. Appointments typically take place once a year. For any questions about the status of your application or the Commission board, please email MN.Commission@state.mn.us.

Featuring Sally Prouty, Michele Isham, Becky Thomas, Brenda Hommerding, Jessica Eggert, Peggy Taylor, Krista Dillman, Chandra Petersen, John Fechter, and staff member Keith Doane.