John Macko

John R. Macko is the Director of the Co-op and Career Center at Rochester Institute of Technology’s (RIT) National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID).

In this role, he oversees a team of eight professionals dedicated to developing and enhancing employment opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing students and graduates. His team works closely with students to prepare them for co-op and full-time job opportunities while helping employers create inclusive and effective workplaces for deaf and hard-of-hearing employees.

Mr. Macko is an accomplished presenter, having delivered workshops to federal agencies, corporations of all sizes, and non-profit organizations. His signature workshop, “Working Together: Deaf and Hearing People,” immerses participants in the experience of being deaf or hard-of-hearing and provides actionable communication strategies for the workplace. He also spearheaded the inaugural Deaf Employment Summit, a groundbreaking event hosted by NTID in collaboration with Gallaudet University, the National Association of the Deaf, and Communication Service for the Deaf.

With over 31 years at RIT, Mr. Macko has taught job search courses, served as an employment advisor, and appeared as an expert guest on radio, television, and webinar programs. He is a member of the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

Mr. Macko earned both his bachelor’s degree in Finance and master’s degree in Human Resources from RIT. After starting his career in finance with Prudential Financial Asset Management, he returned to RIT to pursue a graduate degree, inspired by his passion for empowering deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to achieve their career and life goals.