Gallaudet Appoints Brad Hermes as CFO

Gallaudet is pleased to announce the selection of Brad Hermes as its first Deaf senior financial leader in Gallaudet’s 157 year history, in the newly formed Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (CFO) role. Brad brings to Gallaudet an impressive and proven track record, as well as an enthusiastic commitment to Gallaudet’s mission. 

Joining us on August 9, Brad comes from Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) where he served as their CFO for the past eight years, as well as treasurer of the CSD Board. During his time at CSD, Brad built a team of twelve Deaf financial professionals and led a system-wide implementation of new accounting, human resources and payroll systems along with financial planning and analysis tools which greatly enhanced real-time reporting and visibility into CSD’s financials. He also helped establish the first Deaf-led Social Venture Fund that invests in and supports innovative companies in the Deaf community, creating a framework for investment growth supporting the non-profit organization’s mission.

A certified public accountant (CPA), Brad brings more than eighteen years of experience in financial management and oversight. He has advised and maintained client relationships in a variety of industries, including nonprofit, government, healthcare and technology—both nationally and abroad. Prior to CSD, he worked in senior auditing positions at KPMG LLP. 

Brad holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in professional accounting from The University of Texas at Austin, where he played football for the Longhorns. He also served as a board member and treasurer for the Texas School for the Deaf Foundation. 

“I am very excited about beginning the next stage of my career at Gallaudet,” Brad says. “My 8 years as the CFO at CSD were immensely rewarding and provided me with strong experiences and a deep skillset, along with an ability to cultivate collaborative relationships across the signing ecosystem to achieve strategic and financial goals. I look forward to working with President Cordano and the Executive Leadership team in the coming years.”

Gallaudet extends its gratitude to Interim CFO Lisa Clarke, who graciously agreed to serve while the search was underway, and to the search committee led by Dr. Glenn B. Anderson, Gallaudet University Board of Trustees Chair.

President Roberta J. Cordano shared, “I am grateful for Brad’s acceptance of this role and look forward to adding his talents to our Executive Leadership team. Please join me in welcoming Brad to Gallaudet.”

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