Erica Chapin Named Interim Executive Director of Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services has named Erica Chapin as its new Interim Executive Director, building on her six years of service to the organization and her deep relationships within the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing communities.
Chapin began her journey with D&HHS as a marketing and development intern in 2019 before stepping into a role at the organization as Community & Partnerships Manager. During her tenure, she has led organizational efforts in outreach, development, training and collaboration, experiences that she says will inform her leadership during this upcoming transition.
“Over the past six years, I have learned so much about the agency and the communities we serve, as well as other organizations that we collaborate with,” Chapin said. “Within each role at D&HHS, I have built a deeper connection to the organization, its mission and the people we serve, and I know this opportunity will give me an even deeper understanding.”
As Interim Executive Director, Chapin will oversee day-to-day operations while ensuring the organization continues to deliver high-quality services and strong communication access across West Michigan and beyond.
“I anticipate much of my time and energy going toward ensuring staff are supported, and funders are engaged so that we not only continue our services but strengthen and expand what we provide to the community,” she said.
She added that her background in partnership-building and community engagement will remain central to her leadership approach.
“Throughout my experiences here, I have developed connections with community members, partner agencies and state departments that I know will be critical to my role as the Interim Executive Director,” Chapin said. “I know that involvement and support from the community is critical to the success of our agency and what we do, which is why continuing to build these relationships is important to me.”
Chapin said the organization remains focused on Board-led priorities while continuing to strengthen its core mission of equal communication access.
“It is at the heart of our mission and the foundation of all of our services,” she said. “We know that interpreters are critical to providing this access, so we are focused on advancing our interpreters’ skills and providing supportive learning opportunities so we can cover the critical needs of our communities.”
She noted particular needs in medical and mental health settings, legal environments and DeafBlind interpreting. Chapin also emphasized the importance of trust and collaboration across staff, clients and community partners.
“Having trusted relationships with our staff, clients and organizational partners is critical in ensuring success when serving the needs of the community,” she said.
Chapin knows American Sign Language and was recently appointed to the Advisory Council to the Division on Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing for the State of Michigan.
“I have learned ASL through my involvement with the community, and I deeply appreciate everyone who has taught and continues to teach me about Deaf language and culture,” she said. “I look forward to seeing how my work at D&HHS and my service on the Advisory Council can help inform each other and ensure that we can improve services and access for Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing individuals here in the State of Michigan.”
In announcing her appointment, the D&HHS Board said simply that Chapin’s “deep institutional knowledge, strong relationships and demonstrated leadership will provide stability and continuity as we continue advancing services for Michigan’s Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing communities.”
The Board added that Chapin will serve in the interim executive director role through Fall 2026, or until further notice, as the organization moves through this next season of transition.
She replaces Deb Atwood who retired after many years of service to D&HHS.
The Board led a national search for a replacement, but after welcoming two finalists for in-person interviews, the board was unable to reach agreement on employment terms with either candidate. The Board made the intentional decision to pause the search and offer Chapin the interim role while reassessing organizational capacity and strategic priorities.