USA Deaf Sports Federation Announces New Board Leadership

USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) is proud to announce the election of new board officers. John Skjeveland, previously the USADSF treasurer, has been elected president for the next quad, effective as of January 28, 2027 until after the 2029 Summer Deaflympics. Additionally, USADSF has also elected Senda Benaissa as Vice President and Dr. Skip Flanagan as Secretary. Both the Vice President and Secretary terms will end at the conclusion of the 2027 Winter Deaflympics.  

Outgoing president Jeffrey Mansfield, whose term concludes following the 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics, remarked, “I believe our board chose wisely; I could not be more excited for such a strong leadership team to lead USADSF into the next chapter of its storied legacy.” 

The election of the new officers comes at a key juncture for the organization: on February 2, 2026, the National Sports Organizations Council will convene to select the Summer NSO Chair for the next quad. With the new Summer NSO Chair, the newly-elected officers, along with Elizabeth Matthews, the current Winter NSO Chair, will work to appoint new members at large and fill any additional board vacancies. 

John Skjeveland brings decades of senior financial and operational leadership to his role as President. Previously serving as the USA Deaf Sports Federation(USADSF) Treasurer, Team Manager for US Deaf Cycling(USDCA), and Board Treasurer of the Organizing Committee for the 2007 Salt Lake City Deaflympics, as well as an accountant with the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD), John brings many years of results‑driven leadership in Deaf sports.  His involvement at every level (National Sport Organization, National Deaf Sports Federation, Organizing Committee, and International Committee) gives him a comprehensive perspective on how systems operate and how they can be strengthened.

A Certified Public Accountant and current University Controller at Gallaudet University, John has built a career guiding complex organizations through strategic growth, fiscal stewardship, and organizational change. His experience spans higher education, nonprofit leadership, and Deaf-centered institutions, where he has overseen multimillion‑dollar budgets, strengthened internal controls, and supported long‑term planning at the executive and board levels.

John’s leadership style is grounded in transparency, collaboration, and data‑informed decision‑making. He has a deep commitment to mission‑driven work and a proven ability to align financial sustainability with organizational values. As President, John is focused on strengthening governance, supporting fellow board members, and positioning the organization for long‑term impact and stability.  He is honored to serve and looks forward to advancing the organization’s mission with clarity, integrity, and purpose.

A three-time Deaflympian, Senda Benaissa steps into the role of Vice President with a strong commitment to inclusive leadership, collaboration, and service. Known for her thoughtful approach and steady presence as the Special Assistant to the President at Gallaudet University and Co-Director of Global Gallaudet, Senda brings years of international relations experience, often facilitating initiatives with the U.S. Department of State and foreign officials. Senda brings a clear focus on supporting strategic priorities while fostering open communication and shared accountability. As Vice President, Senda will work closely with the President and fellow officers to support effective governance, guide decision-making, and help translate vision into action. Her leadership emphasizes partnership, responsiveness, and forward momentum, with an eye toward both immediate needs and long-term goals. 

Dr. Skip Flanagan brings deep experience in elite sport, athlete development, and organizational leadership to his role as Secretary for the USA Deaf Sports Federation. A former professional baseball player, he served as Co-Director of the USA Performance Psychology Team at the Tokyo Deaflympics and as a United States Sports Envoy for the U.S. Department of State. He currently works at RIT/NTID in a faculty role, with strong influence and collaboration across student-athlete support and campus-wide initiatives. Skip is known for his operational precision, strong administrative leadership, and athlete-first commitment to helping competitors perform at their best.

Affiliated National Sport Organizations will now elect the Summer NSO Chair for the next quad on February 2, 2026. Following the NSO Chair election, the new officers and the NSO Chairs will appoint the remaining Member at Large seats. To express your interest in a role with the USADSF Board or committees, please reach out to info@usdeafsports.org. Positions will remain open until filled.

About the USA Deaf Sports Federation

USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) is the national governing body of Deaf sports in the United States. USADSF is a member of the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD), the Pan-American Deaf Sports Organization (PANAMDES), and the Affiliate Organizations Council of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). 

USADSF is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit. Our mission is to empower USA Deaflympic and Deaf National Teams to continuously reach their highest competitive potential and inspire our communities and society. Our vision is a world where Deaf and Hard of Hearing people shall thrive in all aspects of sport and society with the full provision of equal access and opportunities for participation. ​

USADSF serves thousands of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Americans by promoting accessible sports environments and experiences for Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes and ensuring that the athletes’ unique communication needs are met. Since its founding in 1945 as the American Athletic Association for the Deaf (AAAD), USADSF has produced hundreds of Deaflympic, Paralympic, and Olympic champions. ​

The USADSF does not discriminate based on race, religion, national origin, gender, age, orientation, handicap, or veteran status. 

For all inquiries related to this news or general inquiries, please contact us at info@usdeafsports.org.

About the Deaflympics

Founded in 1924, the Deaflympics (then known as the International Silent Games) was conceived as a quadriennal international competition between elite Deaf and Hard of Hearing athletes. Today it remains the most prestigious competition among athletes with a hearing loss of greater than 55dB in the better ear. Numerous Deaflympians have also competed in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Deaflympics are sanctioned by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD), whose constitution mandates that National Deaf Sports Federations shall be governed by boards in which its president and the majority of its members are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. The motto of the Deaflympics is Per Ludos Aequalitas, or “Equality through sport.” The International Olympic Committee formally recognized the ICSD as an “International Federation with Olympic Standing” in 1955 and recognized the term “Deaflympics” in 2001.

The Deaflympics are sanctioned by the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf (ICSD), whose constitution mandates that National Deaf Sports Federations shall be governed by boards in which its president and the majority of its members are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. The motto of the Deaflympics is Per Ludos Aequalitas, or “Equality through sport.” The International Olympic Committee formally recognized the ICSD as an “International Federation with Olympic Standing” in 1955 and recognized the term “Deaflympics” in 2001.