After a nationwide search, Ralph S. Johnston of Brewster, MA became the eighth President/CEO of Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech effective October 3, 2016. Mr. Johnston succeeded former President William J. Corwin, who led the organization for nine years.

Mr. Johnston has more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare field, including senior leadership positions in diagnostic, biotechnology, medical device, and pharmaceutical firms from start-ups to large companies. He was involved in the start-up of Infusaid, the company that produced the first totally implantable drug delivery system. Infusaid was sold to Pfizer where he spent over ten years, ultimately as Vice President for Worldwide Sales and Marketing. He was the co-founder of several start-up ventures, including Contour Medical, a specialty medical device, diagnostic and drug delivery consultancy and Intranasal Therapeutics. As a consultant, Mr. Johnston provided business support for several non-profits including the Joslin Diabetes Center and Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians.

Mr. Johnston's selection comes at the conclusion of an extensive search conducted by Witt/Keiffer executive search firm in conjunction with a search committee comprised of Clarke trustees and led by Clarke Board of Trustees Chair Hugh D. Babowal. "In searching for a new leader to oversee Clarke's programs and services across all locations," said Babowal, "the Search Committee considered candidates with a wide variety of professional backgrounds. We are confident that Ralph's experience in business, healthcare and revenue generation will position Clarke strongly for the future."

"Ralph is a proven leader whose background reflects his ability to transform organizations, drive sustainable growth, raise significant funding, employ new technologies and create successful partnerships," said Babowal. "We are pleased that he will bring this high level of skill and achievement to Clarke, as we look to future innovations and advancements for the organization."

"As Clarke President and CEO, I look forward to interacting with our students, families and staff to see and hear the stories of Clarke's impact first-hand," Mr. Johnston said. "I believe my business management and leadership experience will benefit Clarke from an operations and fundraising perspective. I am excited to be part of a mission that makes such a lifelong difference for those we serve."

Mr. Johnston holds a BA in Biology from Eastern Michigan University, MLT (ASCP) following a program in Molecular Biology at the University of Michigan and an MBA from Suffolk University.

Clarke teaches children who are deaf or hard of hearing to listen and talk. We serve children (from infants to teens) who use technology including cochlear implants or hearing aids to maximize their access to sound. Working closely with children and their families, our teachers of the deaf, speech-language pathologists and audiologists have the background, training and experience to prepare these children academically and socially for a world of limitless possibilities. Clarke children listen and learn in the classroom, run and laugh with friends on the playground and have lives filled with music, sports, family and community. Many children who come to Clarke are ready to attend their neighborhood mainstream schools by kindergarten. Watchclarkeschools.org/newday, and visit clarkeschools.org. Clarke is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.