John has been involved as a volunteer in various roles in Minnesota with state agencies, nonprofits, and education for he last twenty-five years. This includes Metro Deaf School, the Minnesota Association of Deaf Citizens (MADC), and the Minnesota Council on Disability. Currently, John is involved with Deaf Equity, a local nonprofit organization, focusing on volunteerism, civic engagement, and training for deaf, deafblind, and hard of hearing communities. John is a state outreach manager with Hamilton Relay, overseeing outreach personnel and managing activities to ensure all state outreach is carried out according to specific objectives. John has a Bachelors degree in business management from Gallaudet University. John also has two adult children who are deaf and also graduated from Gallaudet University. One earned a degree in social work and the other earned a degree in elementary education. Fun fact: John has traveled to all 50 states and enjoys hiking.
I am looking forward to serving on [the Commission], as I do have various skills/experience in different settings which will allow me to have the opportunity to share my voice and to advocate for all Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Minnesotans statewide. By working together as a group, I do truly believe that we will accomplish many things down the road and to ensure MNCDHH is carrying the objectives and to ensure all citizens in Minnesota have full access to resources available. ~ John Fechter
