Passing of the Torch: Cheers to Our New CEO, Chandra Manning!
Jacksonville Speech & Hearing Center
?? PROVIDING ACCESS TO A WORLD OF COMMUNICATION FOR NORTHEAST FLORIDA ??
Today marks nearly 30 days since Chandra Manning officially stepped into her role as CEO on October 7th— also her 5th work anniversary with Jacksonville Speech & Hearing Center! Hired by outgoing CEO Michael Howland JD, MA, CAE and in 2019 as Director of Operations, Chandra has since trained under his guidance and earned the admiration of our Board, staff, and community alike.
The Jacksonville Speech & Hearing Center Board Chair, Jim White , expressed the Board’s confidence in Chandra: “We are fortunate to have such a bright, talented leader... we have the highest confidence in Chandra to build upon Michael Howland’s decade of progress.”
Howland himself said, “Chandra has been training for this role for the last five years. She’s gifted, ready, and has earned the admiration of staff, Board, and partners alike.”?Chandra’s leadership journey has been a powerful blend of creativity and perseverance, from navigating the 2020 pandemic, introducing the “Clear Mask Communicator,” and keeping our clinic services available while many other Centers shut down, to her ongoing efforts with the Womens' Center of Jacksonville and Leadership Jacksonville .
Chandra is a true leader with qualities that make her one-of-a-kind:
C - Compassionate, Creative, Competitive
H - Honorable, Happy
A - Appreciative, Articulate, Astute
N - Nose-to-the-grindstone, Nice, Never late
D - Driven, Direct, Delegates well
R - Resilient, Remarkable, Resourceful
A - Authentic, Action-oriented, Ambitious
She has embraced the transition away from Clinical Director and Chief Operations Officer, and according to Director of Development, Erika Hooper , “she has jumped right in and started scheduling donor and community partner meetings immediately. In addition, she began implementing new processes that aligned with her version of a more organized system.”
Chandra ultimately lives by her motto, "Everything is figureoutable," even sporting a t-shirt to remind us of this belief! Her positive attitude is contagious, and she’s taught our entire team to approach challenges with confidence and creativity.
Celebrating Michael Howland's Legacy
On Wednesday, October 16th, we celebrated Michael Howland’s remarkable career and retirement after 44 years of service and impactful leadership, leaving his mark in San Francisco and Indianapolis, including a decade as CEO at Jacksonville Speech & Hearing Center.
Surrounded by friends, family, colleagues, and community leaders, Michael was honored with heartfelt messages of gratitude and admiration. Michael’s dedication to our mission kept our doors open when closure seemed imminent, serving over 40,000 individuals with essential speech and hearing services during that time span.
As one colleague shared, “Michael’s leadership has been a guiding light, inspiring us all with his unwavering dedication to our mission and patients.” Others reflected on his warmth and resilience, noting how “he built a legacy of trust and compassion that will forever resonate in our community.”
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We invite you to enjoy a video presentation from this inspiring evening, honoring a leader who transformed our Center and the lives of so many.
We’ve Never Lost a Tailgate!? ??
Attention Jaguars Fans! ???????? The season may be 2-7, but loyal fans like YOU keep the spirit alive – and we’ve never lost a tailgate! Join us on Sunday, Dec 15th from 10:30am-12:30pm for our exciting Give & Go Tailgate before the Jaguars vs. Jets game.?Ticket price is $80 for tailgate and game. For season ticket holders, tailgate entry is $25!
New this year, we’re introducing a Cornhole Tournament and planning some fun giveaways and prizes to keep the energy high all morning! Plus, we’re considering a DJ to bring the beats. Tailgate with us, enjoy great food and games, and let’s make this a day to remember. Tickets support Jacksonville Speech & Hearing Center, so don’t miss your chance to rally with us in true DUUUVAL style!
Q: What can you tell us about the FCC’s recent decision to require 100% of cellphones sold in the U.S. to be hearing aid compatible?
Chandra: This is a significant step forward for the hard of hearing and deaf community. Historically, people who use hearing aids or cochlear implants struggled to find cell phones that are compatible with their devices, specifically, affordable mobile phones. With the new mandate, we’re moving toward a future where everyone, regardless of their hearing and financial ability, will have access to mobile technology that works with their needs. This rule will make all cell phones hearing device compatible, benefiting both hearing aid users and providers who support them. It’s a fantastic change that underscores the importance of inclusive technology for all.
Q: What do you think this legislation means for emerging technology, and what responsibility do technology companies have toward accessibility?
Chandra: I believe accessibility is a key component in emerging technology—companies are realizing, as we prioritize communication, we must ensure our communication technology is inclusive.? More than 1.5 billion people worldwide have hearing loss.? There’s a clear responsibility for manufacturers to think about diverse user needs from the beginning of product design.
Q: How will this FCC decision affect our hearing aid users and patients with hearing loss?
Chandra: For our patients, this new ruling brings peace of mind and independence. ? There will no longer be a need for extensive research, the worry of purchasing the wrong product, or worse, the inability to afford the cell phones that’s compatible with your hearing needs.? I’ve seen patients over the years who have been limited in their phone options, making daily tasks challenging. This change will significantly reduce communication barriers, empowering our patients to stay more connected, confident, and in control of their technology choices.
Jacksonville Speech & Hearing Center Mission Statement: To provide the highest quality professional and compassionate care to ALL individuals with hearing, speech, and/or language disorders in our community, regardless of ability to pay.