Auglaize DD Welcomes First Person Served to the Board

New Bremen, Ohio — Last Monday evening, the Auglaize County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Auglaize DD) marked a historic milestone during its monthly board meeting, as Jay Smith, a person served by Auglaize DD, was officially sworn in as a member of the Board.

Smith, of St. Marys, has cerebral palsy and has been served by Auglaize DD for over 12 years. An employee of Buckeye Coating Technologies in Waynesfield, Jay is an advocate for those with developmental disabilities and currently serves on Auglaize DD’s SPEAK (Supporting & Promoting Empowerment & Achievement through Kindness) Committee. Smith was appointed to the Board by the Auglaize County Commissioners and was sworn in by Auglaize DD outgoing president, Kristi Klopfenstein.

The Auglaize County Board of Developmental Disabilities is governed by a 7-member Board of Directors. The Board consists of volunteer community members, one of whom must be a person eligible for DD services and two who are family members of a person eligible for DD services. Five members are appointed by the Auglaize County Commissioners and two are appointed by the Auglaize County Probate Judge.

“This is a significant milestone in our Board’s evolution towards community inclusion,” said Renee Kohler, Auglaize DD Superintendent. “Jay brings personal experience and knowledge of the services we provide, offering a firsthand perspective for the Board. This will strengthen our Board’s ability to make well-informed and meaningful decisions that positively impact the entire community,” Kohler continued.

Auglaize DD also welcomed new member, Randy Wilker, during the January Board meeting. As with Smith, Wilker resides in St. Marys and was appointed by the Auglaize County Commissioners. Other Board Members include: Kristine Steinbaugh, President; Kristi Klopfenstein, Vice President; Judi Martin, Secretary; Steve Koenig, and Amy Wellman. Each Board member is appointed to a four-year term.

Auglaize DD serves approximately 400 eligible children and adults in Auglaize County through a wide range of programming, supports, and services. For additional information, visit www.auglaizedd.org and follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/auglaizedd.