The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (DD Council) consists of at least 30 members appointed by the governor. Members are people with developmental disabilities, parents and guardians of people with developmental disabilities, representatives from concerned state agencies, and nonprofit organizations and local agencies providing services to people with developmental disabilities. More specifically, the federal DD Act requires that the membership must comply with the following categories: 

1. Individual with a developmental disability
2. Parent or guardian of a child with a developmental disability
3. An immediate relative or guardian of an adult with a developmental disability who cannot advocate for his/herself
4. An immediate relative or guardian or an institutionalized or previously institutionalized individual with a developmental disability or an individual with a developmental disability who resides or previously resided in an institution
5. A representative from a private agency serving persons with developmental disabilities
6. A representative from a private non-profit organization serving persons with developmental disabilities

The following is a list of current DD Council members and the category that each represents. If you would like to contact a member, click on their name to access their email address. Please note that some members do not have an email address.

Individuals with a developmental disability

Brenda Brandon, Oak Harbor, Ohio
Michael Denlinger, Cincinnati, Ohio
Morgan Gattermeyer, Hamilton, Ohio
Matt Harrison, Greenville, Ohio
Heather McFarlin, Sandusky, Ohio
Blaine O'Leary, Sidney, Ohio
James Plasencia, Bucyrus, Ohio
Michael Richards, Greenfield, Ohio
Marci Straughter, Columbus, Ohio
Dara Walburn, Athens, Ohio
Brandon White, Marion, Ohio

Family members or guardians of children with a developmental disability

Rochelle Hall-Rollins, Holland, Ohio
Karen Kerr, Swanton, Ohio
Benjamin Pesich, Dublin, Ohio
Jill Radler, Delphos, Ohio
Rhonda Rich, Troy, Ohio
Joanna Spargo, Uniontown, Ohio
Victor Wilson, New Albany, Ohio

Immediate relatives or guardians of adults with developmental disabilities who cannot advocate for his/herself

Lori Kershner, Springboro, Ohio

Parent or guardian of a person with a developmental disability who resides in or who has resided in an institution, OR an individual with a developmental disability who resides in or who have resided in an institution

Jean Jakovlic, Columbus, Ohio

Private non-profit organization which serves persons with a developmental disability (education, research, and service)

Vacant

Private agency which serves persons with a developmental disability (education, research, and service)

Vacant

Protection & Advocacy Agency (P&A)

Disability Rights Ohio: Susan Willis

University Centers for Excellence on Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs)

The Nisonger Center at The Ohio State University: Paula Rabidoux
University of Cincinnati UCEDD, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center: Ilka Riddle

Representatives of State Government

Ohio Department of Aging: Emilia R. Jackson
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities: Vicki Jenkins
Ohio Department of Education: Mark Smith
Ohio Department of Health: Bobbi Burke
Ohio Department of Medicaid: Laura Leach
Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services: Mindy Vance
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities: Shannon Komisarek

County Board Representative

(Non-voting representative)

Guernsey County Board of Developmental Disabilities: Kellie Brown

Special Advisors

(Non-voting representatives)

Community Living: Renee Wood, Toledo, Ohio
Employment: Thomas Hess, Columbus, Ohio
Employment: Mark Seifarth, Columbus, Ohio
Leadership: Linda Kunick, Cincinnati, Ohio
Outreach: Michael Schroeder, Westerville, Ohio
Public Policy: Diane Cox, Avon, Ohio