Current Members

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 of a local and non-governmental agency concerned with services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
  6. A representative of a private non-profit group concerned with services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

The Ohio DD Council strives to have representation from all counties of Ohio. As of 2018, our current and past members represent 42% of Ohio’s 88 counties. Click here to see a map of our member representation by county.

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. 

Individuals with a developmental disability

Brenda Brandon, Oak Harbor, Ohio
Michael Denlinger, Cincinnati, Ohio
Morgan Gattermeyer, Hamilton, Ohio
Matt Harrison, Greenville, Ohio
Blaine O'Leary, Sidney, Ohio
James Plasencia, Bucyrus, Ohio
Rachel Rice, Franklin, 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)

Pamela Green, Cincinnati, Ohio

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 Krabill
Ohio Department of Medicaid: To be determined
Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services: Ellie Jazi
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

What do our members do?

Being a member of the Ohio DD Council not only helps Council to achieve its goals, but also helps Council members learn how to be stronger advocates and to stay informed about issues that affect people with developmental disabilities.

But don't take our word for it! Instead, learn what our members have to say. 

Visit our Council Members in Action section for articles and videos of many of our members talking about what being a Council member means to them and other activities they are involved in. 

Want to become a member?

You can make a difference in the lives of Ohioans with disabilities! We are always accepting new applications.

Learn more about applying to become a member of Ohio's DD Council