Overview

Roles and Responsibilities of Board Members

Every county in the State of Ohio is required by law to have its own County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Individuals who are appointed to serve as Board Members are responsible for planning and setting priorities for the organization based on available resources for the provision of facilities, programs and other services to meet the needs of county residents who are individuals with developmental disabilities (Ohio Revised Code 5126.04).  They are also responsible for hiring a Superintendent to oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization.  This individual serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Board.

Responsibilities and authority of a Board Member are limited to actions taken in public meetings conducted in accordance with Ohio's public meeting laws.

Requirements for Board Service

All Board Members shall be persons interested in -- and knowledgeable of -- the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities and other allied fields. All such members shall be citizens of the United States and residents of the County in which they serve. 

How Board Members are Selected

Board Members are appointed to their positions.  Five members are appointed by the Montgomery County Commissioners, while two are appointed by the Montgomery County Probate Judge.   Both the Commissioners and the Probate Judge seek, to the extent possible, individuals who fulfill applicable requirements for appointment and who also have professional training and experience in business management, finance, law, health care practice, personnel administration, or government service.

Of the members appointed by the Montgomery County Commissioners, at least two shall be relatives of persons eligible for services provided by the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities Services.  Whenever possible, one shall be a relative of a person eligible for Adult Services, and the other shall be a relative of a person eligible for Early Intervention services or services for pre-school or school-age children. Of the two members appointed by the probate judge, at least one shall be a relative of a person eligible for residential services or supported living.

Terms

All Board Members serve four-year terms.  These terms are staggered to ensure that the Board maintains experienced leadership.

Compensation

Board Members receive no compensation for their service, but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses, such as attending conferences and training programs.