Annual Awards
Every year at the organization's Annual Convention, OACB recognizes several individuals for their contributions to Ohio's county board of DD system and/or the people with developmental disabilities that county boards support. Whether a person has made their achievement over the past year or throughout their lifetime, all of OACB's award recipients have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the association's mission, vision, and values.
OACB sponsors eight awards, seven of which are awarded annually. The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented on rare occasions when a person has demonstrated a monumental commitment to people with developmental disabilities throughout their lives. To see a description of each award and a list of past winners, click the links below.
Kenneth Legats Award for Visionary Leadership in Administration
In conjunction with the Region V superintendents, the OACB Board of Trustees presents the Kenneth Legats Award for Visionary Leadership in Administration annually to recognize an experienced executive manager in Ohio's DD support system who has shown high ideals, vision, and moral leadership in the administration of programs for people with developmental disabilities. The award recognizes senior professionals who lead with innovation, thoughtfulness, and professionalism.
To be considered, nominees must have a minimum of 20 years of experience in Ohio's DD field and must have served in an executive-level position at a county board or DD support organization. In addition, nominees should have had a hand in creating new and innovative structures or tools that improve operations and set an example for other boards/agencies to follow. Potential nominees can include superintendents, provider agency or non-profit CEOs, and county board department heads (i.e., business managers, SSA directors, etc.).
About Kenneth "Ken" Legats
Kenneth "Ken" Legats was the long-time superintendent of the Muskingum County Board of Developmental Disabilities. During his decades of service to people with developmental disabilities, he was known as a quiet, competent leader. He was well-known and well-liked at the Ohio Statehouse, where he used his strong relationships with policymakers to support meaningful decisions on behalf of those served by county boards of DD. A visionary leader, he was instrumental in establishing the first Council of Government (COG) in Ohio's county board of DD system—the Mid-East Ohio Regional Council of Government (MEORC)—which has since been replicated in all corners of the state. The award is presented as a testament to his legacy and in memory of his leadership following his passing.
Past Honorees
2025
David Couch, Superintendent, Perry DD (pictured)
2024
John LaRock, Superintendent, Greene DD
2023
Brent Baer, Superintendent, Wood DD
2022
John Pekar, Superintendent, Fairfield and Vinton DD
2021
John Trunk, Superintendent, Summit County
2019
Lori Chick, Executive Director, North East Ohio Network (NEON)
2018
Steve Williams, Superintendent, Belmont Harrison Noble Alliance
2017
Jed Morison, Superintendent, Franklin County Board of DD
2016
Kellie Brown, Superintendent, Guernsey County Board of DD
2015
Nancy Neely, Superintendent, Licking County Board of DD
2014
Rick Marriott, Superintendent, Ross County Board of DD
2013
Mark Gerhardstein, Superintendent, Montgomery County Board of DD
2012
Timothy Spitzer, Executive Director, Mid East Ohio Regional Council of Governments (MEORC)
2011
Mary Ann Chamberlain, Superintendent, Morgan County Board of DD
2010
Robert Morgan, Superintendent, Delaware County Board of DD
2009
Monty Kerr, Superintendent, Belmont, Harrison and Noble County Board of DD
2008
Cherl Phipps, Superintendent, Hamilton County Board of DD
2007
Rick Pfannenschmidt, Superintendent, Jefferson County Board of DD
2006
H. Michael Miller, Superintendent, Richland County Board of DD
2005
Lee Wedemeyer, Superintendent, Marion County Board of DD
2004
Sarah Winters, Superintendent, Perry County Board of DD
2003
Fred Valerius, Superintendent, Butler County Board of DD
2002
Mike Donzella, Superintendent, Cuyahoga County Board of DD
2001
Charles H. Arndt, Executive Director, OACB
2000
Stephen Pleasnick, Superintendent, Franklin County Board of DD
Betty Macintosh Award
The Board of Trustees of the Ohio Association of County Boards commissioned this annual award in memory of Betty Macintosh, a fierce and committed advocate for Ohio's DD support system and the people it serves. This award is presented annually to a DD support professional whose career has reflected long-term dedication to moving our system forward in line with the needs and desires of Ohioans with developmental disabilities. Recipients of the Betty Macintosh Award are recognized as having contributed significantly to statewide advocacy efforts and systemic improvement benefiting Ohio's DD system.
About Betty Macintosh
Described by her colleagues and system leaders as a "visionary agent of change," Betty Macintosh was known as a tireless advocate for the children and families served by Ohio's County Boards of DD. She was a "guru" of early childhood and infant services, putting in place many programs and supporting many decisions that have survived the test of time. A longtime employee at the Ohio Department of DD, Betty served under three governors and four directors. Throughout this time, she never strayed from her core beliefs and passionately advocated for policy decisions that would offer people with developmental disabilities a chance at a better life. Her dedication and vision for the future prompted OACB to name this award in her honor following her passing in 1997, to remind successive generations of leaders of what they should strive to accomplish in their work.
Past Honorees
2025
John Parkowski, On-call Administrator, Cuyahoga DD (pictured above with Superintendent Amber Gibbs)
2024
Nancy Richards, Executive Director, Clearwater COG
2023
Theresa Schnipke, Superintendent, Allen County Board of DD
2022
Rick Black, Chief Financial Officer (retired), Ohio Association of County Boards of DD
2021
Jason Umstot, Superintendent, Licking County Board of DD
2019
Jennifer Rousculp-Miller, Superintendent, Clark County Board of DD
2018
Laura Zureich, Superintendent (retired), Champaign and Shelby County Boards of DD
2017
Steve Oster, Superintendent, Coshocton and Knox County Boards of DD
2016
Melanie Stretchbery, Superintendent (Retired), Wood County Board of DD
2015
Esther Baldridge, Superintendent, Allen County Board of DD
2014
Sharon Woodrow, Superintendent, Clermont County Board of DD
2013
Kim Linkinhoker, Associate Director, Ohio Association of County Boards of DD
2012
Deb Yenrick, Superintendent, Sandusky County Board of DD
2011
Alvin "Al" Willis, Superintendent, Auglaize County Board of DD
2010
John Martin, Director, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
2009
Jim Canney, Superintendent, Madison County Board of DD
2008
Rick Marriott, Superintendent, Ross County Board of DD
2007
Jim Frederick, Superintendent, Ottawa County Board of DD
2006
Dana Charlton, Ohio Department of DD
2005
Dee Zeffiro-Krenisky, Superintendent, Huron County Board of DD
2004
Randy Beach, Superintendent, Pickaway County Board of DD
2003
Michael Stoner, Superintendent, Hancock County Board of DD
2002
Robin Cooper, Director of Technical Assistance, National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services
2001
Jacqui Romer-Sensky, Director, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
2000
Tom Kidd, Superintendent, Hamilton County Board of DD
1999
Fred DeCrescentis, Superintendent, Lucas County Board of DD
1998
Jerome Manuel, Director, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (then known as MR/DD)
Direct Support Professional of the Year
In recognition of the critical role that direct support professionals (DSPs) play in Ohio's DD support system, OACB presents annually to a DSP who exemplifies the field's standards of professionalism, integrity, compassion, and respect. This award will recognize a DSP who has routinely exceeded the standards of the profession and whose work has had a demonstrable effect on the quality of life, well-being, and/or safety of a person they serve. Strong nominations will include specific examples of how the nominee has had this effect. These might include:
- Specific actions the DSP took to open new opportunities for a person served;
- Quick thinking that helped a person or people served stay safe; or
- Personal advocacy for a person served in a serious or difficult situation to ensure that the person's needs were met.
The award recipient will be invited to OACB's Annual Awards Reception. The winner will receive one night of lodging and dinner for their immediate family courtesy of OACB.
OACB encourages nominations from people receiving direct services, family members, or provider agency managers who want to recognize the good work of one of their employees. Nominees of all experience levels will be considered.
Past Honorees
2025
Dashawn Davison, Independent Provider (pictured)
2024
Laura Humphreys, PALS Chrysalis Health
2023
Kito Monkem, F&R Healthcare Services
2022
Jackie Jarrett, Independent Provider and 1:1 Aide, NCOESC
2021
Britney Thompson, Creative Foundations, Champaign County
2019
Tangeala Bevens, Independent Provider, Logan County
Distinguished Service Award
Commissioned in 2006, this Annual Award recognizes a county board employee, board member, volunteer, or community member for their outstanding service and commitment to their local County Board of DD. Individuals are nominated by local county boards, who are asked to provide a one-page overview of why the candidate is a worthy recipient. The award is presented at the Annual Convention in December.
Previous Honorees
2025
Laurie Lupinetti
Board President, Warren DD,
President, OACB Board of Trustees
2024
Daniel Sutter, Board President, Stark DD, OACB Board of Trustees
2023
Steven M. Licciardi, Board Member, Cuyahoga DD, President, OACB Board of Trustees
2022
Tanya Hitchens, SSA Director, Guernsey DD
2021
Nate Kamban, Superintendent, Tuscarawas DD
2019
Steve Baker, Board President, Miami DD (Riverside)
2018
Caribeth Legats, Board Member, Muskingum County Board of DD
Teresa Liston, Magistrate, Cambridge Municipal Court
Dave Dohnal, Board Member, Summit County Board of DD
2017
Jesse Marlow, Board Member, Knox County Board of DD
Liz Prather, Superintendent, Richland County Board of DD
Richard Novak, Former Board President, Cuyahoga County Board of DD
2016
Scott Amen, Superintendent (Retired), Adams County Board of DD
Lisa Edris, Former Board President, Sandusky County Board of DD
Diane Roman-Fusco, Board Member, Cuyahoga County Board of DD
2015
Kay Ervin, Board President, Jackson County Board of DD
Casey Claxon, Board President, Knox County Board of DD
London Mitchell, Public Information Manager, Lucas County Board of DD
2014
Roger Calendine, Board Member, Morgan County Board of DD
Teresa Bemiller, County Commissioner and former DD board member, Knox County
Kathy McMahon-Klosterman, Board President, Butler County Board of DD
2013
Liz Doss, Board Member, Brown County Board of DD
Steve Oster, Superintendent, Knox and Coshocton County Boards of DD
Dean Fadel, Board Member, Franklin County Board of DD
2012
Roger "Gabby" Smith, Board Member, Pike County Board of DD
Robert "Bob" Milliken, Board Member, Stark County Board of DD
Caribeth Legats, Board Member, Muskingum County Board of DD
2011
Michael Bartee, Board Member, Clark County Board of DD
Bryan Chandler, Board Member, Noble County Board of DD
Janet Stauffer, Volunteer, Ross County Board of DD
2010
Bill Ginter, Board Member, Summit County Board of DD
Bill Heidlebaugh, Board Member, Hancock County Board of DD
DeEtte Zimmerman, Board Member, Huron County Board of DD
2009
Joyce Cramer, Board Member, Crawford County Board of DD
Steve Streng, Board Member, Union County Board of DD
Sam Greenwood, Board Member, Clark County Board of DD
2008
Dennis Butler, Board Member, Highland County Board of DD
Paul Shaeffer, Board Member, Preble County Board of DD
Bonnie Sisley, Board Member, Portage County Board of DD
2007
Gwynne Freytag, Auglaize County Board of DD
Robert Bertram, Jefferson County Board of DD
Grace Jacklitz, Lake County Board of DD
2006
Jon Myers, Henry County Board of DD
Hal Heiner, Miami County Board of DD
Peggy Reising, Warren County Board of DD
Five-Star Customer Experience Award
Commissioned by OACB in 2019, the Five-Star Customer Experience Award recognizes a county board of DD employee who, over the previous year, has routinely demonstrated their willingness and ability to go above and beyond in supporting people served by their county board of DD. Candidates for consideration would include those county board employees who regularly show extraordinary commitment to the people they serve by:
- Showing compassion and empathy when working with people served by their county board, being mindful of how their attitudes and actions could be perceived;
- Placing the needs and expectations of the people they serve as their number one priority;
- Exhibiting creativity or resourcefulness in assisting people served by the board, often above and beyond what is typically expected of employees in their positions;
- Taking pride in ownership of the day-to-day processes for which they are responsible and showing exceptional initiative where necessary to help a person served achieve their goals;
- Fostering teamwork through open communication with and encouragement of colleagues, giving the organization as a whole more chances to deliver excellent experiences for people and families served.
Nominees must be employed by a county board of DD to be considered. All county board employees across the State of Ohio are eligible to receive this award.
Past Honorees
2025
Kathleen "Kat" Buriss, SSA, Muskingum DD (pictured)
2024
Mimi Lawhead, SSA Director, Holmes DD
2023
Carrie Torka, Perry DD
2022
Amy Tripp, Seneca DD and the STEPS Agency
2021
Emily Martinez, SSA Director, Mahoning DD
2019
Lori Wells, EI Team Leader, Belmont DD
Legislator of the Year
This award is presented annually to an elected or appointed official who has been duly nominated by the Board of Trustees and who exhibits high accomplishments in legislative leadership for people with developmental disabilities. The Board of Trustees of the Ohio Association of County Boards is proud to have presented the following with the Legislator of the Year Award.
Past Honorees
2025
The Honorable Andrea White, State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives (Pictured with Kamarr Gage, Superintendent (Montgomery DD) and Adam Herman (CEO), OACB)
2024
The Honorable Jerry Cerino, State Senator, Ohio Senate
2023
The Honorable Sara Carruthers, State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives
2022
The Honorable Allison Russo, Minority Leader, State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives
The Honorable Louis Blessing III, State Senator, Ohio Senate
2021
The Honorable Lisa Sobecki, State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives
2019
The Honorable Scott Lipps, State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives
2018
The Honorable Gary Scherer, State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives
2017
The Honorable David Burke, State Senator, Ohio Senate
2016
The Honorable Jay Hottinger, State Senator, Ohio Senate
The Honorable Jonathan Dever, State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives
The Honorable Scott Ryan, State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives
2015
The Honorable Scott Oelslager, State Senator, Ohio Senate
The Honorable Mark Romanchuk, State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives
2014
The Honorable Robert Sprague, State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives
The Honorable Tom Patton, State Senator, Ohio State Senate
2013
The Honorable Michael Stinziano, State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives
The Honorable Anne Gonzales, State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives
2012
The Honorable Barbara Sears, Majority Floor Leader, Ohio House of Representatives
2011
The Honorable Dave Burke, State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives
2010
The Honorable Shannon Jones, State Senator, Ohio State Senate
The Honorable Debbie Phillips, State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives
2009
The Honorable John Carey, State Senator, Ohio State Senate
The Honorable Jay Goyal, State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives
2008
The Honorable Kevin Bacon, State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives
2007
The Honorable Jimmy Stewart, State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives
The Honorable Fred Strahorn, State Representative, Ohio House of Representatives
2006
Joy Padgett, Ohio State Senate
2005
Charles Calvert, Kenneth Carano, Ohio House of Representatives;
Tom Niehaus, Ohio State Senate
2004
Jamie Callendar, Jim Raussen, Ohio House of Representatives
2003
Robert Spada, Ohio State Senate;
Betty Montgomery, Auditor of Ohio
2002
Bob Taft, Governor, State of Ohio;
John Carey, Charles Calvert, Larry Householder, James Hoops, Ohio House of Representatives
2001
Jon M. Peterson, Ohio House of Representatives;
Michael Shoemaker, Ohio State Senator;
Greg Moody, Office of the Governor
Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented by OACB to a public official, board member, or other person who has demonstrated throughout their professional lifetime a commitment to enhancing the lives of people with developmental disabilities, this prestigious award has been presented just three times.
Past Honorees
2018
Franklin J. Hickman
Attorney
Hickman & Lowder Co. L.P.A.
Cuyahoga DD
OACB Board of Trustees
2007
Honorable George V. Voinovich
United States Senator
Governor of Ohio
Cuyahoga County Commissioner
Mayor of Cleveland
Member, Ohio General Assembly
1985
Dr. Raymond Horn
Asst. Director,
Ohio Dept. of Education
Franklin DD
OACB Board of Trustees
Partners in Excellence
Commissioned in 2006, this Annual Award is presented to a County Board of Developmental Disabilities employee or other Developmental Disabilities System Stakeholder Staff Member who exemplifies a commitment to excellence and service to people with developmental disabilities in the course of their work on a policy issue, workgroup, or specific project that benefits the DD system as a whole. The award is presented to deserving individual(s) as determined by OACB and is recognized either at the Annual Convention or at a local Board meeting of the recipient.
Past Honorees
2025
F.E.A.R. Factor (pictured above)
Keith Banner, DODD
Christine Brown, OSU Nisonger Center
Jeanne Ehmke, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
Darenda Geer, DBS Consulting
Latosha Olinger, Warren DD
Nate Turner, DODD
Darenda Geer, DBS Consulting
2024
Derek L. Graham, Phillips and Graham LLC
Jennifer Corcoran and Kim Kirkwood, Changing Spaces Ohio
2023
Ohio DD Budget Coalition: Ohio Provider Resource Association, Ohio Health Care Association, The Arc of Ohio, Values and Faith Alliance, Ohio Waiver Network
2022
Deborah Hoffine, Deputy Director, Medicaid Development and Administration, DODD
Susan Mullins, RN, Quality Assurance Nurse, Summit DD
2021
In recognition of the hundreds of hours of volunteer leadership they provided during the pandemic, OACB presented Partners in Excellence Awards to each of the superintendent association officers and regional representatives.
Brian Green, Superintendent, Miami DD
Ed Stark, Superintendent, Trumbull DD
Leia Snyder, Superintendent, Hamilton DD
Bill Whitacre, Superintendent, Mahoning DD
Wendy Gorrell, Superintendent, Morgan DD
Sarah Zimmerman, Superintendent, Sandusky DD
Kristine Hodge, Superintendent, Delaware DD
Dan Ottke, Superintendent, Clermont DD
Julie Monroe, Superintendent, Lawrence DD
Stacey Maleckar, Superintendent, Medina DD
2019
Jennifer Meadows, Hamilton DD
2018
Amber Gibbs, Cuyahoga DD
Karin Crabbe, Franklin DD
Latrice Smith, Hamilton DD
Jodi Travers, Lake DD
2017
Nancy Richards, Executive Director, Clearwater Council of Governments
James Steele, Executive Director, Ohio Valley Residential Services
Kate Haller, Deputy Director, DODD
2016
Carrie Beier, Superintendent, Erie County Board of DD
Koinonia Homes
Ravi Shankar, Business Manager, Clark County Board of DD
2015
Lisa Guliano, Superintendent, Butler County Board of DD
Steve McPeake, President and CEO, North Coast Community Homes
David Visocky, Chief Financial Officer, Cuyahoga County Board of DD
2014
Rick Black, CFO, Butler County Board of DD
Laura Zureich, Superintendent, Champaign and Shelby County Boards of DD
2013
Chuck Frobose, Superintendent, Crawford County Board of DD
Bethany Schultz, Director of Community Living Services, Clark County Board of DD
Clay Weidner, Fiscal Administration, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
2012
Kellie Brown, Superintendent, Guernsey County Board of DD
Mary Jo Allen, Residential Services Coordinator, Cuyahoga County Board of DD
2011
Stephanie Griffiths, Director of Service and Support Administration, Richland County Board of DD (Richland Newhope)
Patrick Rafter, President and CEO, Creative Housing, Inc.
2010
Bill Angel, Director of Investigative Services, Montgomery County Board of DD
Bob Beavis, Human Resources Director, Miami County Board of DD
2009
Michael Boaz, Business Manager, Putnam/Van Wert County Board of DD
Willie Jones, Operations Manager, Belmont County Board of DD
Melanie Stretchbery, Superintendent, Wood County Board of DD
2008
Dick Williams, Business Manager, Seneca County Board of DD;
Dee Dee Kabbes, Superintendent, Champaign County Board of DD;
Scott Erenpriess, Financial Services Manager, Franklin County Board of DD
2007
Beverly Smith, Director of Children's Services, Hamilton County Board of DD;
Jennifer Rousculp, Director, Southern Ohio Council of Governments (SOCOG);
John Parkowski, Medicaid Services Manager, Cuyahoga County Board of DD;
Jeannie Stahl, SSA Director, Allen County Board of DD
2006
Gary Smith, Business Manager, Licking County Board of DD;
Larry Macintosh, Director of Administrative Support Services, Franklin County Board of DD