MCBDD Board Members
| Joe Ignazio - President |
Anthony Sertick - Vice President |
| Henrietta Lewis - Secretary |
Jack Gruber |
| Gary O'Nesti |
Joseph Pecchia |
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Frank Santisi
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About the Governing Board
A seven-member board governs the Mahoning Board of Developmental Disabilities. Each member serves up to three (3) four (4) year terms. Monthly meetings are typically held the second Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. Meetings rotate among Board locations. All meetings are open to the public.
How Board Members Are Determined
Five members of the Board are appointed by the Board of Mahoning County Commissioners and Two members are selected by the Judge of Probate Court. At least two of the members appointed by the county commissioners must be parents of an individual with mental retardation or developmental disabilities receiving Board services. Of the two members appointed by the probate judge, at least one must be a member of the family of an individual eligible for services. All board members serve without pay.
How Long Can Board Members Serve
A Board member who has served during each of three consecutive terms will not be reappointed for a subsequent term until two years after ceasing to be a member of the board, except that a member who has served for ten years or less within three consecutive terms may be reappointed for a subsequent term before becoming ineligible for reappointment for two years.
Board President Selection
In January 2009 of each year, the Board reorganizes and elects a President, a Vice-President, and a Recording Secretary. The Board appoints its chief executive officer, the Superintendent/C.E.O. It also establishes rules and regulations for its operation and forms committees, which are designed to advise the membership on various aspects of an annual budget. The Board makes long-range plans for facilities, services and enrollments.
Organization
County Boards of Developmental Disabilities are legal entities with legislative power to institute programs for persons with mental retardation or developmental disabilities residing in their county. They establish policies, rules and regulations to operate programs in compliance with government standards.
History
Prior to 1967, individuals with mental retardation in Ohio were served through county welfare departments. In the summer of 1967, the legislature passed a law establishing a Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities in every county in Ohio. These Boards assumed responsibility for providing schools, workshops, training centers and other services for children and adults with mental retardation. In July of 2009, the Governor of Ohio signed legislation removing the words mental retardation from all state operated facilities. The Mahoning County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities formally changed their name to The Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities effective October 1st of 2009.
State Regulations
The Board is responsible to the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, or ODDD. As designated by law, the Board is subject to the department's rules and regulations. The Board must also adhere to the policies of such agencies as the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio Department of Administrative Services and the State Highway Patrol. The County Auditor serves as its fiscal agent. Individual Board members are responsible to serve without pay in the best interest of the general public.