MCBDD Welcomes New Board Members
The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new Board Members; Adina Kolar and Deborah Bokmuller by the Medina County Commissioners, and Kelly Smith by Medina County Probate Judge Kevin Dunn.
The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities is comprised of seven volunteer members who are appointed by either the Medina County Commissioners or Medina County Probate Judge. Board Members have various professional backgrounds and include community leaders, individuals with disabilities and family members of individuals with disabilities. MCBDD meetings are held each month; agency business, policy, budgets, and program planning are discussed during Board meetings. The community is always welcome and encouraged to attend.
“We are pleased our local elected officials have continued to appoint Board Members who embody the spirit of public service. We know that Ms. Smith, Miss Kolar and Ms. Bokmuller will continue that tradition,” said MCBDD Board President Andrew Olah. “We are looking forward to each of them joining us as we continue to look for new and innovative ways to meet the needs of people with developmental disabilities and to explore new opportunities for them to be successful in our community.”
Kelly Smith is currently the Director of Engagement for Feeding Medina County where she is responsible for fundraising, volunteer management, marketing and program management. “I have dedicated my entire career to nonprofit management, working with organizations that address essential human needs such as healthcare, shelter, and food. I believe that when individuals’ basic needs are met, they can not only survive but also thrive,” says Ms. Smith. “I am committed to ensuring that those who often lack a voice of their own have their fundamental human needs fulfilled so that they too can live their best life.”
Adina Kolar, a recent graduate of the MCBDD’s Leadership Academy and the first person with developmental differences to be appointed to the MCBDD’s Board, accepted her appointment by saying, “When I needed help, the County Board helped me. When the County Board needs help, I want to help them. Navigating life with a disability is difficult. With God’s help to guide me in each step on my way to becoming a better leader for the disability community, I will make sure all voices matter!”
Deborah Bokmuller brings with her a background in corporate America for more than 25 years, including leadership roles in strategy, operations, communications and risk management. “As the mother of a medically fragile son with autism, I look forward to working with the MCBDD to execute their strategic plan and further promote partnerships that enable equitable access to resources and opportunities,” states Bokmuller.
“Our Board provides important leadership and direction for our agency,” said MCBDD Superintendent Stacey Maleckar. “I’m confident our newest Board Members will make an impact as we move forward in serving individuals with developmental differences and their families. Their involvement will help us to continue to strengthening our community partnerships, and build value in our agency for Medina County taxpayers. We made a promise to our community that individuals with disabilities will have access to quality services, and with the support of our Board Members we know we will be able to deliver on that promise.”