PRESS RELEASE - The Ohio Department of Development Disabilities (DODD) is pleased to announce that Ben Hollinger will join the department in May to serve as Assistant Deputy Director for the Division of Policy and Strategic Direction. Hollinger, who is currently the superintendent of the Scioto County Board of Developmental Disabilities, will spearhead DODD’s Employment First initiative.
“Ben brings the right mix of leadership, experience and passion for serving individuals from a community-driven perspective,” said Monty Kerr, DODD Deputy Director for the Division of Policy and Strategic Direction. “He knows the true value in what we do is empowering people and supporting their choices in how they want to live—and that’s the very essence of our goals in supporting opportunities in community employment.”
To help keep momentum strong for Employment First priorities, Hollinger is already sharing some of his minimal spare time to provide consultation and project direction support to department staff. In the meantime, he’s also committed to providing a smooth transition for his departure at the county board.
“While I am going to miss Scioto County, I am also very excited to assist the Department in its effort to increase integrated employment for people with disabilities across the state,” said Hollinger. “County boards and providers do a good job this area, but I share DODD’s goal for us to become great in this area. Governor Kasich has shown leadership in his Executive Order to make Employment First a priority for Ohio, and I am confident the field is ready to rally around this issue to move our system forward together.”
As superintendent of the Scioto County Board of DD, Hollinger oversaw an expansion of the Adult Services program and the creation of a new Supported Employment Program. Prior to that he was superintendent of the Hocking County Board of DD, where he also expanded employment programs and increased supported housing by 150 percent. He also worked at both the Preble County and Richland County Boards of DD, as Adult Services director and team leader, respectively. Hollinger holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Ashland University and a Superintendent Certification from DODD.
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