OACB attends ANCOR Policy Summit and Advocacy Day
OACB CEO Adam Herman joined Christine Brown and members of Ohio’s provider community on Capitol Hill as part of ANCOR’s 2026 Hill Day, which brought together 335 advocates from 42 states for more than 300 congressional meetings. OACB joined Ohio’s delegation for meetings with the offices of Rep. Troy Balderson and Rep. Bob Latta. Discussions focused on protecting and strengthening Medicaid-funded home- and community-based services and addressing direct support workforce needs. In addition, OACB shared how the unique nature of Ohio’s county board system minimizes and largely eliminates the potential for fraud, waste, and abuse in the Medicaid system. Pictured left to right: Pete Moore (OPRA), Jacob Parker (U.S. Rep. Bob Latta), Caille Ostrolencki (Welcome House), Christine Brown, Adam Herman, Tim Neville (Echoing Hills), and Scott Marks (OPRA).
Jake Dowling visits Marion advocates
Jake Dowling traveled to Marion DD to present at the Marion County Self Advocates monthly meeting where he shared guidance on effectively advocating before the legislature and elevating the voices of people with disabilities and their families. He shared the importance of knowing one’s elected officials, preparing a clear and concise advocacy message, and following up with legislative offices. Jake also encouraged attendees to participate in the civic process and ensure they are registered to vote ahead of the October 5 deadline. Pictured left to right: Cora Layne, Amanda Lambka, Jake Dowling, and Christina Pigg.
OACB delivers Board Member In-Service for Muskingum DD
OACB's CEO, Adam Herman, traveled to Zanesville at the invitation of Superintendent Kellie Brown (Muskingum/Guernsey) to provide board member in-service training for all seven board members at Muskingum DD. The presentation focused on the role of the association, how it advocates on behalf of the state’s county board system, and ways that county boards are involved in the overall discussion about the future of the system with leaders at the local, state, and federal level. Pictured left to right: Adam Herman, board member Drew Hansen, superintendent Kellie Brown, board members Steve Haren, Carol Hutchins,Tony Coury, Robert Beitzel, Carter Brown, and Christopher Peddicord.
OACB leads strategic planning retreat for NOWAC
OACB Director of Health, Safety, and Wellness, Willie Jones, traveled to Defiance to facilitate a full-day strategic planning session for the Northwest Ohio Waiver Administration Council (NOWAC). The morning session brought together NOWAC staff and board members representing the county boards of Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Paulding, Van Wert, and Williams counties to review key findings from recent surveys, highlighting common themes of funding uncertainty, increasing compliance demands, and workforce challenges. The afternoon session focused on establishing strategic anchors, identifying future direction, setting strategic priorities, and defining desired outcomes to guide the organization's long-term planning. Pictured left to right: (front row) Casie Sprow, Andrea Hammond, Amy Rohdy, Megan Howard, Robin Shepherd; (back row) Laura Ellis-Kruse, Rob Elston, Heidi Hull, Linda Reineck, Ashlie Thomas, Wiilie Jones, Cody Bowersock, Melanie Flory, Emmi Johnson, and Kelly Rieke
County boards launch legislative outreach on system sustainability
County boards in recent weeks have launched a legislative advocacy effort focused on the long-term fiscal sustainability of Ohio’s DD system. OACB and several county board superintendents have met with state lawmakers to provide context about the system’s current financial pressures and the need for sustainable policy solutions. Sharing background information now is intended to support more detailed policy discussions as proposals are finalized.