William “Willie” Jones serves as Director of Health, Safety, and Wellness, where he provides resources, support, and professional development for county boards in areas related to health, safety, and workplace wellness. He also serves as a liaison on issues related to Major Unusual Incidents (MUI), human resources, and behavior supports.
Willie joined the association in April 2010 and brings more than four decades of experience in the developmental disabilities field. His career includes 24 years working in residential DD services and 22 years with a county board of developmental disabilities. He has also served as an adjunct faculty member at Belmont College and Stark State College and previously owned and operated a consulting business supporting developmental disabilities services.
His areas of expertise include environmental and situational awareness, behavior supports, crisis intervention, and building positive workplace cultures. Willie holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Kent State University and is an Ohio-licensed social worker. He is also a National Therapeutic Specialist with more than 46 years of experience.
Willie is motivated by seeing the appreciation and gratitude of people with developmental disabilities and their families when challenges are reduced, and opportunities grow. He is passionate about supporting DD professionals so they can help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience success, independence, and emotional well-being.
Outside of work, Willie enjoys building backyard water gardens and waterfalls. He has been riding on- and off-road motorcycles for more than 50 years and has spent 24 years as a Motorcycle Safety Instructor, teaching more than 4,500 riders basic and advanced riding skills.