New Board Member welcomed

The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities welcomed new Board member Jacquelyn Phillips last week. She was sworn in at the Jan. 11 Board meeting by Butler County Commissioner T.C. Rogers. Phillips is the Health Commissioner for the City of Middletown.

The Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities is comprised of seven members. The Board’s composition is varied: three members are required to have family members who are eligible to receive services from the Board, and four members are required to be from the community at large, representing the composition of the population of Butler County. Currently our Board has four members who have family members who are eligible to receive services from the Board. 

“In reviewing the strengths and skill sets of the Board members, we determined we did not have a member knowledgeable in the healthcare field, nor did we have a Board  member from the Middletown community,” said Lisa Guliano, Superintendent. “We are excited that Jackie wants to serve on our Board. Her depth of knowledge about Middletown will assist us in furthering our mission in that area of Butler County.”

Phillips is a Registered Nurse and Prevention Educator with more than 30 years experience providing the community with quality health education. She serves on other Boards as well, including the Centerpoint Health Board of Directors, Great Miami YMCA Board of Trustees, Family Children First Council of Butler County, Community First Solutions and the Middletown Arts Center Board of Governors.

Phillips’ first term will end December 31, 2021.

Also at the January meeting, Board Member Connie Sullivan was sworn in for her third term. She has served the Board for eight years; her third term will end December 31, 2021. Sullivan is a resident of Hamilton and has a family member who is eligible to receive services from our Board. She is involved in many parent groups and serves on the Board for Butler County Special Olympics.

“Connie brings a wealth of knowledge to our Board,” Guliano said. “I appreciate the balanced perspective she provides as a family member and a longstanding member of our community.”

Board President Tony Yocco from West Chester is serving his third term. Board Vice President Dr. Dale French from Hamilton is serving his second term. Board Recording Secretary Richard Meier from Fairfield is serving his third term; he has a family member who receives services from the Board. Board Member Laddie Henninger from West Chester is serving his second term; he has a family member who receives services from the Board. Board Member Jacqueline Rioja Velarde from Oxford is serving her second term; she has a family member who receives services from the Board.