Contributed BOARD CHANGES — Jim Padden has ended his 12-year term on the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities and is being replaced by Kristen McGlone, who made history as the first appointed member to be eligible for BDD services.

STEUBENVILLE — A change in leadership has occurred at the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities and marks the first time a member is also among those being served.

Jim Padden concluded his 12-year tenure in November, having fulfilled his term limit on the board. The position has since been occupied by Kristen McGlone, who is making history as the first board member eligible to receive services from the JCBDD.

Padden, a lifelong Steubenville resident, was recognized by the board and received an award of appreciation for his duties during a meeting on Jan. 16, and he was grateful to be part of it all. Although he did not attend his final session in November, he shared how much he enjoyed being a part of the “great organization” and he would miss working with them.

“I served three four-year terms with the board and it’s hard to leave there. They are great people,” he said, adding that he was interested in participating in the future.

He began his journey with the Jeffco Nonprofit Board that primarily collaborated with the former Jeffco Workshop. Padden mentioned that friends on the board informed him of an open seat, sparking his interest in getting involved. He served on that board for more than a decade before being approached by former JCBDD Superintendent Michael Mehalik, who invited him to join the JCBDD board. Padden soon realized the scale and significance of the organization’s operations.

“I did not know all they did there. I didn’t realize how large it was or how many people were served in Jefferson County,” Padden added.

He eventually held offices including secretary, vice president and president and was proud of the independent residences created around the county to help individuals thrive in the community, plus he commended the board for working to meet the needs of everyone they serve.

“It’s very hard to pinpoint,” he continued. “Whatever was best for the folks we were serving, they did it. I have been part of many positive changes that reflect our mission to ‘Build a Community of Belonging.'”

Padden said the JCBDD was among a variety of boards he served with in the community and members worked well together to achieve goals. Now he was leaving it in capable hands and spoke highly of McGlone as his successor.

“She’s making history, and I think it’s exciting that she’s a part of the board. She will give first-hand views.”

McGlone, a resident of Wintersville, attended her first meeting in January and was excited to make history. BDDs statewide are appointing individuals to their boards but she is the first for Jefferson County. McGlone is aided through the Service and Support Administration and has been active with the Jefferson County Special Olympics, where she competed in bowling, bocce ball, track and field and cheerleading and has earned medals and ribbons.

She has been a longtime advocate of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and her resume includes being part of a self-advocacy group at PALS Chrysalis Health in Mingo Junction and a statewide strategy conference, as well as DD Awareness Day at the Ohio Statehouse. She said she interviewed with JCBDD Superintendent Michael Zinno and board members and was pleased to be part of the panel.

“I love it,” she said. “(I wanted) to help the other board members. I’m the first individual to join the board meetings,” McGlone added.

She said she has been advocating for years and she enjoyed assisting with fundraisers and helping the people. McGlone also has some ideas she wants to bring to the table.

“I’m trying to get more housing and transportation and help people in wheelchairs so they have proper silverware to eat with,” she commented.