Two longtime members departing Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities

STEUBENVILLE -- Two longtime members of the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities will wind down their tenures on Wednesday after a combined 34 years of service.

Board President Lorie Sullivan and Vice President James Morgan both completed their term limits on the board of directors but still have the opportunity to serve again in the future. Sullivan, who joined 16 years ago, participated as the parent of a School of Bright Promise student while Morgan, who has served for the past 18 years, was asked to get involved by JCBDD officials.

"As a parent, it's so nice that they have parents on the board," Sullivan said. "I've learned a lot on what it's all about."

The Steubenville-area resident added that there is information that parents may not be aware of which could prove beneficial, and her work on the board gives her the opportunity to learn how to help both students and adult individuals thrive in the community.

"There has been a lot of change and without ample leadership, these changes would not have transitioned as seamlessly as they have," she said. "Due in part to the superintendents who truly care, who have the drive and the ambition and make a difference and the creative energy that leads to new ideas to make it the best it can be. Our present superintendent, Mike Zinno, supplies the board with the best tools and abilities to govern good, competent decisions as a whole and for setting benchmarks for improving."

Sullivan also credited the staff and fellow board members as "the most dedicated, reliable and loyal people" she has ever known, saying they take their duties solemnly and know their responsibility to meet and fulfill the needs of people with developmental disabilities as well as their families.

"County boards fulfill a variety of important roles, and I truly feel honored and proud to have been a part of such an invaluable pillar of our community. I have all the confidence the future direction is going to be well maintained, and thank each board member for their dedication."

Sullivan said she was ready to go but still hopes to remain active in some form, plus she will have the opportunity to return in the future.

"I will try to stay as involved as I can and help with the Jeffco nonprofit," she said.

Morgan, who originally hails from New Martinsville but now calls Steubenville home, was approached by former JCBDD Superintendent Rick Pfannenschmidt about participating and has served as both president and vice president. He praised the board, administration and staff for their dedication to serving the developmentally disabled population.

"I served for 18 years, including half of an expired term and four terms myself," he recalled. "It was a natural fit. Watching how the staff interacts with our clientele, I have a great respect for what they do. They do a really good job of taking care of everyone and getting the Jeffco Center up and running."

He initially was unaware of what the board did but said he's received a valuable lesson in the many things they accomplish to support their clientele.

"I would like to compliment Mike Zinno and his staff and employees for doing a really good job. I had no idea what they did and I think the community as well doesn't understand the impact this organization makes. There is not a great understanding of all the processes that go on."

Following his departure, Morgan hopes to remain active in the community as he has done through the United Way and Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. He said it was time for a change and wished the board continued prosperity.

"I'm sorry to leave, but it's great to have some fresh blood and new ideas. It's good to have new people come in and I wish them well."

Meanwhile, Zinno had a few parting words and said the duo contributed greatly to JCBDD and the people they have served.

"It's sad to see both Jim and Lorie leave," he said. "As doors close, other doors are opening. They've been great board members and have done a lot for the program."

He noted that both positions have been posted and Sullivan's replacement will be appointed by Jefferson County Juvenile Court Judge Joseph Corabi while Morgan's successor will be named by county commissioners. The new members will take office in January.