Phill Kirk doesn’t get nervous when he’s speaking in public.

Over the last few years he’s had lots of practice — testifying at the Ohio Statehouse and sharing his experiences around the state as an Ohio Tech Ambassador.

Now Kirk, a Heath resident, has a new opportunity to make his voice heard as a board member of the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities (LCBDD.)

“I feel proud, I hope I can be a voice for people who might not have a voice,” Kirk said. “I consider this an honor.”

Each county board in Ohio is run by seven board members — five appointed by county commissioners and two appointed by the county’s probate judge. Board members’ responsibilities are outlined in the Ohio Revised Code and involve approving the board’s annual budget, hiring its superintendent/CEO and setting board policy.

Since county boards were established in 1967, three out of the seven board members have always been required to be either people supported by that board, or family members of people who receive services.

Ohio has many dedicated family members, who are great assets to their local boards, said Jason Umstot, Superintendent/CEO of LCBDD.  But over the past few years, Ohio advocates have emphasized the need for more people who receive services to become board members and worked to strengthen language in the Ohio Revised Code.

As part of that change, as of July 1, 2025, every county board in Ohio will be required to have someone who receives services as a voting member.

With two long-time members completing their terms on LCBDD’s board at the end of December, Umstot felt it was the right time to meet with potential candidates that he could recommend to the commissioners for appointment.

Kirk stood out because of his advocacy and leadership experience, Umstot said.

“When you think about our board members and their contributions to our mission, having someone supported by LCBDD and hearing their thoughts about what we do is extremely important,” Umstot said. “Phill is going to be a wonderful addition to our already strong board and I look forward to working with him.”

Kirk, who has low vision, has received support from LICCO, a local DD service provider, for many years.

In March of 2023, he was invited to testify alongside LICCO to the Ohio House Finance Subcommittee on Health and Human Services — one of many people with disabilities advocating for higher wages for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs.)

He has also worked closely with his LCBDD Service Coordinator to explore ways assistive technology could help him gain more independence.

He’s had so much experience with adaptive phone apps and smart home technology that he was chosen to be the first Ohio Tech Ambassador from Licking County in 2024.

Ohio has 14 Tech Ambassadors who do in-person and virtual events around the state, sharing their experiences with assistive tech to inspire others with disabilities to explore different options.

Closer to home, Kirk has been a support to LCBDD service coordinators and a cheerleader for others with disabilities, encouraging them to explore tech.

He is also a board member for the Aktion Club of Licking County and is active in his church.

With support from the current board, Umstot submitted Kirk’s application to the Licking County Commissioners. He was sworn in on Dec. 19 and will officially start his four-year term in January.

“I was excited to find out I was chosen,” Kirk said. “(The board) has been a big part of my family and my life and this is an opportunity to give something back to the community.”