The Program Director of OCALI’s Lifespan Transitions Center, Alex Corwin, has been selected to be the next Superintendent/CEO of the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities (LCBDD).

Corwin brings years of experience in many aspects of Ohio’s DD system to his new role, said LCBDD Board President David Doney.

“We are very excited,” Doney said. “Alex stood out from all the other candidates — they were all exceptional — but his enthusiasm for helping people with disabilities rose to the top. He has it in his background and his bloodline and we are really excited to have him come on board.”

Throughout his career, Corwin has worked as a residential aide, job coach, adult day services manager, service and support administrator (SSA) and SSA supervisor. He previously oversaw the Ohio Transition Support Partnership for Ohio’s Department of Education and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD), which promoted transition planning for students with disabilities.

In his role with OCALI, he led statewide technical assistance and professional development efforts for schools, county boards and state agencies.  He also developed tools and resources for the Ohio’s Employment First website and OOD’s new Pre-Employment Transition Services curriculum.

He has a master’s degree in public policy and administration from Ohio State University.

Board members were not only impressed by the variety in Corwin’s professional experience but by his exciting ideas and interest in getting to know the Licking County community, Doney said.

“He brings an enthusiasm to the job that I think is infectious,” he said. “I think what he is going to do now, and in the future, is make sure the people we support have what they need to be successful.”

Interim Superintendent Wendy Gorrell will continue to lead LCBDD until Corwin starts his new role on October 27.

Gorrell, who is the Superintendent of the Morgan County Board of Developmental Disabilities, has worked hard to guide LCBDD through this transition period, Doney said.

“We can’t thank Wendy enough for all that she’s done for LCBDD and the people we support,” he said. “We are so thankful that she has been in our community and kept things going in the right direction.”

Additional information will be shared in the coming weeks, including opportunities for families supported by the Board and community members to meet Corwin and welcome him to Licking County.

“Our (Board of Directors’) number one objective was to find someone who was going to be supportive of the people we serve,” Doney said. “That was number one and it will always be number one. We were all impressed with Alex and we can’t wait for him to start and lead LCBDD.”