At its monthly meeting on March 23, the Board of Directors of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities recognized the recent retirement of 2 longtime employees. Also at the meeting, an Employment Navigator was named Staff Person of the Month, and an area recreation district was recognized for its partnership with the Lucas DD Children's Department.
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Special Recognition: Sylvania Recreation
When the Children’s Department of the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities was looking for community locations to host the Young Athletes program, they met the Sylvania Recreation Corporation, headquartered inside Tam-o-Shanter.
Special Olympics Young Athletes is an early childhood play program for children ages 2-7 of all abilities.
From the start, Director Rob Mahon and Athletics Manager Mellonee Hall were most hospitable, offering up some space at Tam-o-Shanter in Sylvania. With its spacious indoor area and family friendly atmosphere, our Young Athletes can practice foundational motor skills such as balance coordination and teamwork in a setting that is both structured and fun!
Tam-O has proven to be more than just a venue for these young athletes. It has become a place where confidence is now being built, friendships are being forged, and where our youngest individuals take their first steps toward lifelong participation in being active and playing sports. The families that are enrolled in the program have reported that they love the movement of the group and the opportunity to engage with peers and families in the community.
Sylvania Rec. has been an invaluable community partner to the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Through inclusive programming, welcoming spaces, and a shared commitment to accessibility, the organization has helped create meaningful opportunities for individuals of all abilities to participate, connect, and thrive.
Their dedication to collaboration strengthens our mission and enriches the lives of the people and families we serve. We are truly grateful for their partnership and for the positive impact they continue to have on our community. Thank you, Sylvania Recreation Corporation, we are proud to present you with the March 2026 Special Recognition Award!
Retirement: Nic Bruno
He said he joined the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities to provide stability for his family. But it was the Board that truly gained stability, security, and dedication to work that went on mainly behind the scenes but touched every person that stepped foot on a Lucas DD property.
Click here to watch a Lucas DD podcast featuring Nic
Nic Bruno joined the Board in 1998 as a Maintenance Repair Worker Substitute. He proudly looks back at that time and says that though he was a sub, he worked almost every day. It didn’t take long for management to notice his work ethic. He was promoted to Building Maintenance Supervisor, and eventually became the Capital Projects Manager, a role he dutifully held until his retirement in February.
He always put the needs of the organization first, taking great pride in being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars. Safety, of the buildings, of our individuals, of Lucas DD staff, was always his top priority. As needs and technology evolved over the years, so did Nic. Whether it was leading the implementation a top-of-the-line wireless security system that he could control remotely, or self-learning so many behind-the-scenes technical specifications and jargon, Nic consistently went the extra mile.
Beyond his technical and maintenance expertise, Nic is also known for his honest, thoughtful, and, let’s say, very direct feedback. If you ask for his opinion, he will share it respectfully and sincerely. He has never hesitated to advocate for what he believes is right, especially when it comes to ensuring quality work, successful projects, and most importantly, his crew.
Over the years, Nic has been much more than a supervisor to them and so many other people here. He has been a trusted confidant, a supportive colleague, and someone always willing to listen.
The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is deeply grateful for Nic’s decades of dedication to the Board, his strong work ethic, and the pride he has always taken in everything he does. We wish him the best in his well-earned retirement.
Retirement: Paul Miles
Paul Miles has been a vibrant and dedicated presence at the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities for the past 21 years. His recent retirement marks the closure of a truly impactful career.
Paul approached every role with the intent to help others succeed, and his presence, guidance, and energy will be greatly missed.
Staff that knew Paul from his days as a Service and Support Specialist said that what always stood out was his genuine commitment to the individuals he served. Paul developed strong relationships with those he supported, ensuring that their voices were heard. He deeply understood that every person has the right to live the life they choose, and he saw his role as one that helps them navigate decisions that supported their health, safety, and independence.
He was also a dedicated and fair union representative, taking his role seriously; advocating for staff while ensuring individuals continued to receive quality support.
When Paul transitioned to the Provider Supports Department, he brought that same passion for service to support our providers. Paul actively participated in committees to enhance the role of liaison and took great time and care to ensure that he was meeting the providers’ needs. He could often be overheard explaining a rule, offering guidance, or informing of a rule change. No matter the call, Paul ensured that the person on the other end knew they were important.
Paul’s sense of humor and larger‑than‑life personality made him someone everyone enjoyed being around—he always had a great story to share. Paul never met a stranger and was able to set you at ease with his genuine care and concern.
Congratulations on your retirement, Paul. The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities wishes you well as you start your next chapter; you’ve earned it.
Staff Person of the Month: Mark McKee
Mark McKee is an exceptional Employment Navigator and coworker. He has demonstrated an ability to go above and beyond for his clients through advocacy and creativity.
Mark has assisted many individuals obtain and retain employment, which has created a positive reputation among his colleagues in the Service & Support Administration Department as well as with individuals and their families.
He recently advocated for an individual to keep employment supports through Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. Mark reached out to the OOD case manager and the two of them worked together to adjust the job goal and ensure that the individual could keep their employment supports. The individual was able to keep their supports in place and successfully learned and retained a job.
Mark also does not shy away from additional responsibility for the team. In 2025, he stepped up and became a mentor for the newest and future members of the Employment Navigation team.
Just like his Dark Knight desk décor, which is widely known across campus, Mark’s creativity and dedication go above and beyond the expectations of his role. He is an asset to the ENs specifically and Lucas DD as a whole. The Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities is pleased to recognize him as the March 2026 Staff Person of the Month.