Our Board
Laura Janson
Laura Janson is currently a stay-at-home mom. She was previously a teacher in the Jefferson Area Local School District. Laura has three school-aged children, two of which have Down syndrome. Her position on the Board allows her to have a voice in her children’s future.
Appointed by County Commissioners
3rd Term through Dec. 2025
Richard Suttell
Richard Suttell has a long history of working as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for youth in Geauga County. He developed an interest in helping individuals with disabilities to receive the services they need. Richard is a retiree from the human resource operations at General Electric and the military.
Appointed by Probate Judge
2nd Term Through Dec. 2024
Uschy Keiper
Uschy Keiper is a mother of one son and two daughters, one of which has developmental delays and autism, and has been receiving services from Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities for many years. As a stay-at-home mom, Uschy volunteered for the West Geauga Schools and has been a passionate advocate for individuals with special needs. With her background in public administration and mental health, she believes she is in a position to make substantial contributions to the Board.
Appointed by County Commissioners
1st Term through Dec. 2024
Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson has served on the Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (GCBDD) board since starting in 2013. He understands the importance that GCBDD’s services and support plays in an individual’s life. His son, Todd, is a client of GCBDD. Mark is committed to ensuring GCBDD continues to help individuals live, learn and earn in the community. Mark and his wife, Mary Jane, are members of St. Joan of Arc Parish and live in South Russell.
Appointed by County Commissioners
3rd Term through Dec. 2024
Martin Miller
Marty Miller is actively involved with the Amish schools, community and workshop. He is committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities in Geauga County. Marty is a father of two daughters who have developmental disabilities, and also has a brother and sister who have developmental disabilities. Marty’s position on the Board allows him to represent the Amish community and stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Appointed by County Commissioners
2nd Term through Dec. 2024
Dave Lair
Dave Lair is the father of two daughters and one son. He has seven grandchildren, is a Vietnam Veteran, and earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration from Lake Erie College and John Carroll University. Dave retired in early 2019 from a fourteen year stint as the Geauga County Administrator in the office of the County Commissioners, and served from 1988 to 2011 as Newbury Township’s elected Fiscal Officer. More recently, he was elected in 2019 to a six-month position on the Newbury School Board of Education prior to its merger with West Geauga School District, and is serving on a Newbury Township committee researching new uses for the Newbury School property. Dave’s younger sister was a Metzenbaum client from 1960 until her relocation to Florida in 1998, and both Dave and his late wife Yolanda volunteered at Metzenbaum earlier in their lives.
Appointed by County Commissioners
1st Term through Dec. 2024
Stacey Wilder
Stacey Wilder and her family live in Chardon. She is a mother of four and is connected to Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities though her oldest child, Joshua, who has autism. While many of Stacey's recent years have been as a stay at home homeschooling mom, she has served as a Guardian ad Litem with Geauga County Juvenile court and is currently a social worker at a maternity home in Mentor. Stacey looks forward to being on the Board and being part of advocating for the needs of the individuals served.
Appointed by Probate Judge
1st Term through Dec. 2025
David Welty
David Welty is a retired attorney, currently assisting the Geauga County Probate and Juvenile Court as the Director of its Help Center, helping persons before the Court who do not have legal counsel. He is a founding and current member of the Geauga County Citizens Circle, assisting individuals, who have currently been released from jail or prison, to rejoin our community, offering assistance on matters such as employment, housing, and transportation.
Appointed by Judge Timothy J. Grendell
1st Term through Dec. 2028