Mansfield – Richland Newhope Superintendent Elizabeth “Liz” Prather has been named the interim superintendent for the Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities, effective Oct. 23. Prather will lead both agencies for a period of six months.
The Richland County and Crawford County DD Boards approved Prather’s appointment during meetings this week.
The Crawford County Board of DD is looking for a successor to Charles H. Frobose, who stepped down from the post on Oct. 2 after more than two decades with the agency.
“We view this agreement with Crawford County Developmental Disabilities Board as helping our neighbor, as well as an opportunity for Richland County,” said Richland County DD Board President Geneva Cummins. “We expect that by sharing a superintendent, even if for only an interim period, there will be an exchange of ideas and best practices between the organizations. In turn, this will enable us to provide even better support and services to the individuals and families in both of our counties.”
“The addition of Liz Prather as the interim superintendent of the Crawford County Board of DD is a tremendous boon to Crawford County,” noted Crawford County DD Board President Geoffrey Stoll. “We believe that Liz’s wealth of experience and enthusiasm will result in nothing but positive growth for our organization, and will serve to improve the quality of life for all whom our organization supports.”
Prather has been Richland Newhope’s superintendent since 2007.
Currently 15 county DD boards in Ohio share the services of seven superintendents on a permanent basis.
About 256 individuals receive services from the Crawford County Board of DD. The Richland County Board of DD serves around 1,750 people. Both agencies provide a wide range of programs and services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.