After nearly 40 years working with individuals with developmental disabilities in both the public and private sector, Superintendent Debra Buccilla has announced her retirement for the end of February 2024.
Deb has served as the Superintendent for both Fayette and Highland Counties since September 2014. During her time in Fayette County, she had oversight of numerous changes and expansion in services. Significant strides were made in housing for adults, case management services, expansion in early childhood services including Early Intervention, Preschool Services and the Autism Diagnosis Education Program. (ADEP)
Prior to 2014, Deb served as the Chief Operating Officer for Alvis Inc. overseeing all programmatic services provided to both individuals with developmental disabilities as well to all special populations being served by the agency. Prior to this, Deb worked for the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities as a developmental center superintendent and an assistant deputy director overseeing all developmental centers in Ohio. As an advocate for individuals with disabilities, Deb has worked on a local, state and national level, to promote policy change to benefit those with developmental disabilities.
Deb was past president of the Fairfield County Board of DD, the past president of the Ohio Community Corrections Association and a former board member for Advocacy & Protective Services, Inc. (APSI).
In recent years, Deb received the Self-Advocacy Hero Award from the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council and the Ron Kozlowski Advocacy Award from Advocacy and Protective Services for her work in supporting statewide advocacy efforts.
Fayette County has benefited from her guidance and leadership over the past nine years. Deb’s passion for the field and ensuring individuals have the highest quality of care and supports shine through her work every day. Thank you, Deb, for your dedication and impact on so many over the years.