MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—The Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities (MCBDD) has welcomed a new board member, David Akers, who filled an unexpired term ending in December 2024. The county commissioners reappointed Akers in November, and he will serve through December 2028.
Akers makes history as the first appointee to the Board of Directors who is also served by the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
“We are thrilled to welcome David as our first service-eligible member on our Board of Directors. Gathering unique perspective from someone with lived experience is invaluable to our agency and can only strengthen our mission and guide us in a supportive and proactive direction toward improvement,” said Superintendent Cheryl Plaster.
Akers, a Marion County resident, has received MCBDD services since 2020. He has first-hand knowledge of the developmental disabilities system through his experience with his transportation and adult day services provider and working closely with his Service and Support Administrator (SSA) on goals and plans for his future.
Akers graduated from Ridgedale High School and attended some classes at Ohio State Marion before a car accident left him with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). He is excited to serve as a board member to help guide developmental disability strategies and long-term plans.
“People have been helping me my entire life. Serving on the Board feels like a great opportunity to give back,” Akers said of his board appointment.
The Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities has seven seats, with five members appointed by the Marion County Commissioners and two by the Marion County Probate Judge.
In his free time, Akers enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing board games, reading, walking, playing video games, and hanging out with his dog, Nutmeg.