Recognizing Excellence in Service at OOD

Top left photo: Jerica Kruse, Southwest Area Manager; Jennifer Pitman, Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor; and Kevin Miller, OOD Director. Top middle photo: Sarah Jordan, Vocational Rehabilitation Program Administrator; Joanie Shell, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; Kanden V. Tolbert, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; Allison Meloy, Acting Vision Services Manager; Layla George, Accountant/Examiner 2; Kevin Miller, OOD Director; Taylor Hodges, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; Elizabeth Borders, Vocational Rehabilitation Caseload Assistant; and Lindsay Thomas, Vocational Rehabilitation Program Specialist. Top right photo: Angela Musser, Disability Claims Adjudicator, with her family. Bottom left photo: Kimberly Robertson, Senior Disability Claims Adjudicator, and Kimberlyn Price, Deputy Director of the Division of Disability Determination. Bottom middle photo from left to right and top to bottom: Shelly Burkhart, Accessible Ohio Specialist; Brianna Seth, Accessible Ohio Specialist; Janet Smith, Training & Event Coordinator; Tanya K. Vela, Accessible Ohio Specialist; Julia Wagner, Accessible Ohio Specialist; and Julie Z. Wood, Accessible Ohio Manager. Bottom right photo from left to right and top to bottom: Andrea Barr, Accountant/Examiner Supervisor; Kathy Brady, Accountant/Examiner 2; Janis Clark, Accountant/Examiner 2; Laura Gilmore, Accountant/Examiner Supervisor; and Patty Herdeman, Accountant/Examiner 2. Bottom row from left to right: Deanna Hoppert, Accountant/Examiner 2; Donna Rhoads, Accountant/Examiner 3; Carrie Waugh, Accountant/Examiner 2; and Stacy Wolfrum, Accountant/Examiner 2.

Service excellence is so essential to delivering OOD’s mission that the agency's guiding principles begin with those words: “In striving for excellence in service, we will…” At last week's annual Excellence in Service Awards & Employee Recognition ceremony, individuals and teams were recognized for exceptional contributions that stood out. 

 

Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation 

Jennifer Pitman, Vocational Rehabilitation Supervisor, was recognized for her exceptional leadership and dedication to creating a welcoming and results-oriented environment. Her efforts in organizing the Sinclair Community College Hiring Event showcased her ability to effectively coordinate and support stakeholders, ensuring a positive experience for job seekers and employers alike. Additionally, her innovative approach to improving internal processes and her commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusiveness among her team significantly enhanced service quality and responsiveness.

 

"I serve because helping people is all I’ve ever wanted to do. Even as a kid, I felt drawn to help others feel seen, heard, and valued. At this agency, doing this work, we not only help people, but we have the privilege of changing their lives forever!"

 

Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired 

The Independent Living Older Blind Team was recognized for their exceptional dedication by providing personalized support, often traveling long distances to ensure that older individuals received necessary assessments and services in their own homes. Their innovative approach in response to budget changes allowed them to maximize resources and effectively connect individuals with essential programs, showcasing their commitment to enhancing service delivery even in challenging circumstances. Through strong communication and collaboration across the state, they foster an environment where each team member is encouraged to excel, ultimately leading to positive outcomes for the individuals they serve. The team included Elizabeth Borders, Vocational Rehabilitation Caseload Assistant; Jené Conway, Vocational Rehabilitation Program Administrator; Layla George, Accountant/Examiner 2; Sarah Jordan, Vocational Rehabilitation Program Administrator; Gwendolen Lane-Harvey, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; Allison Meloy, Acting Vision Services Manager; Joanie Shell, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; Gina Strehle, Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; Lindsay Thomas, Vocational Rehabilitation Program Specialist; Kanden V. Tolbert, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor; and Taylor Hodges, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.

 

"We serve because we believe in a brighter tomorrow—where every person, especially older adults, is empowered to rise above barriers, live with independence, and reach their fullest potential."

 

Division of Disability Determination 

Angela Musser, Disability Claims Adjudicator, was recognized for her customer communication, personal responsibility, and quality work. She regularly works with her peers to prioritize work for the unit and share best practices for efficiency and quality.

“I serve to express gratitude and because it brings a sense of purpose and builds connection. I serve because of the positive impact to myself and others.”

Kimberly Robertson, Senior Disability Claims Adjudicator, was recognized for managing an extensive workload with care, providing assistance to the unit, and building strong working relationships with partners and claimants. She's adaptable, especially when changes increase efficiency and improve customer service.

“I serve because helping others makes my heart full. I don’t know where my family would be if it wasn’t for the opportunities the disability program gave us. I feel lucky that I now have the opportunity to help serve others through the very same program.”

OOD Support Teams 

The Accessible Ohio Team was recognized for the reach and impact of their work throughout Ohio communities. Since the program's inception in 2023, they have established more than 220 partnerships and trained more than 4,500 attendees. The team's dedication to collaboration, innovation, and quality has made numerous accessibility enhancements possible across the state. They have delivered several webinars focused on accessibility and launched the Accessible Ohio Conference & Expo, an annual event that not only builds awareness among Ohio businesses but also serves as an example of what accessibility and inclusion can look like for Ohioans with disabilities. The team included Shelly Burkhart, Accessible Ohio Specialist; Brianna Seth, Accessible Ohio Specialist; Janet Smith, Training and Events Coordinator; Tanya K. Vela, Accessible Ohio Specialist; Julia Wagner, Accessible Ohio Specialist; and Julie Z. Wood, Accessible Ohio Manager.

“We serve because we want to ensure Ohio is accessible and inclusive for everyone to work, play, and enjoy all our great state has to offer!”

The ride-hailing section of the Accountant/Examiner Unit was recognized for developing and implementing a new process that secures Lyft and Uber rides for participants who struggle to find transportation. They launched a Lyft pilot in the Southwest that was soon expanded statewide. And they're working with Uber to follow suit. These formal agreements with the ride-sharing services have provided more than 800 rides for participants to meet their employment goals. The team exceeded expectations on this new program while continuing to maintain their current duties at a high level of quality. The team included Andrea Barr, Accountant/Examiner Supervisor; Kathy Brady, Accountant/Examiner 2; Janis Clark, Accountant/Examiner 2; Laura Gilmore, Accountant/Examiner Supervisor; Patty Herdeman, Accountant/Examiner 2; Deanna Hoppert, Accountant/Examiner 2; Donna Rhoads, Accountant/Examiner 3; Carrie Waugh, Accountant/Examiner 2; and Stacy Wolfrum, Accountant/Examiner 2.

“We serve because it matters. It matters in the lives of the individuals we support and empowers them to have the tools they need to be successful in finding and retaining employment.  It matters in our own lives and personal growth to have that positive impact on others.”

Agency Service Honors 

The following individuals were honored at the ceremony for their service milestones. Congratulations for serving 40 years: Sherry Fath; 35 years: James Gears, Sharon Singletary, and Geoffrey Smith; and 30 years: Michelle Anderson, Denise Cantrell, Donna Carter, Barbara Cartwright, Michael Esker, Glenda Galloway, Gregory Harber, Deborah Hasselswerth, Tammy Havener, Debra Lorenz, Kimberly Luckhaupt, Christine Pirrone, Raymond Rhone, Tracy Thomas, and Jennifer Way.