This article is included in our Summer 2022 newsletter!

Recently, we set a strategic goal to find new, diverse, qualified individuals to serve on our Board of Directors. We are excited to officially announce our two newest board members, Kylea Davis and Michael Hurtt!

Kylea Davis

As a young professional, Kylea has worked within the local, state and federal government in a variety of roles, including her most recent role as a Field Representative in a Congressional Office. In addition to her professional experience, Kylea is completing her Master’s in Public Health at The Ohio State University with a focus on population health leadership and management.

Kylea was first introduced to us during a recent open house at Open Door Art Studio & Gallery. She saw joining the board as an opportunity to use her professional experience and personal passion to have an impact on the community.

Kylea has first-hand experience watching families, friends, and individuals navigate residential and adult day services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“I hope to increase community support, awareness, and integration through cultivating community relationships and opportunities to support our individuals,” said Kylea.

She lives in Central Ohio with her fiancé, Nazar, and their two cats.

Welcome, Kylea!

Michael Hurtt

Previously, we had only been seeking members from external sources to join our board. But three years ago, we added a family member of an individual we support to the board. 

Individuals from our Advocacy Committee said, “It’s cool that you have somebody that’s a family member but sometimes our voices differ from our family in what we really feel is important.” And that really hit us: Why do we not have somebody on the board that receives services?

We’re proud to announce that Michael Hurtt, an individual we support in our SCL program, has officially joined our board!

He will be an active voting member—his voice equal to any other—and that’s something that was very important to us.

“Michael is a great fit for our board because he has experience working in a team; he used to be on the Human Rights Committee at the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities (FCBDD),” said Gretchen VanNatta, Social Services Director. “He is not afraid to speak his mind and he is a good listener. He will ensure that the ideas from our advocacy group are passed over to the board.”

Michael attended his first board meeting in May and is excited to work as a liaison between our Advocacy Committee and the board.

Welcome, Michael!