Board President

Stephanie Garrett has been a member of our Board since 2018 and is serving her second term as president. She is an active member of the Preble County community, She is currently President of the Preble County Convention and Visitors Bureau, a member of the Ohio Advisory Council for Aging, President of the Ohio Federation of Republican Women and teaching preschoolers at Tuesday School. On the state level she has served on (the) Ohio Republican Party, the Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities, and the Ohio Parks and Recreation Council. Stephanie volunteers her time in numerous organizations. Her greatest joy is her family, especially her grandchildren.

Board Vice President

Jodi Long’s involvement with the Preble County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Preble DD) dates back to when her youngest daughter was in third grade, reflecting her deeply personal connection to the organization. Joining the board on September 11, 2018, Jodi’s decision was driven by her desire to be actively engaged in supporting her daughters and advocating for the services they need. With two daughters with cognitive disabilities, Jodi is dedicated to understanding and enhancing the available services while advocating for the community’s needs.

For Jodi, Preble DD plays a crucial role in the community by providing invaluable opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible to its members. She believes the organization’s most impactful contribution lies in fostering an inclusive environment where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive. Jodi appreciates the unwavering support and passion demonstrated by the Preble DD Board, recognizing their collective dedication to improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities in Preble County.

Board Member

Jacob Andrew Kovach joined the Preble County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Preble DD) in January 2023, driven by a desire to actively engage with the community and serve others. Recognizing Preble DD’s pivotal role, Jacob believes the organization makes a significant impact by providing a voice and crucial opportunities for individuals with disabilities. He views the early intervention program and community outreach as particularly impactful, recognizing their importance in fostering inclusion and support for those in need within the community.

Board Member

Mike Blakeley is a native of Celina, Ohio, and moved to Preble County from Darke County not too long ago. As a person served by the Preble County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Mike takes great pride in his position as a Board Member, offering a unique perspective to the Board’s decision making processes. “My favorite thing is to serve on the County Board,” he says.

Mike grew up spending lots of time at his grandparents’ house in Celina, and in his earlier adult years spent 33 years on the radio doing segments on country music news and introducing songs. When not attending to the work of the Board, Mike enjoys going on field trips and eating out with friends.

Board Member

Eva E. Howard’s involvement with the Preble County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Preble DD) dates back to around 1989, reflecting her enduring commitment to service. Joining the board in 2009, Eva’s decision was fueled by her dedication to supporting individuals within the community. She believes Preble DD plays a vital role in overseeing services that enable individuals to thrive, ensuring they have the opportunities to live their best lives. Eva finds the most impactful aspect of Preble DD lies in its commitment to empowering individuals and providing them with the resources they need to flourish. After a year off due to term limits, Eva is delighted to rejoin the board, eager to continue contributing to the meaningful work of Preble DD.