Susan Koller and Mark Kendall will serve as the newest members of the Board of Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services (HCDDS). “Susan and Mark bring unique expertise and important perspectives to our Board,” said HCDDS Superintendent Leia Snyder. “We’re fortunate to have their valuable experience and voice as we continue providing high-quality support for people with developmental disabilities in Hamilton County.”
Susan Koller holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and a master’s degree in public administration. After working in public relations for more than a decade, she decided to focus on disability advocacy in 2018. Koller is Chair of the University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence for Developmental Disabilities (UCCEDD) Community Advisory Committee and is a member of the UC Health’s Timothy Freeman, MD, Center for Developmental Disabilities’ Virtual Patient and Family Advisory Committee. She also recently served on the Board for Disability Rights Ohio. Her other advocacy efforts include the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) and the Ohio Olmstead Task Force. Koller also enjoys spending time with friends and family, going on walks with her dog, listening to audiobooks, and relaxing in her downtime. “I’m honored to be appointed to the Board,” said Koller. “I look forward to continuing my advocacy work in this role and being a voice for those of us served by HCDDS.”
Mark Kendall graduated with a degree in Architecture from the University of Florida and is a LEED Accredited Professional. He is the co-founder and chief operating officer of EmpowerMe Living, a real estate company on a mission to change the housing landscape for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In his role, he oversees development and construction while working to ensure the company is set up to operate effectively and scale successfully. Kendall has six children, including a son who has Down syndrome and a daughter who was recently diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He lives with his wife, Emily, and children. “I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the HCDDS Board and am eager to lend my expertise to improving support for people with DD in Hamilton County,” said Kendall.
The Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appointed Koller and Hamilton County Probate Court Judge Ralph Winkler appointed Kendall.
At its Jan. 14 meeting, our Board selected Alan Abes as its next president. He has served on the HCDDS Board since 2018, most recently as vice president. Alan is a Partner with the law firm Dinsmore & Shohl, where he helps manage the commercial litigation practice and contributes to the firm’s diversity, pro bono, and recruiting efforts.
Other officers for 2025 include Teresa Hoelle, vice president, and Stephen Jones, secretary.
The HCDDS Board is made up of seven members, five appointed by the BOCC and two appointed by the senior probate court judge. Two of the commissioner-appointed board members must be immediate family members of individuals served by the agency, one with a family member eligible for adult services and one with a family member eligible for children’s services. One of the members appointed by the senior probate judge must be an immediate family member of an individual eligible for residential services or supported living.
