Update: What are you up to these days?

Don: I have been happily retired for a little more than two years. After leaving Hamilton County, I worked several years for AMS, a contractor with the State of Ohio. I also worked for the State of Florida running human services for much of the Central Florida area and running a large facility for people with severe mental disabilities. Last year, we did a major remodel job on our home so I am finishing up with that. My wife and I love to travel and usually go overseas somewhere as well as seeing our kids in NYC, California, and Ohio.

Update: What years did you work at JFS and what positions did you hold?

Don: I worked from 1987-2001. I served as director during that time. I did spend 32 years working in human services in Ohio starting as a caseworker and working through a number of positions in several counties.

Update: What was the secret to your success at JFS?

Don: I applied for the Hamilton County Director's job because Hamilton County JFS had the reputation as the one urban county in Ohio that did outstanding work. That is a credit to the outstanding staff that has worked there throughout the years. If I was successful, it was because I let staff do what they did well; serving the public. I tried to run political interference and was fortunate to have the support of good county administration and exceptional county commissioners.

Update: Who had the most profound impact on your career at JFS and why?

Don: Probably the person who was most helpful early in my career at the agency, was former Governor Bob Taft. He was one of the commissioners who hired me and was interested and supportive of human services, especially child welfare. A number of other commissioners were also influential in helping us set good public policy. David Krings, who was hired as the county administrator, was also influential and helpful. He brought professionalism to county government and helped to change the culture from a political one (Republican/ Democrat) to a professional one, where performance was stressed.

Update: What do you miss most about JFS?

Don: I really miss the people. I had a wonderful experience working with JFS staff, county administration, state JFS, and the outstanding private agencies who worked shoulder to shoulder with us, making a difference for our citizens.

Update: What is your favorite part about being retired or gone from JFS?

Don: I am glad not to have the pressures of child welfare, especially having to explain to the media and public why a child died who was receiving our services. Our agency continues to be held to a higher standard, the expectation being that we will always keep children safe. Those who work in the field know that they cannot always predict the behavior of a troubled parent or those who visit her home.
I also enjoy having the free time to travel, visit my grandchildren, and do the things that I enjoy. Living in Florida is nice, too.

Update: Any advice to current JFS employees?

Don: Yes, I remember once over-hearing someone ask a JFS employee where she worked. She hung her head and mumbled, "the county". The questioner was persistent until the employee finally acknowledged that she worked for JFS. She was clearly troubled and embarrassed about where she worked. My advice to JFS employees is that you should be proud of what you do and of your many accomplishments. Hold your heads up. Show the public that you are confident and that you deserve their support. Know that each and every day, each of you makes a difference for many. It is a blessing and a privilege to serve the public and disadvantaged in Hamilton County.