Director John Martin
John Martin’s broad participation in the developmental disabilities community encompasses the roles of a parent, advocate, and service provider, and informs his unique perspective as director since he was first appointed in 2007.
A parent of an adult son with disabilities, Martin served as executive director for nonprofit provider Sunshine Inc. of Northwest Ohio, and as the first executive director of its for-profit subsidiary, which provided software to other agencies in 18 states. Martin served on the board of the Ohio Provider Resource Association, better known as OPRA, and as a representative on the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities’ Family Advisory Council.
Martin’s tenure as director includes initiatives that champion greater choice and expanded opportunities for people with developmental disabilities in how they live, work, and spend their day. Under his leadership, the department has increased collaboration and communication with stakeholders and upgraded its technology infrastructure, which allows for improved data collection that drives decision-making, better aligns resources, supports program sustainability, and enhances strategic planning.
Originally from the Toledo area, Martin received a bachelor’s degree in special education from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in community psychology from Temple University.