Mark Schlater, CEO
Mark has a lifetime of experience in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) services. His passion for people with developmental disabilities began with a field trip to Orient Developmental Center in the late 70s and that visit sparked a passion in Mark to advocate for changes in the system of how we care for some of our most vulnerable citizens. Over his 43 years of service, Mark is credited with developing homes and services for individuals with IDD in 24 of the 88 counties in Ohio. He has been successful in developing and maintaining quality operations through outstanding organizational processes and problem-solving techniques. He emphasizes the importance of quality by being strategic in daily efforts. execution: quality is never an accident; “it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Social Services from Urbana University as well as his QDIP certification through Wright State University. He began his career as a direct support professional while attending Urbana University. For the past 10 years, he has been the CEO of Toward Independence located in Xenia, Ohio. He worked for 7 years as the COO for the Council on Rural Services, Inc., a Head Start and Early Head Start organization that serves nine Ohio counties, and he worked as a COO for 28 years at CRSI, a nonprofit organization serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.