In February, Superintendent Tom Armstrong, announced his plans to retire later this year and the Board began planning its search for his successor.  The Board began its search this spring and has recently announced its plans to expand its search efforts utilizing the services of an executive search firm.

“We are pleased that our initial search with OACB yielded a several very qualified candidates,” stated Randy Briggs, Summit DD Board president.  “We are confident that the use of an executive search firm will help identify additional prospects that will provide a more competitive interview process for all candidates.”

“Persons served by Summit DD, families, staff and the community deserve a leader that has the right combination of leadership ability, technical skills and cultural competency and the Board is committed to finding that person,” continued Briggs.  “Search firms have the expertise and network to assist the Board in finding additional candidates and assist with the interview, selection, and negotiation process for us so the Board and staff can focus on fulfilling the Mission of the Agency.”

The decision to expand the search should not affect the timeframe to select a successor.  “We are hoping to have a successor named by late summer or early fall,” said Briggs.  Armstrong has agreed to remain with the Agency throughout the search process.

Waverly Partners will be conducting the search on behalf of the board.  Waverly Partners has experience in CEO searches for several Summit County organizations including Akron Community Foundation, ADM Board, Greater Akron Chamber, Children’s Services Board and Stan Hywet.  A screening committee will conduct the first round of interviews early summer and the entire Board will participate in the final selection process that they hope to have completed by late summer, early fall.

“While I am pleased with the qualifications of some candidates we currently have, I feel that it is in the best interest of those we serve and taxpayers to leave no stone unturned,” said Briggs.  “From the beginning of this process it has been the Board’s goal to choose from the best two or three candidates and I am confident that the search firm and screening committee will give us that.”