Professional Development
Professional Development is a core pillar of OACB’s work to support Ohio’s county boards of developmental disabilities. We equip board members, staff, and partners with the knowledge, skills, and leadership development needed to serve people with developmental disabilities in their communities effectively.
OACB offers a range of learning opportunities—including statewide conferences, leadership development programs, regional and on-site trainings, and online courses—designed to meet professionals at every stage of their careers.
Learning Series
The OACB 2027 Learning Series is a new approach to professional development that replaces the traditional Spring Conference with a series of focused, stand-alone learning events held throughout the year. Designed to provide flexible, affordable, and topic-specific training, each session will feature expert presenters, opportunities for networking and collaboration, and hands-on learning experiences tailored to the needs of county board professionals. Developed in response to member feedback, the Learning Series allows attendees to engage in meaningful in-person learning while reducing travel costs and time away from work.
Annual Convention
The OACB Annual Convention is held every fall in Columbus. This three-day event brings together county board members and staff from across Ohio for professional development, networking, and collaboration.
The Convention features keynote speakers on Wednesday and Thursday, more than 40 breakout sessions across at least 10 professional tracks, and general sessions on Friday. Attendees can explore a wide range of topics, share best practices, and learn new strategies to support people with developmental disabilities.
The event also includes the Annual Awards program on Thursday evening, recognizing excellence across Ohio’s DD system. As OACB’s premier professional development event, the Convention draws more than 1,000 attendees each year.
Executive Development Program
The OACB Executive Development Program (EDP) is designed for professionals pursuing leadership roles within Ohio’s developmental disabilities service delivery system, as well as those committed to strengthening services and supports for people with developmental disabilities.
Offered biennially in even-numbered years, the program provides a structured, cohort-based learning experience that combines in-person instruction, applied learning, and peer collaboration. Participants engage in a series of multi-day sessions held in Columbus, along with additional learning opportunities throughout the year.
Capstone Projects
A central component of the program is the group capstone project, which participants complete over the course of the program. Teams focus on one of the most pressing challenges affecting the system's sustainability and develop practical, forward-thinking solutions. Each group presents its work to peers and guests near the conclusion of the program. Successful completion of the capstone project is required for graduation.
Superintendent Leadership Add-on Track
Participants interested in advancing to superintendent roles may opt into an additional leadership track. This add-on includes a series of virtual sessions, as well as an optional leadership shadowing experience. Developed in partnership with the Ohio Superintendents of County Boards of DD, this track supports participants working toward superintendent certification.
Continuing Education and Certification
The Executive Development Program meets criteria established by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities for Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDUs). Completion of the full program also satisfies the advanced curriculum requirements for administrators, as outlined in Ohio Administrative Code 5123-5-03 (Superintendent Certification Standards).
SSA Summer Series
The SSA Summer Series is a four week long virtual professional development program for Service and Support Administrators (SSAs). Sessions provide opportunities for SSAs to deepen their knowledge of relevant topics, strengthen their skills, and best practices in supporting people with developmental disabilities. This program meets the criteria established by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) for Continuing Professional Development Units (CPDUs).
Presenters
Share Your Expertise with Ohio's DD Community
OACB is always looking for engaging, knowledgeable presenters to share practical strategies, innovative ideas, and proven practices with professionals across Ohio's developmental disabilities system. Whether you have expertise in leadership, service delivery, operations, advocacy, compliance, workforce development, or another topic relevant to county boards, we encourage you to submit a proposal.
Our educational programs are designed to provide timely, practical learning that members can immediately apply in their work. We welcome presentations from experienced practitioners, subject-matter experts, partners, and people with lived experience who can help strengthen services and support for Ohioans with developmental disabilities.
To be considered for an upcoming OACB conference or training event, complete the presentation proposal form using the link below. Proposals are reviewed on an ongoing basis and selected based on educational value, relevance to our audiences, and alignment with event needs.
For questions, contact Lauren Conrath (lconrath@oaacbdd.org).
Past Keynotes
Kristen Cox
Founder & CEO, Epiphany Associates, LLC
Nationally recognized systems-thinking expert Kristen Cox challenged attendees to rethink how complex systems achieve results. Drawing on her experience transforming Utah's state government and advising organizations nationwide, Kristen also shared the unique perspective she brings as a blind leader, inspiring attendees with practical strategies for improving outcomes, challenging assumptions, and leading lasting change.
Beth Ziesenis
Productivity Expert & Technology Speaker
Known as "Beth Z, Your Nerdy Best Friend," productivity expert Beth Ziesenis introduced attendees to practical technology tools that simplify everyday work. Her engaging keynote highlighted free and low-cost solutions to boost efficiency, improve collaboration, and help professionals spend more time focused on the people and work that matter most.
William Eggers
Executive Director, Deloitte Center for Government Insights
National government and artificial intelligence expert William Eggers explored how generative AI is reshaping human services. His keynote demonstrated how emerging technologies can enhance service delivery, support the workforce, and improve outcomes for people and families when paired with human expertise and thoughtful implementation.
Simon Tam
Managing Director, Deloitte LLP
Technology and innovation leader Simon Tam showcased real-world applications of generative artificial intelligence in human services, demonstrating how emerging technologies can streamline operations, support staff, and enhance services while keeping people at the center of decision-making.