We are saddened to report that Jerry Manuel, former director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, passed away on Feb. 12, 2022.

Prior to his service as state director in the 1990s, he served as superintendent of the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Director Manuel was instrumental in many advances in our field, working closely with former Franklin County Superintendent Steve Pleasnick and other counties across Ohio.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Manuel family.