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Board Members

Our board consists of seven members of the community. The county commissioners appoint five members and the remaining two members are appointed by the probate judge. At least three of the members must eligible for the services we provide or immediate family members of such people.

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Board meetings are held the second Thursday of the Month at 5:30 pm at the MCBDD Administration Building. There are no meetings in July or December. 

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2025 Board Meeting Schedule

Thursday, January 9th 

Thursday, February 13th 

Thursday, March 13th

Thursday, April 10th 

Wednesday, May 7th 

Thursday, June 12th

Thursday, August 14th 

Thursday, September 11th

Thursday, October 9th

Thursday, November 13th

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The Organizational Board meeting for January 2026 will be Thursday, January, 9th at 5:30pm.
 

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Ben Whitacre - President

Whitacre was born and raised in Muskingum County and went to West Muskingum High School. Benjamin graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Benjamin received his Juris Doctor from the University Of Miami School Of Law. Benjamin is an Attorney and Partner with the Law Firm of Micheli, Baldwin, Northrup LLP. 

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Robert Beitzel - Vice President

Beitzel is a lifelong resident of Muskingum County, where he graduated from Zanesville High School. He attended the University of Athens with degrees in Retail Merchandising and Business; then returned to Zanesville and gained employment at Ace Truck Equipment, a company his grandfather started in 1955. 

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Steve Haren - Secretary

Haren was born and raised in Muskingum County and is a graduate of Bishop Rosecrans High School. Steve attended Muskingum University and obtained a Bachelor's degree in Business. Steve is employed by with Park National Bank as a Vice President of Commercial Lending. 

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Tony Coury - Board Member

Tony Coury has been a lifetime resident of the Zanesville community. After graduating from West Muskingum High School in 1992, he joined the United States Marine Corps. 

Following his military commitment, he joined the Zanesville Police Department in 1991.  In 2016, Tony was promoted to Chief of the Zanesville Police Department. Tony retired in 2022.

Tony is active in the community participating in various clubs and organizations. Tony resides in the Nashport area and has two daughters, Allie and Grace.

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Drew Hansen - Board Member

Drew Hansen is a native of New Jersey. He grew up and attended school in the small town of Runnemede near Camden. During high school, he moved to Cambridge, with a transfer in his father's work. He graduated from Cambridge High School and The Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in biology and at a later time a master's degree as a school counselor. During his K-12 career, he taught science/biology at Maysville High School and served as school counselor at Buckeye Trail High School and Tri-Valley High School.  He is the father of three adult children and four grandchildren.

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Christopher Peddicord - Board Member

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Carol Hutchins - Board Member

Hutchins has been married for over 20 years and has 2 children. Carol's youngest adult son, Alex, receives various support services through the Board. She has a special interest in advocacy, mental health, and making a difference. Carol is employed at Genesis HealthCare System.

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Muskingum County Board of Developmental Disabilities

1304 Newark Rd Zanesville, OH 43701

T: 740-453-4829

F: 740-455-4183

Emergency On-Call 1-888-905-0787

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