Photo courtesy of: Dawn DeputyKevin Davis (right) was honored as the American Red Cross Workplace Hero during the Hometown Heroes event. Red Cross board member Josh Thomas (center) and CHSP Senior Associate Dean Sally Marinelli (left) are also pictured.
The College of Health Sciences and Professions (CHSP) was a key sponsor in this year’s Hometown Heroes Dinner for the American Red Cross of Southeast Ohio held Thursday, Oct. 11.
CHSP sponsored the Workplace Hero award, received by Kevin Davis, superintendent of the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities (ACBDD).
“CHSP’s mission involves educating students in health sciences and preparing them for leadership roles not only in their professions but also in their communities,” said Regina Schwartz, senior director of communications and marketing for the college. “CHSP is proud to help support an organization that saves lives such as the American Red Cross and we want to congratulate Kevin Davis and all of the Heroes.”
ACBDD Board President Margaret Demko and Assistant Superintendent Arian Smedley nominated Davis for the award.
“He embodies what it means to be a workplace hero,” said Demko in the nomination. “He has brought positivity and incredible inclusive change and done things in creative ways that no one really was expecting.”
Demko said that under Davis’ leadership, the ACBDD employees are more cohesive and Davis makes them more comfortable and empowered.
Among the accomplishments attributed to Davis is the removal of substandard minimum wage for employees with developmental disabilities — an innovative and impactful notion for the county.
“On behalf of the great people associated with the Athens County Board of DD, I was honored and thrilled to receive a Hometown Hero award last night from the Southeastern Ohio American Red Cross,” Davis said on social media after the event.
“No one is more deserving. He has worked so hard to make positive change at the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities,” Smedley added. “We were so proud to see him be recognized, and we look forward to more of his good work for years to come.”