Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities Superintendent and CEO Gloria Llewellyn, on right, welcomes Hannah Patterson as the first person with lived experience to be named to the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities. (Photo provided)

Photo provided

PATTERSON

Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities Superintendent and CEO Gloria Llewellyn, on right, welcomes Hannah Patterson as the first person with lived experience to be named to the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Patterson named newest member of Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE – History was made Thursday evening when Hannah Patterson of Martins Ferry was sworn in as the newest member of the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Patterson is the first person with lived experience to serve on the board of directors, marking an important milestone in representation and inclusive leadership.

Patterson, who has cerebral palsy, brings experience in finance and personnel administration to her new role. A graduate of Belmont College, she is currently employed as a Commercial Lending Assistant at Unified Bank. She has been active in organizing fundraising efforts and community service initiatives, reflecting her longstanding commitment to disability education and advocacy.

When asked about her interest in serving on the Board, Patterson stated, “I feel it is vital to have the opinion and perspective of individuals who know what it’s like to truly live with a disability.” She added that this appointment will allow her to continue advancing her passion for educating others on disability-related issues.

State law now requires appointing authorities to include at least one person with a developmental disability when making initial appointments or filling vacancies on county boards. Patterson’s appointment by the county commissioners fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Bob Quirk in December 2025.

Also serving on the County Board in 2026 are Joel Braido, president; John Rataiczak, vice-president; Shawn McKeen, secretary; and Barbara Pomaranski, Barbara Schramm, and Annette Wiater.

The Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities coordinates and funds services for children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy, and down syndrome. For more information, log onto www.bcbdd.org or call 740-695-7433.