After a 34-year career in the field of developmental disabilities, with the past eight as Superintendent, Theresa Schnipke has announced her retirement from the Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities. 

Board President Tom Fleming commented, "Superintendent Schnipke has led the County Board through some of the most challenging times in the history of the Board. First, through many changes as a result of federal & state mandates, then the COVID pandemic and followed by a major workforce shortage in the field of DD. Through it all she kept the Allen County Board of DD in a positive position. Superintendent Schnipke has always kept the people that the County Board serves as her number one priority. I thank her for her dedicated service.”

On August 22 the Board will officially begin the director search process with the Ohio Association of County Boards. The board will select a person to work alongside the Superintendent at the beginning of 2024 and take the helm on July 1. This is the same transition process the Board is using to replace the long-term Director of Business, Martha Nance, who is retiring on April 3. The Business Manager successor is in place.

Schnipke said of her transition, "This has been the best career. I never intended to be a Superintendent, starting out as a case manager in this field many years ago; however, I have met and served alongside so many wonderful people. I am blessed to have had the opportunities that I have had here.  I have made a lifetime of memories in what I believe is the best career path anyone could take.”

The official search and posting for the position will begin on September 1, 2023.