Our Board

Dave Lair

Dave Lair is the father of two daughters and one son. He has seven grandchildren, is a Vietnam Veteran, and earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration from Lake Erie College and John Carroll University. Dave retired in early 2019 from a fourteen year stint as the Geauga County Administrator in the office of the County Commissioners, and served from 1988 to 2011 as Newbury Township’s elected Fiscal Officer. More recently, he was elected in 2019 to a six-month position on the Newbury School Board of Education prior to its merger with West Geauga School District, and is serving on a Newbury Township committee researching new uses for the Newbury School property. Dave’s younger sister was a Metzenbaum client from 1960 until her relocation to Florida in 1998, and both Dave and his late wife Yolanda volunteered at Metzenbaum earlier in their lives.

Appointed by County Commissioners

2nd Term through Dec. 2028

Uschy Keiper

Uschy Keiper is a mother of one son and two daughters, one of which has developmental delays and autism, and has been receiving services from Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities for many years. As a stay-at-home mom, Uschy volunteered for the West Geauga Schools and has been a passionate advocate for individuals with special needs. With her background in public administration and mental health, she believes she is in a position to make substantial contributions to the Board.

Appointed by County Commissioners

2nd Term through Dec. 2028

Rebecca Bennett

Martin Miller

Marty Miller is actively involved with the Amish schools, community and workshop. He is committed to making a difference in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities in Geauga County. Marty is a father of two daughters who have developmental disabilities, and also has a brother and sister who have developmental disabilities. Marty’s position on the Board allows him to represent the Amish community and stay up-to-date on the latest news.

Appointed by County Commissioners

3rd Term through Dec. 2028

David Welty

David Welty is a retired attorney, currently assisting the Geauga County Probate and Juvenile Court as the Director of its Help Center, helping persons before the Court who do not have legal counsel. He is a founding and current member of the Geauga County Citizens Circle, assisting individuals, who have currently been released from jail or prison, to rejoin our community, offering assistance on matters such as employment, housing, and transportation.

Appointed by Judge Timothy J. Grendell

1st Term through Dec. 2028

Bill Mann

Bill Mann is a recent transplant to Novelty OH after spending several years living in the Cincinnati region. He and his wife, Melissa, are the parents and daily caretakers of their daughter, Sophia, who is 29 and receives services from Geauga DD. Sophia was born with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, a genetic syndrome with the hallmarks of certain physical, developmental and behavioral disabilities.

Bill works in advertising and marketing, but his most important perspective comes from being a parent navigating life with an adult child who has developmental disabilities. As aging parents, Bill and Melissa are focused on helping Sophia live a happy, meaningful life, while thoughtfully planning for a future where trusted supports play a greater role as they step back from daily caregiving.

Bill has been consistently impressed by the care, commitment, and compassion demonstrated by the Geauga DD and is grateful for the opportunity to serve on the board and give back to a community that has meant so much to his family.

Appointed by Probate Judge

1st Term through Dec. 2029