Our Board

Board Role

Members of the Marion County Children Services Board (MCCSB) are responsible for defining the mission, goals, and scope of the agency’s programs and services. This process encompasses the requirements set forth in the Ohio Revised Code and Ohio Administrative Code. The agency mission, purpose, and services is defined and maintained in such a way as to meet the needs of the community and the population which is served by the agency.

MCCSB is responsible for formulating agency policy and maintaining such policies in accordance to the standards of best practice. MCCSB provides financial oversight to ensure sound financial practices, structure, and staffing for the agency’s purpose and programs. Oversight is also provided to ensure that the agency’s policies and performance uphold the interests of clients. Specifically, such oversight is provided to support the agency in accomplishing defined goals and objectives towards the prevention, identification, and protection of abused, neglected and dependent children.

Board Members

General Committee Structure

The MCCSB has two standing committees to assist in the performance of its duties in which each MCCSB member will belong to at least one. These two committees (Executive and Finance) have specifically defined duties for reporting to the MCCSB.

Executive Committee

This committee is charged with working directly with the executive director in the role of appointed leadership of the MCCSB. The committee will assist the executive director in making strategic decisions, disseminating information, and facilitating MCCSB action.

Rev. John Peterson – Board Chair
Dr. Henry Heinzmann – Board Vice Chair
Ellen Bryant Messenger – Secretary
Staci Thomas

Finance Committee

This committee will assist in determining, in conjunction with the executive director, an annual budget sufficient so that the agency can provide programs and services necessary to address community needs. Along with assessing and projecting expenditures and the collection of revenue, the Finance Committee will provide financial oversight by reviewing the agency’s financial records to ensure compliance with budgetary parameters and accepted accounting practices.

Ellen Bryant Messenger – Finance Committee Chairman
Marianne Bailey
Jolene Carter
Shawn Jackson

Ad-Hoc Committee

Assigned as needed

Board Meetings

Regular meetings are scheduled at noon on the third Friday of each month. All meetings will are held at Children Services unless otherwise noted. The MCCSB may re-schedule or at the call of the chair, may meet at another time or location provided such meetings meet the criteria in Ohio Revised Code 121.22.

2020 Board Meeting Schedule

*December meeting may be held at a time and/or location different than stated above. Proper notification will be given.

Public Participation

The MCCSB recognizes the value of public comment on child protection issues and the importance of allowing members of the public to express themselves on child protection matters of community interest. In order to permit the fair and orderly expression of such comment, the MCCSB provides a period for public comments at each regular meeting. The agenda for each meeting shall include an opportunity for public comment. Individuals wishing to address the MCCSB will be requested to follow the procedures outlined in the Public Participation at MCCS Board Meetings policy.