Greene County Children Services Executive Director, Dr. Rhonda Reagh, announces retirement

On July 30th, Dr. Rhonda Reagh, Executive Director of Greene County Children Services (GCCS), announced her retirement from the agency, effective December 16, 2009.

The GCCS Board of Directors will soon begin a nationwide search utilizing the Organization¬al Resources Group (ORG) to guide it through the executive search process. The selection process will include GCCS staff, as well as community partners and community members.

“I have loved working in Greene County for the last twelve years. The people are wonderful and the whole community very supportive of our mission,” says Reagh. “I want to say thank you for all of the support, friendship, and selfless acts of kindness that I have experienced as I have moved around the community talking about Children Services and our work. I can honestly say I have not encountered a person that did not believe child protection is a community responsibility.”

Dr. Rhonda Reagh brought over thirty years of progressive child welfare experience to the agency,  ranging from casework to administration on the statewide level.  During her professional experiences, she has held positions with Franklin County Children Services, Montgomery County Children Services, The Ohio Children’s Trust Fund, The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, and Wright State University. She has been the Executive Director at Greene County Children Services for twelve years. Dr. Reagh has published journal articles on child welfare workers’ life histories, holds a Masters and Doctoral degree in Social Work from The Ohio State University and is also an alumnus of Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government State and Local Executive’s Program.

“I believe in some ways our most challenging time is ahead of us with tough economic issues facing us all. Referrals to the agency are on the rise, as are placements, yet I feel I am leaving with the knowledge that we will all work together to make sure the safety net is secure,” says Reagh. “Thank you for everything you do every day to keep children safe, and please don’t stop! Kids need you more now than ever!”
Greene County Children Services is the county agency designated by law to provide for the care, protection, and placement of abused, neglected, and dependent children in Greene County. GCCS helps provide the support many families need to offer their children safe and loving homes. GCCS offers a spectrum of services from family assessment and support to temporary and permanent child placement through foster care, adoption, group home and independent living programs. Every day the agency  assesses reports of abuse or neglect, collaborates with other organizations that serve children in Greene County, and helps families meet the needs of our community’s most vulnerable children.