The County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board welcomed a new board member during their July meeting. Jim Merklin was appointed by Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro to serve his first 4-year term as a board member. The Honorable Tom Teodosio swore Mr. Merklin in during the virtual call.

Mr. Merklin commented on his appointment, “I’ve seen and experienced the trauma that families go through when dealing with mental health or addiction problems, and recognize that there continues to be a significant stigma that these individuals have to deal with on top of their diseases. I am glad to be able to dedicate my time and resources to helping people in our own community reduce that stigma and work towards recovery.” Mr. Merklin is a partner at Bober Markey Fedorovich and has served on the boards of many local organizations through the years, including Community Support Services, United Way of Summit County, Leadership Akron and Goodwill Industries. 

Mr. Merklin replaces outgoing board member Joe Saporito, president of Consolidated Foods, who completed his second term on the Board in June. During his tenure, Mr. Saporito served as board chair from 2017-19.  The Board thanks Mr. Saporito for his service and looks forward to working with Mr. Merklin to forward the mission of the ADM Board.

The County of Summit ADM Board of Directors serve as representatives of the community through appointments made by the Summit County Executive and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. For a list of volunteer board members click here. The ADM Board is responsible for planning, funding, and evaluating a client-centered system of care for individuals and families who experience alcoholism, substance use and mental health disorders.