EMPLOYEE NEWS

June 12, 2023

Director McElroy honored with Distinguished Service Award from Ohio State Alumni Association

Director Ursel McElroy was honored by The Ohio State University Alumni Association on June 5, when she received the Alumni in Government Distinguished Service Award during a ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse.

The award recognizes Ohio State alumni for careers of exceptional public service to the State of Ohio. As a proven leader with 30 years of experience in government, Director McElroy is well-deserving of this honor. A double alumna of Ohio State, Director McElroy is among just 33 Buckeyes to win the award since its inception in 2006.

In attendance for the ceremony were past winners and other fellow alumni, members of the Governor’s Cabinet and the General Assembly, and a few of the Director's close friends from her time as a student.

Several members of ODA’s Executive Staff were also in attendance. As part of the Director’s remarks during the ceremony, she thanked everyone who works at the Department of Aging for helping bring to life the vision of making Ohio the best place to age in the nation.

Click here to view more event photos!

What's New?

Promotions

Meredith Finley was promoted to the Assisted Living Manager position and returned to the Division of Community Living

Mindy Mauk was promoted to the Planning and Operations Manager in the Elder Connections Division

Congratulations to Meredith and Mindy!

What's Up?

Juneteenth

The celebration of Juneteenth as a holiday began in Galveston, Texas, in the 1860s. Now, many Americans honor this day throughout the country. It is a day of celebration and hope. And it is also a day to pay honor and respect to the many people who suffered greatly under slavery.

Many communities celebrate Juneteenth in a variety of ways. If you’re looking for a way to celebrate on your day off, please see this link for activities in Columbus, Ohio. 

Exempt Employee Development Fund Policy (HR-33)

The Department of Administrative Services' State Human Resources Division recently announced that the statewide policy for exempt employees’ use of Employee Development Funds (HR-33) will change effective July 1, 2023, to provide more flexibility and better support their professional growth and development.

This policy only applies to exempt employees. It does not apply to bargaining unit employees.

The revised policy combines the current $3,000 allocation for tuition reimbursement and $1,500 allocation for professional development into a single allocation of $4,500 that may be used for either tuition reimbursement, professional development, or a combination of both. The process to request reimbursement will remain the same.

In addition, effective July 1, 2023, the policy will allow exempt employees to submit reimbursement for one annual certification or license and one annual professional membership. Again, this change is only applicable to employees exempt from collective bargaining.

For more information, view this Statewide Policy document.

EEO Awareness and Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Must Be Completed by June 30

You are required to complete this training if you’re an ODA employee, even if you’ve taken it before May 8 when it was issued.

As of June 1, only 37% of ODA employees have completed this training.

Make it a priority, and don’t wait until the last minute. More state employees trying to access the training at the same time means a greater potential for video lagging and errors to occur.

To get to the training go to: Ohio Learn > My Training > My Statewide Training > My Statewide Learning Plans 

FINAL DAYS: 2023 Operation Feed Campaign: Ends June 16

Division Teams Competition: Who Will Have the Highest Participation Rate?

Will it be:

• Team DCL and ACD?
• Team BELTSS, Communications, Executive, and HRD?
• Team ISD and ECD?
• Team Fiscal, Ombudsman, and Legal?

Teams have until Monday, June 19 to submit proof of donations to HRD_Cal@age.ohio.gov.



Remember, the winning team will receive special recognition at the July Town Hall, as well as a special prize.

Professional Development Program Use Form

If you’ve used the $1,000 professional development money since May, please remember to complete the training logging form.

ODA Wellness Wednesdays! Please join us Wednesday, June 28 12-12:45 p.m.

Goal: to promote health & wellness activities, connect, and encourage engagement.

What: quarterly themed challenges coupled with monthly report out sessions.

When: 45-minute Wellness Wednesday meetings on the last Wednesday of every month.

How: Share it! This quarter’s challenge: It’s all about YOU. What inspires you? What brings you joy? Come share your story (pictures welcome). 

Why: receive TCLW updates, achieve wellness goals, share, and inspire.

Please RSVP to Eric Miller, emiller@age.ohio.gov. We look forward to seeing you on the 28th!

About 30 ODA staff attended our May Wellness Wednesday, which was held hybrid, both in person and virtual. Staff shared their own personal health and wellness activities and journeys, as well as some great pictures! We hope you can join us for June's Wellness Wednesday!

What About You?

2023 Elder Abuse Awareness Day Conference

In observance of Ohio’s 2023 Ohio Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Ohio Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Commission will present a daylong conference. Please mark your calendar for Wednesday, June 28.

If you are using your $1,000 of professional development funds, you only have until Friday, June 16, to submit your purchase requisition and have your payment card holder register you!

Click here for more information