Demo-Hodgins retires from ADAMH

MARION - Quite possibly the greatest advocate for those suffering from mental illness and drug and alcohol addiction in Marion and Crawford counties has retired.

Jody Demo-Hodgins, executive director of the Crawford-Marion Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services, worked her last day Friday after 27 years with the agency and 40 years altogether in the social services field.

"I have worked in some way, shape or form since I was 13, like most people," Demo-Hodgins said. "It'll be interesting to see what happens on Monday when I don't get up and go to work, but I know I will figure it out."

Associate Director Brad DeCamp has been elevated to the executive director position. He begins his tenure Monday.

"Brad will be a wonderful leader for our communities," Demo-Hodgins said.

Demo-Hodgins' career with ADAMH began in 1989 and she was promoted to executive director in 1997. She and her family have called Marion home since 1978.

"I'm a social worker by background, educationally and at heart," Demo-Hodgins said after being named recipient of the 2015 Athena Award by the Marion Women's Business Council. "This is my community. I'm driven to improve what I can, the little pieces that I can contribute to or improve. I think that is in part what drives me. We are so fortunate in Marion to have a spirit of collaboration."

In addition to her work at ADAMH, Demo-Hodgins has worked with the Mid-Ohio Ex-Offender Reentry Coalition and Ohio Association of Behavioral Health Authorities. She served on the boards of United Way, Marion Matters, Inc., Marion Community Health Clinic, and the Boys & Girls Club of Marion County. She works with Teen Institute and helps recovery support groups and suicide prevention programs. She co-founded the Marion AIDS Task Force and chaired the STAND Coalition and Marion's opiate task force.

Even though she's retiring, don't expect Demo-Hodgins to disappear from public life.

"I'm going to volunteer for the clean needle exchange program," she said. "I'm definitely going to volunteer at one of the Marion City Schools. My kids are both graduates of Marion City Schools and I am a believer that one of the things we can do to help kids is give them caring adults."

Demo-Hodgins was honored by the ADAMH board during a reception Thursday. Those in attendance praised her for her leadership and devotion to the community.

"We're standing here looking at the great number of awards that she's received over the years and I think that just speaks volumes about what she's done in leading the organization and providing the foundation for years to come," said ADAMH board member Don Stone. "I don't know how many people have been assisted through the ADAMH board and her efforts, but a lot of people owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to her."

Beverly Young, executive director of Marion Area Counseling Center, Inc., said there is no adequate way to measure Demo-Hodgins' contributions.

"Jody has been a true blessing to our community," Young said. "I don't think that we will understand all that she has done for us until we see her not here. She's been phenomenal. She works tirelessly day in and day out to help the community understand both mental health and addiction issues."

Jacqueline Ringer, executive director of Marion County Children Services, said Demo-Hodgins' leadership will be missed.

"Most importantly, though, she epitomizes empathy, love, and respect for others," Ringer said. "High expectations are par for the course with Jody but she was always ready and willing to provide support, guidance, and laughter. ... Simply put, I am a better person because of Jody’s impact and I will miss her dearly."

eacarter@gannett.com

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