Kohler ready to become new Allen County DD superintendent

LIMA — The Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities did not have to look very far to find its next superintendent.

Renee Kohler, currently the superintendent for the Auglaize County Board of DD, will assume that same position in Allen County Aug. 1, succeeding Theresa Schnipke, who will step aside after helming the board for nine years.

Kohler, who met with the public during an open house Monday, will maintain her position in Auglaize County, serving as superintendent for both county boards, serving two days each week in Lima and Wapakoneta, with the fifth day serving as a float day between the two. Her close proximity to both boards offers flexibility to meet whatever needs each board faces.

This appointment will serve as a full-circle moment for Kohler, who began her career in marketing at Marimor more than two decades ago.

“I worked in marketing and outreach at Marimor Industries, and I transitioned to a service and support administrator, or SSA, here in Allen County,” she said. “Theresa (Schnipke) was actually my supervisor at that time, and when a position became available in Auglaize County as an SSA, I went to Auglaize County.”

Kohler’s career path eventually took her to the superintendent’s position nine years ago, where she often worked with Schnipke since both counties are part of the same broader region when it comes to state DD initiatives and policy. Through that interaction, Kohler has seen how the Allen County board worked to serve the developmentally disabled and wants to continue the good work that has already taken place.

“I think they’re in a really good spot,” she said. “I know there’s solid staff and solid leadership, so that makes me feel really good and more prone to say yes (to taking the position). I feel that both counties have been through an evolution, and I think both are in a really good place to move forward.”

Along with helping Kohler transition into her new role before the Aug. 1 start date, Schnipke will continue to serve as an assistant superintendent to help complete the transition. Having a known commodity like Kohler taking the reins gives Schnipke a great deal of confidence about the board’s future.

“Renee is just the perfect fit with having previously worked here and having been the superintendent in Auglaize County for almost 10 years,” she said. “I think her commitment to people with developmental disabilities and her collaborative approach (are strengths). I think she has a very similar approach to what the board does in that we like to work collaboratively with our partners.”