Those who know her describe her as passionate, energetic, committed, loyal, hard-working, and action-oriented. They say she is determined to make a positive difference, and that is exactly what Jody Demo-Hodgins, executive director of the Crawford-Marion Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services has done in our community. And now, after 40 years’ service in the behavioral health field, she is retiring.
Demo-Hodgins has been with the ADAMH Board since 1989 and became the director in 1997. She is a licensed social worker who holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) and a master’s degree in Health Administration. Prior to joining the ADAMH board, she served as an agency executive director and as a social worker with children and families for many years.
Judge Teresa Ballinger with the Marion County Municipal Court said, “I have worked with Jody in this community since 1980 when we were both social workers. She was with the Marion Adolescent Pregnancy Program and I was with the Marion City Schools. She has a heart the size of the moon and would do anything for anybody.”
Echoing those sentiments, Beverly Young, Executive Director of Marion Area Counseling Center said, “Jody’s genuine concern and compassion for persons and families struggling with a loved one with a mental health or substance abuse disorder defines her. She has used this compassion to bring awareness of these disorders to the community, she has written many grants to increase services, she has led coalitions to bring community partners together, and she has assisted in the development of so many programs to more effectively serve our community and its residents.”
Furthermore, according to Judge Robert Fragale with Marion County Family Court, “Under Jody’s leadership as Director of the Crawford-Marion ADAMH Board, our counties have developed as leaders in the effort to provide services to families dealing with the challenges presented by mental health and substance abuse. She has helped us realize that these problems affect all of us and can only be successfully addressed by a community-wide approach and open-minded discussion.”
Currently Demo-Hodgins is the co-chairperson for the Mid-Ohio Reentry Coalition. She has served on the Executive Council for the Ohio Association of Behavioral Health Authorities and was the organization’s president for state fiscal year 2009. In addition she served on a variety of state committees for both the Ohio Department of Mental Health and the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, before and after their merger. She is one of the founders of the Marion AIDS Task Force, established in 1990.
Demo-Hodgins has also been a board member for the Marion County United Way, Marion Free Clinic, Marion AIDS Task Force, Marion County Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the Boys and Girls Club of Marion. As a community volunteer, she has facilitated the Survivors of Suicide Support Group, which provides support to families who have lost a loved one to suicide. She acts as both a board member and an ally/mentor with the Marion Matters program, whose goal is to support people living in poverty through mentoring.
Apparently many who come in contact with Demo-Hodgins consider her a mentor. Jennifer Miller, Chief Probation Officer at Marion County Common Pleas Court, stated, “I can honestly say Jody has been my biggest mentor and is one of the hardest working individuals I know.” And Jacqueline Ringer, Executive Director of Marion County Children Services said, “High expectations are par for the course with Jody, but she is always ready and willing to provide support, guidance, and laughter.”
Also according to Miller, Demo-Hodgins has been an invaluable asset who has demonstrated a passion for the Marion community throughout her entire career. “Anyone who knows Jody knows she is a ‘doer’ and not a ‘talker,’” she said.
Richard Steele, Clinical Site Supervisor for Maryhaven of Delaware/Morrow/Crawford and Marion Counties, noted, “Jody has worked tirelessly at addressing the opiate epidemic in Marion and Crawford counties and has been responsible for increasing access to opiate detoxification services, Medication Assisted Treatment, opiate overdose education and Naloxone for community members and first responders.”
Ringer added that Demo-Hodgins’ expertise, leadership, and tenacity helped move the Crawford-Marion ADAMH Board and our community forward during some difficult and challenging times.
“Most importantly, though,” said Ringer, “She epitomizes empathy, love, and respect for others. It has been an honor and privilege to work alongside one of Marion’s strongest advocates and public stewards. Simply put, I am a better person because of Jody’s impact and I will miss her dearly.”
Many seem to agree that Demo-Hodgins’ impact on our communities may be difficult to measure, but for many people it has been life-changing. “I believe this is her legacy,” said Steele, “And for all of the staff at Maryhaven, we have been honored to be a part.”
Noting that her retirement is well-deserved, Fragale stated, “Jody should be comfortable with the knowledge she has left our communities far better than she found them.” Looking ahead, Young speculated, “There are so many things that Jody does tirelessly day in and day out that it is hard to fathom the impact her retirement will bring. She has been a true champion to the behavioral health field, and our community has been blessed!” Miller agreed, “I really hate to see her retire, but I’m excited to see what the future may hold for her and other roles she may possibly play in the Marion community.”
When asked what those roles might be, Demo-Hodgins said for now it’s being a Grammy to Andrew David Hodgins, 2, and Mackenzie Joanne Hodgins Pasch, 6 months.
State Senator Dave Burke best summed up Demo-Hodgins’ four-decade career: “Jody has been a thoughtful and passionate leader for both the counties and people she has served,” he stated. “Her shoes will be difficult to fill, but I wish her only the best as she enjoys more time with her children and grandchildren. Job well done.”
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