Catholic Social Services Director Retirement Announced

(JULY 30, 2005) Ronald Eckerle, Executive Director of Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley (CSSMV), announced the retirement of Jean Dugan, the director of the northern office in Sidney, Ohio. Dugan, a resident of Miami County, has overseen the operations of the agency in Auglaize, Darke, Mercer, Miami and Shelby counties for more than a decade.

Dugan joined the staff of Catholic Social Services on St. Patrick’s Day in 1986 as a counselor. She served as a supervisor before being promoted to Clinical Director. The retiring director was promoted to the post of CSSMV Director of the Northern Counties in 1994.

Under her leadership, the agency has become a leader in the provision of senior services. PASSPORT, the program of the Ohio Department of Health and administered through the Area Agency on Aging –PSA 2, has grown to help seniors in rural areas and small communities. In the counties administered by Catholic Social Services, PASSPORT now provides in-home support and care for 855 Medicaid-eligible senior citizens. During Dugan’s tenure, she has also overseen the development of COMCARE Coordination and Caregiver Support which supports the maintenance of safe, independent home living for over 250 seniors from all socio-economic backgrounds.

In recent years, under Dugan’s leadership, the agency grew to administer the Residential State Supplement program to help developmentally challenged residents and participated in the Alzheimer’s Partnership. In addition, mental health services for troubled families and children, substance abuse counseling and prevention programs and parent education programs were introduced to help meet community needs. Dugan helped to create Parenting after Divorce Education and supported the Domestic Violence Coalition in Shelby County

“As an agency director, Dugan brought together a strong staff that will strive to continue her tradition of excellence and community service,” stated Eckerle. “We will miss her and hope to continue to receive her advice and counsel as a leader in the region.”

Dugan is a graduate of Wright State University with a BSN in nursing and Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling. Dugan is the mother of seven adult children and the grandmother of 13. Her late husband John Dugan was a Miami County Commissioner and founder of Benefits Analysis, a Troy-based health benefits firm. Dugan will assume the Vice-president/CFO post in Benefits Analysis. Her son, Brian Dugan, is the current President/CEO. In addition to her family and the family business, Jean Dugan hopes to increase her volunteer involvement in the community.

Catholic Social Services hosted a reception in honor of Jean Dugan on July 29. Over 100 area residents and dignitaries congratulated her on her service. Accepting an official citation from State of Ohio, Dugan expressed appreciation for her staff and stated, “I am confident that the good work will continue through the dedication of the staff of Catholic Social Services.”

Upon Dugan’s retirement, Lucretia Vonderheide, LSW, current clinical director for PASSPORT, assumed the position of Clinical Director of PASSPORT and Interim Director of the CSSMV Northern Office. Vonderheide has served in the PASSPORT program as case manager, clinical manager and supervisor since 1989.