Executive Director Dr. Ronald Eckerle Planning Retirement in 2006

(December 28, 2005) - When Kentucky native, Ronald Eckerle, left Chicago’s Loyola University to enter the doctoral program at the School of Social Work at the Ohio State University, he and his wife Kathryn did not expect to become life-long Buckeyes. But after leading the Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley for more than thirty years, his legacy of service and his personal ties to Ohio are well-rooted. But now, he is planning to retire and perhaps take time to go south a few more days each year.

“I have much to do in the coming year,” cautions Dr. Eckerle, recognizing that his 2006 schedule has only intensified with meetings and conferences. He currently is supervising building projects and actively leading numerous advocacy and policy review groups, locally and nationally.

“But amidst my busy schedule, and after thirty years, it is time for me to announce my plan to retire,” explains Eckerle. He will finalize his retirement after two current capital projects are completed: the construction of the new CSSMV Center for Families and the renovation of the agency’s daycare. Both are scheduled for completion during the summer of 2006.

Eckerle enjoys witnessing the growth of Catholic Social Services. During his tenure, he has seen the agency grow to serve 25,000 individuals each year with services expanding in eight counties throughout the Miami Valley.

Among the social service programs he has helped to introduce within the Miami Valley include PASSPORT (a senior case management system now sponsored state-wide by the Ohio Department of Aging), A Chance to Grow, Teen ParentLink and Erma’s House Supervised Visitation Center. During his tenure, adoption, mental health, pregnancy counseling, senior care and refugee resettlement services have expanded services.

Eckerle has earned numerous awards, including the Life Time Achievement Award and the 1987 Social Worker of the Year Award from the Ohio Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. He has served on 11 boards and policy committees, including leadership roles in United Way of Greater Dayton, Mercy Siena Woods, Family Advocacy Coalition and Catholic Charities USA.

The process to identify the next director will begin with formation of a search committee during the first quarter of 2006. Representatives of the CSSMV Board of Trustees will work closely with Dr. Eckerle to carefully establish a succession plan and timetable. As this process begins, the current director still expects to have one of his busiest and most exciting years.