MOUNT VERNON — Ernie Fischer recently took over the position of superintendent of the Mount Vernon Developmental Center, succeeding Tim Elder, who held the position for the last 10 years.
Fischer most recently served the Ohio Department of MRDD as assistant deputy director, special investigations and enforcement, Division of Community Services, where he helped organizations meet guidelines and requirements for licensure and accreditation.
“Mount Vernon Developmental Center is a valuable asset to the department’s service system and to the community,” he said. “I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that this new position provides.”
In a farewell letter, Elder wrote that he wants to let everyone know how special working with individuals, staff, families and guardians at MVDC has been.
“Having the opportunity to be superintendent at MVDC has been a tremendously rewarding experience for me,” he wrote. “Staff members who care, and who are very compassionate and hardworking on behalf of individuals, make MVDC such a special place for them to live.”
Fischer succeeded Elder on March 1. Fischer said he is still learning the ins and outs of the position, and learning the center’s systems.
“I have spent the last several weeks becoming acquainted with the individuals, staff, families and facilities at MVDC,” he said. “It is clear to me that the staff takes great pride in their work, families are commited to making MVDC the best home possible their loved ones, and the facilities and resources here are among the best in the state.”
One initial concern, Fischer said, is working through current budget constraints being felt by MRDD, as well as a number of other state agencies.
“We’ll be looking at those budget issues,” he said. “That’s our initial, immediate focus.”
Fischer said he enjoyed his time in the central office and appreciates the hard work of all who have made the office successful. He said MVDC is a valuable asset to the department’s service system and to the community.
“I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that this new position provides,” he said. “As we move forward, my goal throughout this process is to listen to what people have to say, encourage discussion of ways to enhance our services, and to communicate as openly and effectively as possible, as information becomes available and decisions are made.”
Fischer said he is working with executive staff in the coming months to identify long-term, strategic goals at the MVDC.
“Our goal is to serve people in the MRDD community as best we can,” he said.
The MVDC is located on 310 acres on Vernonview Drive. It has about 220 residents in six living areas.
