Cuyahoga County Welcomes Two New Members to Developmental Disabilities Board

On February 12, 2026, the Cuyahoga County Council officially confirmed the appointments of Dennis Roberts and Derek Topola to the Board of the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD). This move comes as part of the county's continued efforts to enhance the representation and involvement of individuals with developmental disabilities within its governing bodies.

Dennis Roberts takes the place of Lisa M. Hunt, who has been a dedicated board member for three terms, while Derek Topola succeeds Mozelle T. Jackson, who also served two terms on the board. Notably, Topola’s appointment is significant as it contributes to making Cuyahoga DD the largest county board in the state to have two members who directly receive services from a developmental disabilities board.

The Importance of New Perspectives

Dr. Amber C. Gibbs, the Superintendent and CEO of Cuyahoga DD, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the unique perspectives that both Roberts and Topola will bring to the board. She noted, “Dennis’s perspective as a parent of a young person with disabilities and Derek’s perspective as a person who receives Cuyahoga DD services will be invaluable as we continue to deliver on our mission of supporting and empowering people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, work, and play in our community.”

Derek Topola shared his sentiments about the appointment, emphasizing that he aims to be a representative voice for the developmental disabilities community, advocating for perseverance and hard work. As he stated, “I hope to be a voice for the DD community and to serve as a reminder that when you put your mind to something, you can accomplish it through hard work and determination.”

Profiles of the New Board Members

Dennis Roberts

Roberts serves as the Chief Strategy Officer at the Cuyahoga Land Bank, where he plays a critical role in formulating initiatives that promote community growth. With a professional background as a licensed attorney and real estate agent, he brings a wealth of legal knowledge and development experience to the board. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Roberts is deeply committed to community service and currently serves as a board member of Solutions at Work (SAW), a nonprofit organization that focuses on providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. His daughter, Morgan, who has a developmental disability, inspires his dedication to advocating for inclusive development.

Derek Topola

Topola is currently a substitute teacher for the Independence and Brecksville-Broadview Heights School Districts and serves as a National Core Indicator (NCI) Surveyor at The Ohio State Nisonger Center, contributing to efforts aimed at improving services for individuals with developmental disabilities. In his role as President of the Leadership Council for Cuyahoga DD since 2023, Topola works alongside various departments to ensure that the voices of individuals living with disabilities are heard in shaping programs and initiatives that impact their services. His proactive involvement in advocacy groups underlines his commitment to improving accessibility and inclusion within the community.

Cuyahoga DD's Mission and Goals

Cuyahoga DD's mission involves empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives in their communities. Serving approximately 15,000 residents from birth through adulthood, the board primarily operates under funding from a property-tax levy, last approved by voters in 2005. This continued commitment aims to support community inclusion, enhance services, and elevate the quality of life for those with developmental disabilities. For more information about the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, visit CuyahogaDD.org.