Randy Cottis, center, has long served the community in the realm of behavioral health and now has joined the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities as business manager. With Cottis is JCBDD Superintendent Michael Mehalik, left, and Assistant Superintendent Michael Zinno. — Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Randy Cottis has long served the community in the realm of behavioral health, and now he’s joined the ranks of the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities as its new business manager.

Cottis, of Wintersville, began his new duties on March 13 after serving in the behavioral health field for a quarter-century. He was chief operating officer for Jefferson Behavioral Health for 23 years and said his career began in case management but grew to include information technology work and supervisory and administrative positions.

Cottis then spent the past two years as program coordinator in the behavioral health/addiction recovery unit with Trinity Health System.

His responsibilities at JCBDD include coordinating, monitoring and managing fiscal activities such as budgets, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, grants, purchasing, contracting and Medicaid billing.

Cottis said he still is learning the ropes but enjoys being part of the organization.

“I am carrying on what (Assistant Superintendent) Mike Zinno’s done over the years and deal with the budget,” he said. “I love it here. I think it’s a close-knit family. The staff seems to work closely toward a common goal of helping the people we serve.”

Cottis earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Akron and his master’s degree in health administration from Ohio University.

“I wanted to get more into the administrative level of health care,” he said. “With the ongoing changes in health care, I wanted to be on top of it and benefit the consumers so they get the care they need. I think I’ve learned very quickly because it’s a great organization and a great leadership team. There are great things for the consumers being served, from the school all the way through adult services, and the board also wants the best for the community.”

JCBDD Superintendent Michael Mehalik welcomed Cottis into the fold.

“Randy has a great deal of experience in the social services field that will be beneficial to the board. His understanding of the Medicaid system, general finances, technology and planning will serve him well in his new position,” Mehalik said. “He also has an extensive background in working with many of the agencies that our program interacts with on a regular basis.”