GLORIA LLEWELLYN

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Gloria Llewellyn has been named new superintendent of the Belmont, Harrison and Noble County Boards of Developmental Disabilities.

A proven leader with 30 years of experience in the developmental disabilities field, Llewellyn, a Steubenville resident, was hired as director of operations for the BHN Alliance in 2017, became the assistant superintendent in 2020 and was named transitional superintendent in 2023. She replaces Steve Williams in that role.

The BHN Alliance shares 10 administrative functions, including superintendent, SSA, early intervention and human resources.

Before coming to the county boards, Llewellyn served for five years as executive director for ResCare Inc., a provider of home and community-based services for people with disabilities.

Her career in the DD field began when she answered an ad to support a young girl with Down syndrome while she was a student at Penn State. The mother had recently died, and the father needed help rearing three small children.

“The father put so much faith into me and others to care for and support his children while he worked, often on overnight trips,” Llewellyn said. “I really enjoyed the family dynamics and realized early on that I was a member of their family.”

After earning her bachelor’s degree in psychology, Llewellyn left the field for nine months, but returned.

“I really liked the closeness that comes from helping connect people to what they need and want and forming relationships,” Llewellyn said.

She obtained a master of education degree from Youngstown State University and held various positions at ResCare, including behavior specialist, before becoming executive director.

Llewellyn said that effective leadership involves challenging people to think differently and be open to the possibility of change.

“I want the people we support to receive fantastic services and employees to thrive, while ensuring that the long-term objectives of the county boards are met,” she said.

Llewellyn said that the BHN Alliance is strong because of past leadership, the current team and the supportive volunteer boards.

“I am still humbly processing the honor to serve as superintendent,” Llewellyn said, adding, “I am in a place to listen so I can learn from others — the people and families we support, employees, provider partners and community partners — so together we can form a true plan for sustainability and positive change.”

Llewellyn credits her own circle of support for her success.

“I could not do what I do without the support of my husband, Donnie, sons, parents, sister and brother-in-law, the Llewellyn clan and friends,” she said. “They wrap me with love every day.”