Leadership

Our Leadership - United Rehabilitation Services of Greater Dayton

About URS

Our Leadership

Our leadership team brings decades of combined experience in human services, healthcare, and nonprofit management.

Executive Team

Dennis G. Grant
Under his leadership, URS earned a 4-Star Charity Navigator rating and Candid's Platinum Seal.

Dennis G. Grant

Chief Executive Officer

dgrant@ursdayton.org
Rachel Zidaroff
Extensive URS experience in HR and operations, ensuring high-quality standards across all services.

Rachel Zidaroff

Chief Operating Officer

rzidaroff@ursdayton.org
James Michaud
Leads financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal stewardship across all URS programs.

James Michaud

Chief Financial Officer

jmichaud@ursdayton.org
Laura Lafakis
20+ years in nonprofit development, leading fundraising and signature events.

Laura Lafakis

Chief Development Officer

llafakis@ursdayton.org

Leadership Team

Elizabeth Hess
Leads person-centered day programs with community outings, fitness, and art therapy.

Elizabeth Hess

Adult Services Manager

ehess@ursdayton.org
Melinda Baker
Helps individuals achieve meaningful employment through training and job coaching.

Melinda Baker

Employment Services Manager

mbaker@ursdayton.org
Tracy Pohlabel
Oversees Gold-rated early childhood programs for children ages 6 weeks to 17 years.

Tracy Pohlabel

Youth Services Manager

tpohlabel@ursdayton.org
Terrance McKnight
Nearly a decade in HR with expertise in employee relations and compliance.

Terrance McKnight

Human Resources Manager

tmcknight@ursdayton.org

2026 Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Kim Estess
Certified Elder Law specialist and 2025 Women Who Mean Business honoree.

Kim Estess

Board Chair

O'Diam & Estess Law Group, Partner

Todd Rodden
Former SVP at Synchrony Financial; expertise in leadership development.

Todd Rodden

Vice Chair

Aspire ActionCOACH, Owner

Max Kraus
CPA specializing in nonprofit audits and attestation services.

Max Kraus

Treasurer

Clark, Schaefer & Hackett, Sr. Manager

Beth Whelley
YWCA Woman of Influence and Dayton Daily News Ten Top Woman.

Beth Whelley

Secretary

Fahlgren Mortine, EVP & Managing Director

Edward Blake
45+ years managing $1B+ in real estate assets.

Edward Blake

Immediate Past Chair

Culmen Real Estate Services, CEO

Board Members

Gary Auman
50 years in safety law; former United Way Campaign Chair.

Gary Auman

Board Member

Auman, Mahan & Furry, Director

Jenny Michael
30+ years in marketing; DBJ 40 Under 40 Hall of Fame.

Jenny Michael

Board Member

Ohlmann Group, CEO

David Peters
Leads financial planning for a global energy company.

David Peters

Board Member

AES Corporation, Sr. Director

Steve Skerl
Financial leadership at a top Medicaid managed care organization.

Steve Skerl

Board Member

CareSource, VP of Treasury

Aaron AJ Spencer
Public sector leader with firsthand disability services experience.

Aaron "AJ" Spencer

Board Member

Montgomery County - Stillwater Center, Assistant Director

Pam Thomas
Strategic communications and business development expertise.

Pam Thomas

Board Member

Pickrel, Schaeffer & Ebeling, Marketing Director

Justin Wallman
Community advocate through "Advantage Act of Kindness" initiative.

Justin Wallman

Board Member

Advantage Auto Group, Vice President

Ex-Officio Members

Dr. Ratna Palakodeti
Clinical perspective on therapeutic and medical coordination.

Dr. Ratna Palakodeti

Ex-Officio

Miami Valley Hospital

Mary Rita Weissman
Business leadership and longtime community involvement.

Mary Rita Weissman

Ex-Officio

The Weissman Group

Emeritus Members

CB

Charles D. Berry

Emeritus

The Charles D. Berry Foundation

CK

Charles Y. Kidwell

Emeritus

Dayton Children's Hospital

AK

Ann Kremer

Emeritus

James Investment Research (Ret.)

JL

Dr. James T. Lehner

Emeritus

Orthopedic Center (Ret.)

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