(Lebanon, OH) – After almost 20 years of working at the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD), Records and Monitoring Specialist Carolyn Bogenschutz has started her hard-earned retirement.

Bogenschutz spent 30 years of her career working in retail administration. A career change in 2005 led Bogenschutz to WCBDD, working in a field completely new to her. Her career at the agency was built on helping those around her and working beyond her job requirements to make a meaningful contribution to the agency.

In her early years at the agency, Bogenschutz worked as a receptionist and spent many hours waiting for the phone to ring, she laughed. While seeking out opportunities to learn more about the agency, she began “a bit of meddling in the Operations division.” Operations Director Pete Mason described Bogenschutz as quiet and organized when he first started working with her—traits he described as providing the “perfect balance” for the division’s needs.

“Over time, however, we were able to break through and get to know her and discovered what a great and fun person she was to work with,” Mason said. “She was a tremendous help in Operations, and we were sad when she went on to bigger and better things at the Agency, but glad that other Divisions got to work with her as well.”

A few years later, Bogenschutz earned a new role as the Early Intervention (EI) Secretary. She once again underwent an incredibly intense learning experience, meeting many families served by WCBDD and learning the art of record-keeping.

Although Bogenschutz worked in the EI division, she made a significant impact across the agency by consistently going above and beyond her job duties. She worked alongside her colleagues to develop agency events, such as Breakfast with Santa (now known as Jinglebell Rock Out), Things That Go!, the Egg Hunt, and the Fall Festival. Known for her positive demeanor and willingness to help, Carolyn was always the first to offer support to those in need—even pruning the rose bushes at the Milo H. Banta Center.

“During my time with WCBDD, I truly believe that everyone brings something to the table in what they contribute to make this a great agency and how they help to empower the individuals we are fortunate to serve,” Bogenschutz said. 

She transitioned to her position as a records and monitoring specialist in 2022. She described the job as a system of checks and balances where she recorded, reviewed, and resolved information entered into Brittco for accuracy. 

Early Childhood Manager Kelly Brooks has worked with Bogenschutz for 14 years. Brooks said Bogenschutz assisted her greatly in records monitoring and compliance.

“She is awesome at her job because she has a great work ethic, follows through, and looks for potential ways we can continue to improve. We have developed a great system for working together and getting so many things done throughout the years,” Brooks said. “She is always willing to go above and beyond. Carolyn always has a listening ear and helpful hand for everyone.”

In addition to her role changes within the agency, she has witnessed numerous transformations, including moves to different office locations, the separation of WCBDD from Production Services Unlimited (PSU), the agency’s name change in 2009, and significant improvements in the resources and services provided.

“[Working here] made me more appreciative of services that are available. I grew up in a different era, back when it was different and school systems were different,” Bogenschutz said. “How far the agency has come…That's one of the most humbling experiences.”

She has seen many coworkers come and go over the years, while just as many have stayed, allowing her to develop lasting relationships and watch co-workers grow into their roles at WCBDD.

Each year, the annual WCBDD In-Service event celebrates staff members who have made a significant contribution to the agency. On Oct. 23, 2024, Bogenschutz was awarded the Superintendent award. Superintendent Megan Manuel said Bogenschutz deserved the award for being the “go-to person who people can always trust to come through for them.”

“She is always willing to assist anyone who needs it, no matter the task and no matter when you need it. She has moved around to a couple of different divisions while working here, and she devotes her time and attention to assist that division in accomplishing whatever they need. She takes the lead on tasks that need a leader, she trains others on how to do tasks, and she jumps in to help when someone needs help,” Manuel said. “She is an asset to our agency, the Early Intervention program, and she will be missed when she retires.”

After she was awarded, the crowd of co-workers whooped and cheered. Everyone was in agreement that no one deserves the honor more than Bogenschutz. She accepted the award with a hug from Manuel and Human Resources Director Bill Caplinger—the trio among the many at WCBDD who have known each other for over 20 years. 

In her retirement, Bogenschutz plans to spend time with her husband of 40 years, travel, and learn a new routine. She will be deeply missed by the agency and by families served by WCBDD.

For more information, contact Megan Becker at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.