Chasity Schmelzenbach, Executive Director of Buckeye Hills Regional Council, was recently elected to the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Board of Directors for the 2024-2026 term. Schmelzenbach represents the Midwest region on the 66-member national board.
The NADO Board of Directors oversees the association’s budget and operations and develops policy on issues affecting Regional Development Organizations (RDOs). The organization was founded in 1967 to provide training, information, and representation for RDOs throughout the United States. Today, NADO member organizations serve local governments and the public within their regions through various programs focused on diversifying local economies, assisting businesses, creating jobs, and providing social services.
“We are honored to have Chasity serve on NADO’s Board of Directors. She brings a wealth of expertise, knowledge, and leadership on regional community and economic development issues to the national level,” stated NADO Executive Director Joe McKinney. “Most importantly, Chasity is focused on helping local communities pursue comprehensive regional strategies for remaining economically competitive in today’s rapidly changing global environment.”
“I’m honored to be elected to serve on the NADO Board of Directors,” said Schmelzenbach. “Buckeye Hills Regional Council and the communities we serve continue to be recognized at the state and federal level for our region’s innovative approaches to rural community and economic development. I’m proud to be able to represent our region alongside BHRC Executive Committee President and Athens County Commissioner Lenny Eliason on the national stage with NADO.”
NADO’s Board includes members who represent a broad section of the United States, including the Eastern, Central, Midwestern, Southeastern, Southwestern, and Western regions. The 2024-2026 term runs through the association’s Annual Business Meeting, which is held in conjunction with NADO’s Annual Training Conference in Reno, Nevada, in October 2026.
The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) promotes public policies that strengthen local governments, communities, and economies through the regional strategies, coordination efforts, and program expertise of the nation’s regional development organizations. Learn more about NADO at www.nado.org.
Buckeye Hills Regional Council is a council of governments dedicated to improving the lives of residents in Southeast Ohio. By working collaboratively with elected officials across Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry, and Washington counties, Buckeye Hills connects communities with local, state, and federal resources through its Aging & Health, Home Care, Community Development, and Planning divisions.