Burdman Group installs new president at meeting

Five companies were
honored for providing jobs to those with barriers to employment.

YOUNGSTOWN — Dianna Mason, an area advocate for mental illness, was installed as the president of the Burdman Group Inc. Board of Directors at the board’s annual dinner meeting at St. Maron’s Church’s Antioch Hall.

Mason, installed Wednesday, has been active in the National Alliance on Mental Illness on local, state and national levels.

She has been on Burdman’s board since 2002, where she has served as vice president and chairwoman of the program committee.

Burdman Group provides a variety of services to individuals with special needs in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties. Employment and job retention services are offered in all three counties; behavioral health services are provided in Mahoning and Trumbull counties; and a comprehensive domestic violence program is operated in Mahoning County.

Fourteen program participants were honored for their accomplishments at the dinner, and five local companies were lauded for their willingness to employ individuals with barriers to employment.

The employers were Contract Specialists, Inc. of Niles; GLI Pool Products, Youngstown; J&R Glass Sales and Service, Warren; Little Treasures Childcare and After School Program, Boardman; and Humility of Mary Health Partners.

Betty T. McDonough, deputy warden, special services, at the Ohio State Penitentiary, and Detective Sgt. David Lomax of the Youngstown Police Department were honored as domestic violence advocates.

Other board officers are Paul Fridley, president-elect; Terry Cloonan, vice president; Jane Reid, treasurer; Patricia Murphy, assistant treasurer; and Martha Katz, secretary.

Outgoing board members are Dennis Delon and Stan Palumbo. Gerry Ricciutti is a new member.