WHEELING — The Easterseals Rehabilitation Center board of directors named The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register managing editor Derek Redd to a two-year term as chairperson during its annual reorganization meeting in September.

Redd succeeds Regional Economic Development Partnership CEO Joshua Jefferson.

Redd joined the Easterseals board in 2021 and served as vice chairperson from 2023-2025. The Wheeling Park High School and West Virginia University graduate has a 20-plus-year career in journalism. He brings to the Easterseals Board a wealth of experience in communications, media relations and management.

“Easterseals is such a wonderful and essential organization in the Ohio Valley,” Redd said. “I am beyond honored that it has entrusted me with this responsibility and will work as hard as I can to help Easterseals in its crucial mission.”

“Derek and outgoing chairperson Josh Jefferson are wonderful resources with their fingers on the pulse of our community and unique knowledge of future development,” Easterseals President and CEO Eric Filberto said. “Derek is extremely committed to our mission. I am looking forward to working with him, our Board, and our entire staff to find innovative and collaborative ways to address our community’s most pressing needs.”

The board also elected Tom Pleva, WTOV-TV 9 sales director, as vice chairperson. Robert Cupp Jr., Deborah Joseph and James C. Gardill were re-elected to their positions as treasurer, secretary and legal counsel, respectively.

The board filled two director vacancies.

• Dave Rotriga, Miklas Meet Market owner, fills the vacancy left by J. David Diosi.

• Vince Gianangeli, Belmont County Commissioner, will serve the remaining term of Dr. Ellen Kitts, who retired from Easterseals in July.

“We are fortunate to welcome Vince and Dave to our board. Both are deeply rooted in our community and bring not only professional experience, but also a personal connection to our mission. Their insight and commitment to Easterseals’ long-term success will be invaluable as we continue to serve children and families throughout the Ohio Valley.”

Also continuing to serve on the board are Robert Contraguerro Jr., Lynn Hetzel, James Hurley, Denise Knouse-Snyder, Rabbi Joshua Lief, Paul Limbert, Dr. Kimberly Miller, Barbara Strauss, Thomas Tuttle, Keri Brown, Ann Wilson and Scott Winters.

Gardill, Joseph, Strauss and Hetzel each have 30-plus years on the board. Gardill’s tenure is nearing 50 years.

For 88 years, Easterseals has created life-changing solutions for tens of thousands of children with physical and developmental disabilities and their families. In addition to medical care, Easterseals provides outpatient speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy. Patients must be referred to Easterseals by a physician. Easterseals accepts all insurances, and no one is turned away for inability to pay.