Springfield nonprofit names new CEO

The Abilities Connection, a nonprofit in Springfield that employs, connects and cares for people with developmental or physical disabilities, has named a new CEO.

James Zahora will begin his new position with the organization on Monday, Oct. 14. Zahora will be replacing Justin Debord, who served as CEO from August 2018 until April 2019. Greg Gearhart, Operations Manager at TAC, has served as interim since April. Debord had replaced Mary Brandstetter, who retired last year after seven years as CEO of TAC.

“I am honored and extremely excited to be a part of an outstanding organization like TAC,” Zahora said. “The mission and people are awesome and I can’t wait to be a part of the future growth and success.”

Zahora comes to TAC with decades of experience working for manufacturing companies in the Dayton area, as well as experience with services and programs for individuals with development disabilities, according to a statement from TAC.

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Previously, Zahora worked as the Advanced Robotics Business Unit Leader at GEM City Engineering Company located in Dayton. Prior to working at GEM City Engineering, Zahora served as the President of Noble Tool Corporation for six years.

In addition to his manufacturing experience, Zahora is also the current Vice President of the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

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“The Abilities Connection Board of Directors is very excited to welcome our new CEO Jim Zahora to the team,” said TAC Board Chair Cassie Barlow. “Jim brings many years of manufacturing experience to TAC as well as years of experience as a volunteer on the Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities. We know that he is the right person at the right time to lead TAC to the next level of performance.”

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