COVA Names Two Program Managers As Part of Service Growth

For immediate release

February 16, 2009

COVA names two new program managers as part of service growth

COLUMBUS -- The launch of a new three-county supported employment initiative for people with mental illness has led COVA, the Center of Vocational Alternatives, to name two new program directors.

Meg Griffing has been named program manager for the Central Ohio Supported Employment Collaborative serving Franklin, Delaware and Fairfield counties. Griffing will supervise a team of eight COVA vocational specialists working within local mental health centers to help local residents secure and maintain employment.

Griffing joined COVA in 2001 as a benefits consultant and eventually became that program’s director. A native of Mt. Vernon, she holds an undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in rehabilitation services from Ohio State University. Griffing also is a doctoral student at OSU and a long-time coach for Special Olympics.

Julie Koehler has been named program manager for COVA’s Benefits and Financial Consulting services. Koehler will supervise a team of eight COVA benefits specialists assist more than 1,500 Ohioans each year who want to become or stay employed by determining how benefits will be affected by earned income. Koehler also oversees COVA’s relationships with federal, state and county benefit agencies.

Koehler joined COVA in 2005 as a benefits consultant. She is a graduate of Notre Dame College in Cleveland and holds a juris doctorate from Capital University Law School.

About COVA:

COVA is a national leader in providing rehabilitation services and career development for people with mental illness and other disabilities that pose barriers to employment. Founded in 1982, COVA is based in Clintonville, with offices in Delaware and Lancaster. The agency serves 3,000 individuals and 200 employers each year. COVA's innovative programming has been recognized nationally with the 2006 and 2007 Eli Lilly Reintegration Award and the U.S. Secretary of Labor's New Freedom Initiative Award. For more information see www.cova.org.

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EDITOR’S NOTE:

Griffing’s home zip code is 43016; Koehler’s home zip code is 43215.

Photos are attached for both.

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