Ohio CASA Executive Director Doug Stephens to serve on National CASA’s State Leadership Council 

The Ohio CASA/GAL Association’s Executive Director Doug Stephens has been appointed to the National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association’s State Leadership Council. 

Stephens, along with other child welfare leaders from across the nation, will serve a two-year term.  

The State Leadership Council members will play an integral role in voicing the unique needs of 893 local programs in the National CASA/GAL network. The leadership council will focus its efforts on ensuring that the network achieves its mission of serving all children through best-interest advocacy. 

“This is an important role, and I am honored to serve with other CASA directors and leaders,” said Stephens. “I am looking forward to highlighting the unique successes, challenges and needs of the Ohio CASA Network. This is an opportunity to share ideas and strengthen our work across the nation.” 

Stephens has been with the Ohio CASA/GAL Association since 2011 and has served as the Executive Director since 2012. 

Ohio CASA remains focused on the ultimate goal of having a CASA volunteer available for every child in need across Ohio. The Association aids local programs statewide with funding, administrative, and communications efforts. 

Since taking on the role of Executive Director, CASA programs in Ohio have increased from serving children in 36 counties to serving children in 62 counties and counting. 

Stephens has served over 42 years with Ohio courts, including twenty years with The Supreme Court of Ohio. 

“The National CASA/GAL Leadership Councils are a vital part of our strategic priorities to reduce the number of children in foster care, strengthen and preserve families, and expand our network,” said National CASA/GAL Chief Executive Officer, Tara Lisa Perry. “We are so excited and grateful to have Doug providing his insight and expertise as we strive to move our mission forward on behalf of all children who have experienced abuse or neglect.” 

According to the National CASA/GAL Association, in 2023, the CASA/GAL network, with its 71,000 volunteers, served 201,000 children who were involved in judicial proceedings related to abuse or neglect. 

You can learn more or get involved here.