LEBANON — The agency that cares for the mentally disabled in Warren County is launching a national search for a new leader, its board announced Friday.

        The current leaders of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities came aboard 18 months ago, when the agency's finances and operations were under public attack.

        Both originally planned to serve just four months, but Deputy Superintendent Paul Davis is now due to leave in December, and Superintendent John Lazares' contract expires next summer.

        The new hire will initially replace Mr. Davis, but be groomed for the superintendent's job, according to MRDD board President Michael Foley.

        “We're just anticipating the future,” board member Charles Beatty said. “It's a natural progression.”

        Mr. Lazares, who is also superintendent of Warren County Schools, works part time for MRDD. He drafted Mr. Davis, retired assistant superintendent for Hamilton County's MRDD, to handle day-to-day operations.

        They began in March 2000, after Superintendent Charlotte Marinacci resigned amid controversy over MRDD's purchase of two houses at far above market value.

        That matter remains under investigation, according to the county prosecutor's office.

        Meanwhile, Warren County MRDD has undergone a remarkable turnaround, according to Don Bashaw, a state MRDD accreditation official.

        The agency cleared up 77 pages of citations in a 2000 review to earn accreditation earlier this year.

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