The DDAA is committed to serving its LDD membership and supporting the ARC by:
● Promoting communication and increasing quality service;
● Communicating and advocating a vision for the Appalachian Region;
● Developing organizational resources to strengthen the LDD's and the Region; and
● Providing leadership in support of a dynamic working partnership among federal, state and local governments within Appalachia.
The DDAA sponsors training seminars and workshops for LDD staff and their member governments. The DDAA also sponsors the Annual Spring Conference in the Washington, D.C. area. By providing technical assistance and serving as a forum for the exchange of information, the DDAA stimulates efforts leading to a greater understanding of the LDD role in the overall development of the Appalachian Region.
The DDAA is governed by a Board which includes six officers (Executive Committee) plus a representative from each of the thirteen states elected annually by the membership. The full Board meets in the summer, the winter, and at the Annual Spring DDAA Conference in the Washington, D.C. area. The Executive Committee meets as needed between full Board meetings to conduct DDAA business and represent the DDAA at ARC meetings.
2005-2006 DDAA Officers and State Representatives
Leanne Mazer of Maryland, President Keith Jones of Alabama, Secretary Jeffrey Spencer of Ohio, First Vice President James Mylott of West Virginia, Treasurer Robert Augenstern of New York, Second Vice President Joe Guthrie of Tennessee, Immediate Past President Bob Culver, Alabama Don Meyers, Ohio Barry Tarter, Georgia Ed Silvetti, Pennsylvania Sandy Runyon, Kentucky
Robert Strother, South Carolina
Leanne Mazer, Maryland Susan Reid, Tennessee Sharon Gardner, Mississippi Wayne Strickland, Virginia Don Rychnowski, New York Ken Dyche, West Virginia Doug Taylor, North Carolina