Hartville native Miller appointed GentleBrook CEO

GentleBrook Inc., a not-for-profit social purpose enterprise serving individuals with developmental disabilities and seniors, has appointed James L. Miller, P.E., as chief executive officer, effective March 1.

Miller succeeds former CEO Norman Wengerd, who retired Feb. 28 after 18 years of leadership. During Wengerd’s tenure, GentleBrook tripled the number of individuals served and achieved significant resource growth, expanding services and mission-driven businesses that benefit both those served and the broader community.

Miller brings more than 25 years of experience in health care engineering, facilities management and organizational leadership. Since joining the company in 2021 as vice president of senior services and facilities, he has led the development and construction of six new facilities as well as renovations of two existing facilities. Prior to joining GentleBrook, Miller served as vice president of Schroer Property Management and held leadership roles at Aultman Hospital, where he oversaw engineering and construction initiatives. He also served on GentleBrook’s Board of Trustees for nine years before joining the executive team.

“James brings a valuable combination of technical expertise and leadership strength to the GentleBrook team,” said Ben Sommers, president of the GentleBrook Board of Trustees. “His experience and long-standing commitment to GentleBrook and our mission position him well to lead our organization in its next chapter.”

In a letter to employees, Miller expressed his commitment to both the people and the mission of GentleBrook.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to now lead this remarkable team,” Miller said. “As we move forward together, my commitment is simple: to support our team, to listen, to strengthen our services and to ensure that our organization continues to provide the highest quality of care with dignity and respect. I look forward to building on our strong foundation in ways that meaningfully impact the communities we serve.”

A lifelong resident of the Hartville and Uniontown communities, Miller graduated from Lake High School in 1986 and earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Akron. In addition to his professional work, he served on the Lake Township Board of Zoning Appeals for 16 years and on the elders board at Evermore Community Church.

Founded in 1974, GentleBrook provides a range of services for individuals with developmental disabilities across Stark, Coshocton and Holmes counties. The organization expanded into senior care in 2017 with the opening of The Homestead of Hartville and continues to grow its senior living offerings, including The Villas at GentleBrook and The Homestead of Coshocton, which is scheduled to open later this month.

For more information, visit gentlebrook.org.