The Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) announced today that David Larson, Superintendent of the Miami County Educational Service Center (ESC), has been appointed to serve as the association’s new Deputy Director, following Executive Committee action on January 8, 2026. Larson will begin his three-year term on August 1, 2026, and will work alongside Executive Director Craig Burford to expand OESCA’s capacity to support Ohio’s 51 Educational Service Centers and the districts, schools and students they serve.
“OESCA’s strategic planning and network design work made clear that adding a Deputy Director was essential to delivering on our long-term goals and providing continued support to our members and state and regional partners,” said OESCA President Chad Hilliker. “David brings deep ESC leadership experience, strong relationships across the network, and a clear vision for how OESCA can continue to grow its impact on behalf of Ohio’s ESCs.”
Larson has served as Superintendent of the Miami County ESC since 2018 and previously served as Director of Curriculum and Instruction at the ESC, Assistant Superintendent of Piqua City Schools, Superintendent and principal in Covington Exempted Village School District, a building principal in Russia Local Schools, and a middle school social studies teacher in Tipp City Schools. His career reflects more than two decades of K–12 leadership and ESC service, with direct responsibility for programs that support over 15,000 students in Miami County and surrounding communities.
The Deputy Director position emerged directly from OESCA’s recent strategic planning and network design process, which identified four strategic goals and a need to significantly expand organizational capacity to support ESCs across the state. Larson’s demonstrated success in building regional partnerships, managing complex programs and budgets, and delivering professional learning aligns closely with the strategic priorities identified in the 2026–2029 plan. As Deputy Director, he will help translate that plan into action by coordinating statewide initiatives, supporting member-driven projects, and ensuring ESC perspectives are represented in state-level policy and program discussions.
“David showed a strong understanding of the ESC network, OESCA’s strategic plan, and the need to develop and support a unified statewide ESC system,” said Executive Director Craig Burford. “His experience as a veteran ESC superintendent and OESCA leader positions him to step into this role and make an immediate impact on behalf of our members.”
At the Miami County ESC, Larson has emphasized student-centered service, collaboration, advocacy, and professionalism—core values that mirror OESCA’s mission to promote excellence through the quality services provided by ESCs statewide. He has been actively involved in OESCA through committee work and statewide initiatives and is recognized as a trusted ESC superintendent, connector, and advocate for shared services and regional collaboration.
Larson holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Dayton and a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Social Studies Education from Bowling Green State University, bringing both classroom and executive leadership perspectives to the Deputy Director role.
“I am honored to serve as OESCA’s first Deputy Director and to continue working alongside colleagues across Ohio’s ESC network,” Larson said. “ESCs play a vital role in meeting the unique needs of every student and educator, and I look forward to supporting OESCA’s efforts to strengthen that impact statewide.”