Shane Burton recently was named chief executive officer of Developmental Services Inc. replacing Bill Hadar, who retired in January.

Burton will oversee all operations, including programs for children and adults with disabilities in central and southern Indiana.

Developmental Services was established in 1975 and currently serves about 2,000 individuals with disabilities and employs more than 600 people in 42 counties in central and southern Indiana, including Jackson County.

The organization’s programs include early intervention, support and advocacy, job training, placement and follow-along, residential living options, respite, after-hour activities, health and wellness and community networking. It also operates seven program centers, including one in Seymour, where clients receive day services and do production work contracted from area businesses and industries.

Burton, a Columbus resident and native of Edinburgh, has 23 years of experience at Developmental Services, including chief operating officer.

The decision to appoint Burton was made through a special selection committee composed of Developmental Services board members. Smith & Syberg, an executive search firm, also was involved in the selection process.

Burton has served as the organization’s interim CEO following Hadar’s retirement in January. Hadar had spent 28 years with the organization.

In his previous post as the organization’s chief operating officer, Burton led the organization’s long- and short-term strategic planning and many of the day-to-day operations. He is a member of the Columbus Mayor’s Advisory Council on Disability and Accessibility and is on the board of the Strategic Indiana Providers Network, a group of 10 nonprofit agencies and 2,700 service professionals providing services to individuals with disabilities, children and families in more than 70 counties in Indiana.