The Midland Empire Resources for Independent Living has announced a new chief executive officer for northwest Missouri.

Rob Honan has been names MERIL’s CEO.  According to the agency, Honan has served as the executive director for the Missouri Governor’s Council on Disability, a state council that promotes inclusion for Missourians with disabilities.  Honan said he wants to use that experience to strengthen MERIL’s roles as an advocate for disability rights.

“It is important for MERIL to be involved in discussions about public policy issues that affect people with disabilities,” Honan said. “As an organization, MERIL encourages lawmakers to support legislation that benefits people with disabilities, and we encourage people with disabilities to learn about the issues that affect them and to advocate for themselves.”

MERIL offers a variety of services for people with disabilities and those who are aging, including assistance with personal care attendants, in-home nursing, home health, assistive technology, sign-language interpreting, youth transition, information and referral services, and community education and advocacy. More information about MERIL and its resources is available on www.meril.org and at 816-279-8558.