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2024-25 OCMA Annual Report

Our Annual Report got a refresh! OCMA is excited to share its 2024–25 OCMA Annual Report, showcasing a year of remarkable progress, expanded opportunities, and deeper member engagement across Ohio’s city and county management community.

Highlights from the Year:

  • Record-Breaking Annual Conference: The 2025 OCMA Annual Conference drew an unprecedented 265 attendees, marking the highest turnout in OCMA history.
  • Expanded Professional Development: OCMA launched new webinars and partnered with the Kentucky City/County Management Association for a joint summit, enriching learning and collaboration.
  • Stronger Social Media Presence: Our LinkedIn page surpassed 1,000 followers, becoming a vibrant hub for member interaction and celebration of OCMA milestones.
  • Membership Momentum: OCMA continues to grow, with 429 total members in 2024—up from 360 in 2023. Our diverse membership spans cities, counties, townships, and villages, reflecting the strength and reach of our network 

2025 OCMA Annual Conference Registration Open

Registration is now open for the 2025 OCMA Annual Conference. This year’s theme, “Building Ohio Together,” sets the stage for an inspiring and collaborative conference. We’re thrilled to announce the return of popular social events like the Restaurant Romp and Pins Mechanical, offering ample opportunities to network and reconnect with colleagues.

Join us as we engage in meaningful discussions and activities that will shape the future of our communities. This year’s conference will feature:

  • The launch of the 2025 OCMA Conference mobile app! More information to come.
  • Redesigned conference website and registration
  • Keynote Address with Peter Kageyama, Author, For the Love of Cities
  • “Reconnecting the (Housing) Dots” Mobile Workshop
  • Pre-Conference Training co-organized with OHPELRA
  • Hot Topics in Local Government: Ohio Edition featuring OCMA Board Members
  • Breakout sessions from OCMA members and sponsors
  • Activities, receptions, networking opportunities, and more!

Hotel reservations can be made at the Hilton at Easton (3900 Chagrin Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219):

If you prefer to make your reservation over the phone, you can call +1 614-414-5000 and ask for the OCMA 2025 Conference Room Block using group code: 920. The group rate is bookable until the cutoff date of January 26, 2025, or until the room block sells out.

Please join us for a great opportunity to connect with other OCMA members!

Honoring a Career of Service: Celebrating Brian Humphress’ Retirement

The Ohio City/County Management Association (OCMA) is proud to recognize and celebrate the retirement of Brian Humphress, who has served as a Senior Advisor to the association since 2020. Brian’s retirement marks the culmination of a distinguished career defined by service, leadership, and a deep commitment to the local government management profession.

Brian has dedicated his life to advancing professional management in local government. Over the course of more than 40 years in public service. A significant portion of his career was spent as City Manager in Willard, Ohio, where he provided steady leadership and helped guide the community through years of challenges and change.

Prior to his retirement, Brian served as Executive Director of the Miami Valley Communications Council, where he continued to bring his expertise and collaborative approach to regional initiatives. His ability to build relationships and foster cooperation across jurisdictions has left a lasting impact on the communities and colleagues he worked alongside.

Brian has also been an active and engaged member of the broader profession. A member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) since 1992, he has remained deeply connected to the evolving practice of local government management. Within OCMA, he has provided invaluable leadership and mentorship. He served as OCMA President in 2008 and, in more recent years, as a trusted Senior Advisor, offering thoughtful guidance to the board and supporting the development of emerging leaders in the field.

Throughout his career, and continuing into his retirement, Brian has been a steady and encouraging presence for so many in the profession. His willingness to share his knowledge, offer perspective, and mentor others has helped strengthen OCMA and the broader network of local government professionals across Ohio.

In recognition of his contributions and lifelong commitment to the association, Brian is an OCMA Lifetime Member. This distinction reflects both the depth of his service and the lasting impact he has made on the organization and its members.

We are deeply grateful for Brian’s many years of leadership, mentorship, and service. His legacy will continue to shape the profession for years to come.

Please join us in thanking Brian Humphress for his extraordinary career and in wishing him all the best in his retirement.

Amberley Village Manager Scot Lahrmer to Retire in February 2027

A Message from Mayor Bob Rosen

One of the most important responsibilities of Village Council is ensuring strong leadership for our community. Today, I would like to share news regarding a transition that will have a lasting impact on Amberley Village.

Village Manager Scot Lahrmer has announced his intention to retire in February 2027, concluding an extraordinary 43-year career in public service, including the past 15 years serving Amberley Village. When Scot was recruited to Amberley Village in 2011 as an interim manager, few could have imagined the profound impact he would have on our community. What began as a temporary assignment quickly evolved into a period of transformational leadership that has strengthened nearly every aspect of Village operations.

Under Scot’s leadership, Amberley Village has achieved remarkable financial stability. The Village’s General Fund balance has both stabilized and grown, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility and long-term planning. Through strategic grant funding, innovative partnerships, and disciplined financial management, Amberley Village is better positioned today than at any point in recent memory.

Residents have seen the results of that stewardship throughout the community. Major investments in roads, stormwater infrastructure, parks, public safety equipment, technology, and facilities have enhanced both services and quality of life. Initiatives such as the Accelerated Street Program, including the Farmcrest Street reconstruction, utility improvements, and expanded public safety technology have helped ensure that Amberley Village remains a safe, attractive, and desirable place to live.

Scot also helped guide significant economic development efforts that strengthened our tax base and positioned the Village for future growth. From redevelopment projects and business retention efforts to the recruitment of Mercy Health and other key investments, his work has helped build a stronger foundation for future generations.

Yet Scot’s greatest contribution may be less visible than any project or financial report. He cultivated a culture of professionalism, collaboration, innovation, and service that will continue long after his retirement. His leadership helped create an organization that values transparency, resident engagement, and exceptional customer service. Those qualities have become hallmarks of Amberley Village government and will remain part of his legacy.

On a personal level, I have greatly valued Scot’s counsel, steady leadership, and friendship during my tenure as Mayor. His thoughtful approach to difficult challenges, unwavering professionalism, and commitment to doing what is best for Amberley Village have earned the respect of Village Council, employees, residents, and community partners alike. Perhaps the most meaningful reflection comes from Scot himself. In his retirement letter, he described Amberley Village as the most rewarding chapter of his 43-year public service career.

As Mayor, I can confidently say that our community has been equally fortunate to have benefited from his leadership. Fortunately, Scot will remain with the Village through February 2027 and will assist Council in selecting his successor and ensuring a smooth transition. His continued involvement provides stability and continuity as we prepare for the next chapter in Amberley Village’s history. There will be opportunities in the months ahead to formally celebrate Scot’s many accomplishments and thank him for his years of dedicated service.

For now, I simply ask that you join me in expressing our gratitude for all he has done for Amberley Village and in wishing him, his wife Jackie, and their family every happiness in retirement.

Sincerely, Bob Rosen Mayor, Amberley Village

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