News
Cassie Johnson: Ohio Environmental Council
Cassie is a new Emerging Leader with OCMA, currently working toward her Masters in Public Administration at Ohio State. She also is working at the Ohio Environmental Council as a Communications Associate.
Ken Filipiak Recognized for Career Development & Mentoring
Career Development/Mentoring – Ken Filipiak, City of Mentor
Ken Filipiak is the City Manager of Mentor, Ohio and has decades of experience in the Cities of Defiance and Oregon. He has always made space and time to share his wisdom with aspiring professional managers as they work their way into the profession. Mr. Filipiak is a past OCMA President who manages a thriving community of more than 47,000 residents. He is a regional and state leader, and a subject matter expert in the core competencies of city management and economic development. Mr. Filipiak always has time for learning leaders and is humble, inviting and embodies the character of a servant leader who seeks to build up others. Mr. Filipiak is a Bowling Green State University graduate.
Dylan Kanuch: Cleveland State University
Dylan joins OCMA as an Emerging Leader and is current part of the Cleveland State ICMA Student Chapter. In addition, Mr. Kanuch works as the Coordinator of Funding Opportunities at the Tri-C Foundation.
Dan Wendt Receives Distinguished Early Career Award
Distinguished Early Career Award – Dan Wendt, City of Vandalia
Dan Wendt is the City Manager for the City of Vandalia and in his three years in this position, has thrust the City of Vandalia into the spotlight as a regionally known community. Mr. Wendt has worked diligently to gain the trust and confidence of Council, staff, and the community. He has tenaciously, and successfully, tackled modern, lingering hurdles of community and economic development in our community. When Mr. Wendt started his time with Vandalia, he employed a clear set of goals that would inevitably bring Vandalia to the next level of local government service. He has established a new standard for professional management and through the rebranding project and the implementation of the City -Wide Policy Goals. Mr. Wendt is a graduate of Bowling Green University.
Citizen Participation: City of Cincinnati Balance the City Budget Game Show
Citizen Participation – City of Cincinnati – Balance the City Budget Game Show
As part of the community engagement efforts, the City of Cincinnati’s Office of Budget and Evaluation developed an interactive and engaging gameshow to educate community members on various aspects of the City of Cincinnati’s Budget. “Balance: The City Budget Game Show” was developed and utilized at the 2023 Neighborhood Summit, hosted by Invest in Neighborhoods. Contestants from the audience participate in a series of games intended to entertain and educate. The Game Show is repeatable and can be utilized in a variety of situations to provide community members and City employees with insight on tax rates, the real costs associated with delivering public services, and making difficult budget decisions with limited resources.
Innovation in Local Government: Montgomery County Behavioral Task Force
Innovation in Local Government – Montgomery County Behavioral Task Force
In January of 2023, the Montgomery County Board of County Commissioners enlisted the Office of Strategic Initiatives and the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association to facilitate a Behavioral Health Task Force comprised of multiple sectors throughout the community, including hospitals, behavioral health providers, the criminal justice systems, and administrative agencies. This task force aims to foster in-depth discussions between these organizations and formulate recommendations for county-wide opportunities to enhance behavioral health coordination and treatment. The impact of this work will help ensure all Montgomery County residents can access the necessary treatment and services to live healthy and save lives.
Intergovernmental Cooperation: Cities of Dublin & Marysville Beta District
Intergovernmental Cooperation – City of Dublin – The Beta District
The Beta District, officially launched in 2020, is an innovation region that stretches northwest along U.S. 33 from Columbus Through Franklin, Union and Logan counties. It is overseen by the Northwest 33 Council of Governments, which includes Dublin, Marysville, Union County, and the Marysville-Union County Port Authority. The Beta District serves as Central Ohio’s hub for smart and connected mobility applications, showcasing the incredible strides made in enhancing safety, connectivity, and overall lifestyle through the strategic integration of technology. Connected Dublin and Connected Marysville are both living labs in The Beta District and serve as proving grounds where new ideas evolve into real-world applications. The Beta District stands as a prime example of successful intergovernmental cooperation, where strategic partnerships, leadership and substantial investments converge a connected, smart and thriving community.