Judy Zimomra Recognized for Work With Students with ICMA Local Government Excellence Award
At the 2024 ICMA Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, Judy Zimomra was awarded the Stephen B. Sweeney Local Government Excellence Award for her significant contribution to the formal eduction of students pursuing careers in local government.
After 42 years in public service, Judith Ann Zimomra turned her focus to academia, where she continues to leverage her experience, wisdom, and networks in support of her students. Zimomra served as city manager of Sanibel Island, Florida, from 2001 to 2021. Before her position in Florida, she gained 22 years of local government experience in Ohio working for Hamilton County and the cities of Worthington and Cleveland.
Since joining the staff at the Ohio State University John Glenn College of Public Affairs in 2021, Zimomra has made significant contributions to the quality of education and career opportunities for future city managers and public servants at the local, state, and federal levels. She teaches undergraduate courses, instructs a graduate course in disaster preparedness and response, and is an instructor for the Management Advancement for the Public Service program, where she teaches courses to mid-career professionals in emergency management and crisis communication skill enhancement.
Zimomra has taught the capstone class to nearly 100 graduating seniors, mentoring them through the rigorous process of authoring an in-depth, original research paper. She makes herself available to meet with students on their schedule throughout their capstone project and educates them on the techniques and values of networking and career planning while completing their capstone research. In May 2024, she was honored with The Ohio State University John Glenn College of Public Affairs 2024 Outstanding Teaching Award.