This article was originally published in the PA Times on October 25th.

The Greater Cincinnati Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA-GCC) recently celebrated its annual Outstanding Public Service Awards. This event recognizes individuals and initiatives across seven categories honoring those who embody the spirit of service, innovation, and leadership that drives the Greater Cincinnati region forward.

This year’s honorees have demonstrated exceptional leadership, compassion, and commitment, creating lasting positive impacts in their communities. They are:

Career Achievement Honorees

Dr. Shamima Ahmed, Northern Kentucky University: Dr. Ahmed’s 35-year career, including 30 years in NKU’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, has profoundly shaped the region’s public service workforce. She has educated over 1,000 students who now hold leadership roles across local governments. Beyond teaching and influential research, she has shared her expertise globally through the Fulbright Program in Myanmar and Tajikistan, leaving a deep legacy in advancing public service professionalism both locally and internationally.

Paula Brehm-Heeger, Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County: Serving in a variety of leadership roles at PLCH for 22 years, Paula has had positive, significant, and long-lasting impacts on cities, villages, neighborhoods, and communities in the region. As Executive Director since 2018, she manages a $90+ million budget and 800+ employees serving 800,000 customers across 40 locations. One of her most notable achievements is the development and implementation of the library’s $190 million facilities master plan.

Individual Contributor/Mid-Careerist Honorees

Edwin King, City of Fort Mitchell: As City Administrator, Edwin has led transformational projects, including the complex launch of a $200 million mixed-use development on a long-vacant hotel site, utilizing intricate financing and incentive packages to make the project feasible. Under his guidance, Fort Mitchell was named “City Government of the Year” by the Kentucky League of Cities in 2023.

Kim Serra, Campbell County Fiscal Court: As Assistant County Administrator, Kim is central to Campbell County’s operations, supervising critical departments and coordinating community programs including the Citizens’ Academy to enhance government transparency. Over her 26-year career in county and regional management, she has consistently served as a vital bridge between local government and its residents, demonstrating a commitment to fairness and innovative problem-solving.

Young Professional/Early Careerist Honorees

Carrie Harms, Cincinnati Recycling and Reuse Hub: Carrie has been foundational to the Hub since its 2021 inception. Starting as the warehouse manager, she brought structure, efficiency, and unwavering dedication, helping to grow the Hub to 15 employees. In 2025, the Hub is on track for a remarkable 66% increase in collected material compared to 2024, nearly 700,000 pounds.

Emily North, The Christ Hospital Health Network: As Marketing and Internal Communications Manager, Emily leads communications for over 6,500 employees and champions women’s health through outreach for one of the nation’s few dedicated Women’s Heart Centers. An active community advocate, Emily has also raised over $100,000 for the American Heart Association and serves on the board of Healthy Moms & Babes.

Support Services Honorees

Rob Shepherd, Colerain Township: Serving as the sole IT function employee for a township of 300+ employees and 60,000 residents, Rob’s expertise has been critical in protecting Colerain from cyber threats. He proactively established advanced cybersecurity training and protocols years ahead of state requirements.

Nancy Spears, Colerain Township Police Department: For 38 years, Nancy has ensured that daily operations from payroll to record-keeping run smoothly. Her constant, calm, and reassuring presence has anchored the department across generations of officers and chiefs, embodying the quiet professionalism essential for effective law enforcement.

Public Service Student Honorees

Lucy Burns, Northern Kentucky University: As an MPA student, Lucy is gaining practical experience through coursework and internships, notably contributing to key initiatives within the City of Covington, including the Mayor’s Academy, the Mayor’s Roundtable, and the City Manager’s Summit. Her leadership at NKU includes serving as Vice President and President of the Student Government Association and contributing to faculty research as the MPA Graduate Assistant.

Porcha Hope, Northern Kentucky University: While excelling in her MPA program, Porcha works as a dedicated Case Manager at Bethany House. As a mother of three, her personal commitment to earning her degree before her son starts college highlights the dedication and sacrifice essential to providing compassionate service to people and communities.

Public Service Innovation Honoree

Northern Kentucky Entrepreneur Fund (NKEF): NKEF has pioneered a revolutionary public-private model for economic development. It has distributed over $500,000 in non-dilutive grants to 42 Northern Kentucky companies. Critically, NKEF introduced the groundbreaking DonateEquity model, relying on equity pledges from supported startups to create sustainable long-term funding mechanisms for future generations of entrepreneurs.

Public Service Initiative Honorees

Appointed Civic Leadership Academy (ACLA): ACLA prepares and empowers individuals regardless of gender, race, or background to serve on civic boards and commissions. Since its launch in 2023, the free program has trained 2,000 people, resulting in 200 appointments to local government bodies.

Colerain Township Fire and EMS, Community Paramedic Fall Reduction Program: This initiative addresses fall risks among vulnerable seniors and underserved residents. Funded by AARP, the program includes hands-on intervention and home safety enhancements including the installation of over 120 grab bars.