2025 Worthington Election Guide
Worthington’s 2025 local election is right around the corner, and we’ve gathered everything you need in one place. Explore Worthington City Council and Worthington Schools School Board candidates, watch video from the candidate forums, and hear directly from those running through the Amplify Worthington Podcast. Stay informed and engaged as you prepare to cast your vote.
Here are times for each candidate:
- Joy Dong: 2:54
- Rebecca Hermann: 11:13
- Edward Johnston: 17:46
- Glen Pratt: 21:24
- Maria Ramirez: 27:42
- David Robinson: 33:50
- Michael Sharvin: 42:26
Worthington Spotlight Articles
An archive of articles from the Worthington Spotlight related to our local races.
Who is Running For Both Local Races?
Meet Your Council Candidates
Born and raised in Worthington, Joycelyn graduated from Worthington Public Schools in 2015 and Northwestern University in 2019. During her undergraduate studies in biomedical engineering, she discovered a passion for building a career centered on empathy and advocacy.
After graduating from Northwestern, Joycelyn remained in Chicago to begin her career at a consulting firm specializing in financial services. There, she learned to blend human-centered design with business strategy to drive efficiency and improve outcomes. She now works at Silicon Valley Bank as a Senior User Researcher and Design Strategist, where she identifies opportunities for improvement, aligns siloed stakeholders, and transforms visions into actionable long-term strategies—all with the goal of enhancing the experience for both clients and bankers.
Joycelyn returned to Worthington to care for her aging family members—her 92-year-old father and her 88-year-old uncle. At 25, she became the primary caregiver for her uncle, who is living with dementia. These personal experiences have given her deep insight into the needs of our aging population and have inspired her ongoing advocacy on their behalf.
Outside of work and caregiving, you’ll find Joycelyn rock climbing at Vertical Adventures, biking along the Olentangy Trail, or hunting down the next best hole in the wall restaurant.
I am devoted to my Worthington community.
My husband and I made Worthington our home to raise our two children. My husband grew up here and is a WHS grad (class of ’86). Our Worthington EMS Team saved my daughter’s life when she was born – and for that we are forever grateful. I want to give back. I want to connect with my community in a way that will make a real difference. Worthington has a lot of wonderful things going for it. But, like many cities, we have our challenges. I want to be a part of the solution.
I have professional experience in Economic Development, finance, and improving the health and vitality of communities. This is an important perspective that is missing from our current City Council conversations.
I was the Business Development Director for Economic Development for the Union County/Marysville Economic Development Partnership. In this position I worked with the Chamber of Commerce, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Marysville, and the cities, villages, and townships of Union County to promote their health and vitality. This included a focus on activating, restoring, and revitalizing Marysville, Plain City, Richwood and preserving their charm and character while assisting to attract private investment throughout the county. On a daily basis I worked with city councils, city staff, county staff, property owners, developers, and members of the community to advance our collective prosperity.
I have also worked in the financial industry. I earned my Series 6, Series 63, Series 7, and Ohio Insurance Licenses. Achieving my Series 7 license put me in the top 7% of women in the financial industry in the United States at that time.
I believe that my diverse experience and understanding in these areas is a foundational quality that sets me apart from other Council candidates and is needed at this important juncture in our city’s history.
I have sought out experiences to gain in-depth knowledge about the city I love.
I have lived in Worthington for the past twenty years and put my roots down here. In an effort to continue to build community bonds and city understanding, I enthusiastically participated in Leadership Worthington (class of 2007) and the Worthington Police Citizen’s Academy (class of 2020). In these organizations, I learned more about the operation and function of our city and region from the leaders in charge. Furthermore, I participated in community input opportunities for Vision Worthington and continue to review the many plans our city and citizens have produced to guide Worthington. I am passionate about our community.
I am dedicated to Worthington and this is reflected in the time I volunteer to help our community.
I want to be a part of the solutions to the issues facing Worthington. Most recently in August, I learned that the planned Chapala’s Mexican Restaurant in our southern downtown needed help – they were told with only a week remaining that they needed to get on the ballot to allow for alcohol sales along this stretch of High Street. I didn’t hesitate to jump in. I reached out on social media and helped coordinate the petition drive and collect the needed signatures to get this issue certified. We got an overwhelmingly positive response. It was a wonderful feeling! And Ward 2, please remember to vote on November 2nd to approve it.
I volunteer every weekday, rain or shine, leading morning school drop-off and greeting our smiling kids, first at our largest elementary school, and then our middle school. I have been doing this since 2016. In recognition of this, I was awarded Worthington Estates Volunteer of the Year in 2018/19. I also continue to be the WES PTA Chair coordinating year book/picture day as well as a volunteer with Project MORE (Mentoring in Ohio for Reading Excellence).
With over 40 years of experience in both police service and the private sector, I have
consistently pursued advanced training and education. My academic credentials include
an Associate degree from Columbus State Community College, a Bachelor's degree from
The Ohio State University, and a Master's in Education from AIU. Most recently in the
pursuit of my Doctorate Degree in Business Administration – Organization Leadership –
thesis topic in The Collaboration between Private Security – Public Police, from National University. Previously, I held Special Subjects Instructor and Private Security Commander Certificates.
I have taught criminology and law enforcement courses at Columbus State College, Central State University, Eastland Vocational School, as well as in private police
academies such as Northwest Career Center, Mid East Vocational School District, and
Tolls Technical Center. My instructional experience extends to the Law Enforcement
Training Academy.
My professional background encompasses service in the Worthington, Ohio police
department, the Township of Sharon, Madison County Sheriff's Department as a Special Deputy, and campus security for The Ohio State University Hospitals. I have worked as a consultant for municipal governments, educational institutions, and private corporations.
Currently, I serve as CEO/President of API Services, Inc. In being elected to Worthington City Council, I will bring comprehensive education,
training, and practical experience, along with familiarity with culturally and ethnically
diverse communities. My expertise includes leadership, collective bargaining, strategic
planning, emergency preparedness, budgeting, program development, fundraising, central dispatch operations for police and fire, and delivery of effective public safety services. I maintain positive relationships with neighboring criminal justice and public safety agencies. Currently working with the City of Columbus for security services, in Special Events, Public Pools and facilities.
For more than 30 years, Glen has worked behind the scenes to help communities grow stronger and more resilient. As a public finance attorney, he partnered with hospitals, senior living facilities, housing organizations, and nonprofits to help them access the funding they needed to serve the public – always with a focus on doing the most good with taxpayer dollars.
Over the years, Glen became known for his ability to solve problems creatively, structure smart deals, and bring people together. Colleagues often turned to him early in a project to help shape the path forward, and he was frequently invited to speak at industry panels and client workshops across the country. Whether working with borrowers, investment bankers, or government officials, Glen always brought the same values: integrity, thoughtfulness, and a clear sense of public purpose.
In 2022, Glen received a recognition from his firm for which he was extremely proud: Mentor of the Year. This recognition reflected a career not only defined by technical skill, but also by his commitment to supporting and developing others. Now retired, Glen volunteers twice a week at Riverview International Center, a local nonprofit that helps immigrant families adjust to life in Columbus. He also is active as a community organizer, most recently helping to lead the Worthington effort to repeal SB 1. He’s always looking for ways to give back to his community, gravitating to causes where community, dignity, and opportunity for all are central.
Glen earned his law degree from the University of Michigan and his undergraduate degree from Miami University, where he graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He’s been recognized by Best Lawyers in America, Columbus CEO magazine and Columbus Business First.
After a career spent helping other communities succeed, Glen is ready to serve the one he’s proud to call home. A Worthington resident for more than 30 years, he believes in this city’s potential – and has the experience, perspective, and heart to help it thrive.
My name is Maria Ramirez, and I am running for Worthington City Council. I am the daughter of Colombian parents who immigrated to the US because of a deep love of learning and a desire to further their education in the United States. I am considered a first generation American because I was born in Columbus, but because my family returned to Colombia when I was just a baby and I spent my early childhood there, my experience is also that of an immigrant.
At age seven my family boarded a plane, with only our suitcases, to start a new life in the United States. I watched my parents work to make their dreams a reality, with my father earning a Doctorate and becoming a researcher and professor at The Ohio State University and my mother earning a Master’s Degree at OSU and working as a social worker. Simultaneously, they helped my younger sister and I navigate the challenges of a new culture and learning a new language. I learned about hard work, courage, and determination as my family created a new life in the United States.
I followed in my parent's footsteps and studied at the Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. I also earned a Master of Architecture degree and a Master of Arts in Urban Planning degree both from UCLA. I developed a passion for the intersection between placemaking and strengthening communities. I have worked in the non-profit sector, working with communities on streetscape, economic development projects, and public art projects, the for-profit sector in school facilities planning and architecture, and have taught architectural design at Ohio State. I currently work as the Public Art Coordinator for Greater Columbus Arts Council, where my work has focused on the development and implementation of a new public art plan for the City of Columbus and Franklin County.
I am glad to be deeply rooted in Worthington. I am a 23-year Worthington resident and my husband, Ryan, and I have had the privilege of raising our family here. I am the proud mother of two Linworth Experiential Program and Thomas Worthington High School graduates. At Linworth, I served as a parent volunteer that provided students with additional support by meeting weekly with students and reviewing their progress on course work and assisting students to improve their communication with their teachers.
Since 2020 I have served on the Worthington Community Relations Commission (CRC). Because I am passionate about protecting the dignity and rights of all people, I was excited to join the CRC because of its advocacy for the Worthington Non-discrimination ordinance. This ordinance expanded the categories of persons protected from discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. During my time on the CRC, we have worked to expand the Non-discrimination ordinance to include protection against Source of Income Discrimination in housing, which prevents landlords from discriminating against tenants whose source of income includes disability benefits, housing benefits, or other forms of income.
In 2023-24, I served as Co-Chair for the Vision Implementation team for the Vision: Worthington is a Diverse and Equitable Community. I am proud of the work our team completed to propose tangible steps to begin to implement the vision for Worthington defined by our community, and our top recommendation was the expansion of housing types in Worthington.
Currently, I am serving on the Comprehensive Plan Community Committee. I am excited to join a group of community volunteers that will assist in defining a vision of land use for Worthington, and which will help work on engaging the broader Worthington Community in the process. I feel lucky to be in a place with so many people willing to give their time and expertise for the good of our community.
Outside of my professional life, I am an avid gardener (with a special interest in native plant gardening), hiker, and advocate for a strong democracy and I have volunteered on voter registration, education, and advocacy since 2017. I deeply care about protecting our democracy, and our voting rights. I was elected and served as the Central Committee and Executive Committee representative for Worthington Ward 2 in the Franklin County Democratic Party from 2020-2024.
I will use my knowledge and experience to build on Worthington’s strengths and help make real the visions expressed by our community through the Worthington Visioning process. I will provide leadership that is collaborative, responsive, and accountable to the Worthington community.
David Robinson, a native central Ohioan, has called Worthington home for the last sixteen years, where he and his wife, Lorraine, have raised their three children — now spanning college graduate, high school, and middle school. As President and co-owner of Marcy Enterprises, Inc., a local manufacturing company exporting Ohio-made products to the global automotive industry, David’s responsibilities include business development, negotiating, strategic visioning, and product innovation. His academic path reflects broad interests and depth of expertise, holding a B.S.B.A. in Honors Accounting from The Ohio State University, a Master of Theological Studies from Chicago Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Psychology and Theology from Emory University.
Beyond business, David has long been engaged in public service and community advocacy. Since 2018, he has served on Worthington City Council, where his core commitments include advancing resident-centered governance, supporting innovative yet responsible development that enhances the city’s historic character, promoting environmental sustainability, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents, and preserving the walkable, tree-filled, and distinctive nature of Worthington’s neighborhoods. His history of civic leadership includes coordinating the successful citizen-led Keep Worthington Beautiful campaign, public speaking on clean energy through The Climate Project, and decades-long advocacy work including Alzheimer’s awareness and fundraising efforts, notably the 1988 solo cross-country Ride For Reason.
I was raised right here in Worthington, graduating from Thomas Worthington High School in 2002. I have always liked helping others, figuring out how things work, and trying to improve them, which led me to seek and earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering degree from Vanderbilt University.
After working for Boeing in Seattle and Los Angeles, I returned to central Ohio to attend law school, graduating in 2013 (with over 200 community volunteer hours). Today, I’m a real estate attorney specializing in retail projects across the country. My work has taught me how to make development projects succeed for all parties—and how to avoid the pitfalls that hurt communities.
I moved back to Worthington in 2018 with my wife, Amber Evans (TWHS ’04 graduate), and we are grateful to be raising our three children—ages 4, 3, and 1—in the same community that shaped us.
In our free time, our favorite activity is loading all three kids onto my cargo bike and cruising around town or running errands. We love visiting the pools and parks we have here in town, and bumping into friends along the way.
Meet Your School Board Candidates
I am a lifelong resident of the Worthington School District, and graduate of Thomas Worthington High School. My husband Bill and I are parents of two Worthington Kilbourne High School graduates. I am an active school, civic, and charity volunteer, along with being a self-employed CPA. I was a Worthington Libraries Trustee in the mid-1990s, and was first elected to the Worthington Board of Education in 2001.
The past 24 years on the school board have been quite a ride! Enrollment decreases and increases, building renovations, working with 4 superintendents and 3 treasurers, levy pass and fail scenarios, and of course COVID challenging for all. The great people I have worked with and knowing we all have the same goal of a great school district has made it all worthwhile. My goals for my next term include:
- Providing an excellent education that ensures every student can reach their full potential,
- Being a good steward of taxpayer dollars, being off the ballot until 2028
- Being an advocate for public education, especially in these challenging legislative times
As always, I am dedicated to continuing to work collaboratively with students, staff, and community members as the Board helps guide the district.
Information TBD...
I’m Sheena Costa Flowers — a proud Worthington alumna, wife, and mother of three, with two of my children currently attending Worthington Schools. Worthington isn’t just where I grew up — it’s where my husband and I are raising our family, rooting our purpose, and investing in this community we love.
I’ve spent nearly two decades helping organizations grow through strategy, collaboration, and relationship-building — and now I’m bringing that same commitment to serve Worthington Schools.
I’m running for School Board because I believe we do our best work when we do it together — when families, educators, students, and the community all have a seat at the table. Together, we can strengthen the partnerships that support our schools, nurture an early love of learning for every student, and ensure that every child feels safe, seen, and prepared to thrive both in the classroom and far beyond it.
I’m committed to solutions that are thoughtful, creative, and courageous — always grounded in what’s best for students and educators alike. That means empowering our teachers holistically, being transparent with our community, and making decisions that reflect both responsibility and vision.
I’m ready to serve and ready to listen. Let’s build something meaningful, together. Let’s put the we in people.
I'm Kelli Davis, a proud Worthington parent and dedicated member of the Worthington Board of Education. Serving on the school board since January 2022 and as its President in 2025 has been one of my greatest honors.
As a proud product of public education myself, my heart is fully invested in our district's values and goals. This year marks a special milestone for my family as my husband and I celebrate our second Worthington graduate—with one from each high school! These personal connections deepen my commitment to ensuring each student is supported to reach their unique potential.
My journey with Worthington Schools began when I dropped my preschooler off at Sutter Park for the first time (and then my youngest four years later). Over the years, I've immersed myself in our school community—volunteering in classrooms, leading a Girl Scout troop, cheering at WYB and sporting events, enjoying theater productions and musical concerts, and serving as a Curriculum Liaison Council member. Through these experiences, I've built meaningful relationships and developed life-long friendships.
As a board member, I lead with purpose, foster collaboration, and remain dedicated to keeping students at the center of every decision. I'm passionate about seeing our entire community thrive—from educators and staff to families and, most importantly, our students.
My approach to decision-making blends evidence-based information, administrative expertise, community input, and responsible budgeting, all anchored in a commitment to student growth and well-being. Through this balanced perspective, I strive to serve our students' best interests while honoring the needs of our diverse community.
I believe in building trust through open communication and creating space for meaningful dialogue. This collaborative approach leads to solutions that reflect our community's rich diversity. I view leadership as continuous growth—staying informed about educational trends, connecting with stakeholders, and understanding the complex factors that shape our schools.
I'm running for re-election to continue this important work with the same passion and student-centered focus that has guided my service. Thank you for your trust and support. By championing all students and working together, we create brighter opportunities for every Worthington student to discover their unique strengths and build a foundation for lifelong learning. I'm always eager to hear your thoughts on how we can continue strengthening our schools together.
Nikki Hudson is a parent, leader, and ally who has demonstrated a steadfast commitment over the past eight year to moving us forward together. Through her leadership on the Worthington School Board, Nikki has supported:
policies that ensure more equitable experiences and outcomes for all students,
increased resources to address mental health, and
a culture of learning where all students can academically, socially, and emotionally thrive.
As an active volunteer in her daughters’ schools, Nikki has remained in touch with opportunities and challenges facing our district. As an attorney who has practiced law for over 25 year in both national law firms and multinational corporations, she has brought a rational and action-oriented skill set to the Worthington School Board.
In her role as a member of the Worthington School Board, Nikki has demonstrated that she is a vocal leader who:
views matters holistically,
considers various perspectives,
acts proactively,
and makes informed, educated decisions.