Marisa Akamine Named 2013 Employee of the Year

Each December, the City of Westerville recognizes outstanding employees who have demonstrated excellent performance, productivity, loyalty, pride and responsibility. “Employee of the Year” candidates are nominated by their peers and/or supervisors. A committee comprised of City staff reviews the applications, selecting recipients of the Excellence in Service Award and one Employee of the Year. Clerk of Court Marisa Akamine was named the 2013 Employee of the Year.

Congratulations on this achievement. What does this award mean to you?

Winning is exciting, but being nominated by a team member means so much to me. I love what I do and work with a great team of people. Their acknowledgement of my hard work is a reflection of what we do as a team.

Where are you from originally?

I was born in Columbus, lived in Westerville and ultimately moved to Worthington. I’m a graduate of Worthington Kilbourne High School in 1994 and The Ohio State University in 1999. My dad is a graduate of Westerville High School and I am proud to serve the community he was born and raised in.

How did you come to work for Westerville? When did you get started?

I was working in Franklin County Municipal Court when I was recruited by Prosecutor Mike Fultz to apply for the position. I started here in January 2011.

How did you come to be in this profession?

I graduated from OSU with a B.A. in criminology, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do: either go to law school or become a police officer. An attorney suggested I get a job at the courthouse to help figure out my next step. I started as a deputy clerk of court in 2000 at the Franklin County Municipal Court and then became a courtroom clerk for Judge Marvin Romanoff and then Judge Paul Herbert. Following that, I became a manager in the Criminal/Traffic Division. I have been in this field for 14 years now.

What is a typical day for you in Mayor’s Court?

I wear a few hats. As Court Administrator, I am responsible for the business operations, budget, purchasing, payroll and performance evaluations. As Clerk of Court, I am responsible for keeping court records and distributing money collected among the state, counties and city. I also report regularly to City Council and quarterly to the Supreme Court of Ohio, and report convictions to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and BCI. As Probation Officer, I monitor probationers to ensure they complete all ordered programs and counseling, connect people with services and prepare statements for court hearings. My day-to-day is a combination of all of the above. I am on the phone most of the day dealing with all issues. Most people are not happy to come to court, so I handle various issues and challenging people.

What is the most rewarding experience you have had working for the City?

From a Court Administrator perspective, it’s working with a great team in the City over the past three years to select, implement and go live with new case management software. This was a long project in the making that is finally here. From a Probation Officer perspective, it’s seeing probationers successfully complete treatment programs and come back to tell success stories. I see people at their worst, but our paths cross for a reason. I love when I hear from those impacted and see where they are today.

What stands out as one of the most challenging experiences, and how did you overcome it?

Anytime I work with a probationer who is addicted to heroin, it is challenging. It is such an ugly drug and crippling disease, and it’s hard to see the devastating effects it has, not just to the user, but to the family. Finding services for those individuals without insurance is a challenge, too. It can also be rewarding, because I work with them for such a long time through the highs and lows. When you see someone at their rock bottom and then they climb out, it is overwhelming. I try to stay positive and not take it home with me, but I do worry about the people we serve.

What is something about Mayor’s Court that people may not know?

That we have a court here in Westerville. Many people don't know we operate a court. Court is held at City Hall every Wednesday at 9 a.m., and we hear violations of the Westerville Codified Ordinances. We are the smallest division, but hope to make the biggest impact.

What do you do in your leisure time?

I am an exercise enthusiast. I train for and participate in marathons and triathlons. I also train at D1 Sports and the Westerville Community Center. I love staying active and encourage all of my family and friends to join me.

Congratulations to the 2013 Excellence in Service Award Winners:

Bassem Bitar, Senior Planner, Planning & Development

Mark Boyd, Meter Technician, Westerville Electric Division

Chris Monacelli, Utility Finance Manager, Westerville Electric Division

Linda Obbish, Administrative Secretary, Department of Administrative Services

Tom Patterson, Procurement Coordinator, Department of Administrative Services

Mike Phillips, Recreation Administrator, Parks & Recreation

Phyllis Self, Recreation Superintendent, Parks & Recreation

Katie Siroky, Facilities Operations Manager, Parks & Recreation

Sam Watkins, Metering Supervisor, Westerville Electric Division

The City of Westerville also recognizes departments that demonstrate excellence year-round in the award category. From creating a culture of safety to encouraging health and wellness to saving public dollars, these awards recognize the collective efforts staff and management in collaboration, creativity and coordination.

  • The sixth annual Safety Matters Award: Westerville Electrion Division
  • The first Wellness Award: Westerville Electric Division
  • The first WeSave Department of the Year: Westerville Parks & Recreation
  • The first WeInnovate Department of the Year: Information Systems

Congratulations!