CMBA Merit Awards: Honoring Public Servants
CMBA Merit Awards: Honoring Public Servants and Legal Excellence
Margaret W. Wong & Associates LLC proudly served as a Gold Sponsor of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s (CMBA) 79th Annual CMBA Merit Awards Ceremony. The event took place on Wednesday afternoon, August 27th, at the CMBA Cleveland Metropolitan Conference Center.
Celebrating Public Servants at the CMBA Merit Awards
This year’s ceremony not only celebrated the 2025 Public Servants Merit Award recipients, but also included two additional honors. Mr. James W. Satola received the 2025 Justice for All Volunteer of the Year Award, while Judge Mary Jane Trapp was posthumously honored with the 2025 Hon. William K. Thomas Professionalism Award. Since Judge Trapp sadly passed earlier this year, Judge Terri L. Stupica graciously accepted the award on her behalf.
What the CMBA Merit Awards Recognize
According to the CMBA, these awards recognize non-elected employees working in city, county, and federal offices who demonstrate:
- At least 20 years of faithful service
- Dedication to duty and public service
- Wise counsel to attorneys and the public
- Patience, professionalism, and reliable assistance to the Bench and Bar
Each year, participating offices nominate individuals who embody these qualities. As a result, this program continues to highlight those who uphold the highest standards of service within the justice system.
Learn more about CMBA programs here.
Meet the 2025 Public Servant Honorees
This year’s honorees exemplify excellence in public service:
Kim Bates, Chief of Staff, Cleveland Municipal Court
Nominated by Earle B. Turner
Michelle L. Davis, Executive Secretary, Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas
Nominated by Judge Brendan A. Sheehan
Brenda J. Frost, Deputy Clerk/Supervisor, Shaker Heights Municipal Court
Nominated by Judge Anne Walton Keller
Marc A. Garofoli, Bailiff, Cuyahoga County Probate Court
Nominated by Judge Anthony J. Russo
John Hathaway, Investigator, Consumer Protection Section, Ohio Attorney General’s Office
Nominated by Leandra M. Majors and Sandra L. Nimrick
Susan M. Jankowski, Deputy Bailiff, Parma Municipal Court
Nominated by Judge Deanna O’Donnell
Dean P. Jenkins, Chief Probation Officer, Cleveland Municipal Court
Nominated by Judge Michelle D. Earley
David G. Lambert, Civil Assistant Prosecutor, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office
Nominated by Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley
Cynthia Leary, Bailiff, Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, Juvenile Division
Nominated by Judge Thomas F. O’Malley and Judge Kristin W. Sweeney
Susan G. McKeon, Deputy Clerk, Lakewood Municipal Court
Nominated by Judge Tess Neff
Maria R. Ranieri, Director of Domestic Violence Department, Cuyahoga County Domestic Relations Court
Nominated by Judge Diane M. Palos
Khadija Wilson, Supervisory Administrative Assistant, Federal Public Defender’s Office, Northern District of Ohio
Nominated by Stephen C. Newman
Shared Values and Commitment
Throughout the ceremony, a common theme emerged from the honorees’ acceptance speeches. Many emphasized how deeply they value their roles, not simply as jobs but as ways to serve the public meaningfully. Furthermore, they consistently credited their colleagues, highlighting that the administration of justice is truly a team effort.
Remembering Franklin A. Polk
The awards are named in memory of Franklin A. Polk (1911–1991), a towering figure in Cleveland’s legal history. His legacy continues to inspire legal professionals across Northeast Ohio and beyond.
In Closing
The CMBA Merit Awards remind us of the importance of integrity, professionalism, and service in the legal community.
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