Hancock County Probation Leader Honored Posthumously With Statewide Award

(From the Hancock County Court of Common Pleas)

The Ohio Chief Probation Officers Association (OCPOA) presented the Vince Polito Executive Leadership Award posthumously to Kimberly M. Switzer, MBA, CCE, during OCPOA Line Office Training on June 17, 2026, at the Hilton at Easton. Members of the Hancock County Adult Probation Department accepted the award on behalf of their former leader.

Switzer served the Hancock County Common Pleas Court and Adult Probation Department from July 1990 until her death in June 2025, where she rose to the position of Director of Court Services and Chief Probation Officer. Over the course of nearly 35 years, she helped transform the department into an evidence-based community corrections operation recognized for innovation, professionalism, and sustained excellence.

According to her nomination packet, Switzer was a transformative leader at both the local and state levels. She championed the integration of risk/need/responsivity principles into department operations, led the creation of an in-house forensic unit in partnership with Century Health, and spearheaded Hancock County’s entry into specialized docket programming.

Switzer also demonstrated strong financial stewardship, securing significant grant funding and helping build a sustainable model for treatment services and programming. Her leadership and vision helped establish a culture of excellence that continues to guide the Hancock County Adult Probation Department today.

The Vince Polito Executive Leadership Award recognizes a current or former probation executive whose work has made a significant contribution to the profession at the local, regional, or state level. Switzer’s decades of service, innovation, and commitment to community corrections made her an especially fitting recipient of the honor. Switzer was nominated by Mindi Wells, Interim Director of Court Services with Hancock County Common Pleas Court.  The award was presented by Juli Tice, Chief Probation Officer with the Columbiana County Municipal Court, who was a longtime friend and colleague of Switzer’s.

Located in the Allan H. Davis Judicial Center, the Hancock County Adult Probation Department serves approximately 800 individuals each year and is committed to evidence-based practices, collaboration, and professional excellence.