The January 5th, 2026 Organizational Meeting marked a historic moment for Worthington as four council members were sworn into office, including the city's first-ever council members of color. Joycelyn Dong became the first Asian American elected to Worthington City Council, while Maria Ramirez became the first Latina to serve on the body.
New and Returning Council Members Take the Oath
The evening began with oaths of office administered to four council members:
- Joycelyn Dong — Administered by Tom Burns
- Rebecca Hermann (re-elected) — Administered by former Council President Bonnie Michael
- Glen Pratt — Administered by Brian Skinner
- Maria Ramirez — Administered by Bonnie Michael
Leadership Elections
Council President: Rachael Dorothy was elected unanimously. In her acceptance, Dorothy emphasized her goal to "provide collaborative forward-thinking leadership to create a more diverse, equitable, and connected community," with priorities including housing assessment, the Northeast area plan, and the Worthington Together comprehensive planning process.
President Pro Tem: Rebecca Hermann was elected unanimously. She noted that "this is a year of finishing plans and putting them to action."
Mayor: Scott Holmes was elected to his seventh term. "My parents moved to Worthington in 1951, raised my brothers and I here," Holmes said. "We love this community. It's a real privilege to serve this community."
Vice Mayor: Joseph Mas was re-elected. Reflecting on his experience as an immigrant, Mas noted that "many fellow immigrants here in Central Ohio are facing difficult times," adding, "the opportunity is also the opportunity to serve, not just to succeed."
Key Appointments
- Amy Lloyd — Municipal Planning Commission and School Board Liaison
- Maria Ramirez — MORPC and McConnell Arts Center Board
- Joycelyn Dong — Worthington Partnership Board
- Glen Pratt — Community Improvement Corporation (CIC)
- Daniel Ruggiero — Clerk of Council and Open Records Designee