MML Convention Program

2024 Award Winners

Jim Sinclair Exceptional Service Award Celebrating a person dedicated to public service who has shown passion and commitment to the League, enthusiastically supporting its mission and promoting its purpose. Recipient: Barbara A. Ziarko Councilwoman Barbara A. Ziarko has served on the Sterling Heights City Council since 2001 and has been a resident since 1977. An Athena Award past nominee, Barb is a member of the Friends of the Sterling Heights Public Library and Vice-Chair of the Library Used Book Store. She has volunteered for The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), the Pope Francis Center in Detroit, and St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and has served as co-coordinator for the Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team at St. Blase Catholic Community. In 2019, Barb was elected to the League Board of Trustees and then served as President from 2021 to 2023. She has worked tirelessly as an ambassador for the League, supporting causes like changes to revenue sharing, pattern book home developments, and legislation for Ground Emergency Medical Transport (GEMT). She is also a member of Michigan Women in Municipal Government and Michigan Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials. Through the League, Barb has served as vice chair for the Legislative and Urban Affairs Committee, as an Elected Officials Academy board member, and as a member of the Public Safety and Legislative Governance Committees. Barbara married Tom Ziarko in 1977 and they have one daughter, Stacy. Barbara and Tom remained happily married until his passing in 2014. What does the Jim Sinclair Exceptional Service Award mean to you? “Being recognized for something you love doing is an unexpected honor. Serving others brings great personal rewards as you learn and receive more than you ever give. Joining in the company of so many others who have received the Jim Sinclair Award is humbling. My plan for the future is to continue to assist wherever possible to enrich our communities.”

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