OLC Names Bob Hinkle 2025 Citizen of the Year

The Ohio Library Council (OLC) is proud to announce that Bob Hinkle, Chief Deputy Auditor for Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber, has been selected as the 2025 Citizen of the Year. The award, presented by the OLC Board of Directors, honors an individual who has made a significant statewide contribution to the advancement of Ohio’s public libraries.

With more than 40 years of distinguished service in state government, Hinkle has been a long-standing advocate and partner for Ohio’s public libraries. Throughout his tenure with the Auditor of State’s Office, he has worked closely with the OLC’s Library Accounting Division and library leaders across the state to ensure that financial reporting requirements and statutory changes are practical, transparent, and manageable for library systems of all sizes.

“I have had the privilege of working with Bob Hinkle on matters related to libraries for more than 20 years,” said Stacey Russell, Vice Chair of the OLC Board of Directors and Executive Director of the Muskingum County Library System. “Throughout that time, he has served as an essential bridge between practitioners and auditors within the Ohio Auditor’s Office. Bob consistently strives to understand the work being done at the local level, ensuring that the policies and procedures developed by the Auditor of State’s Office are practical, supportive, and grounded in the real-world needs of libraries and other local government entities. His collaborative spirit, deep respect for public service, and steadfast commitment to integrity make him a truly deserving recipient of this award.”

Among Hinkle’s many contributions is his leadership in the development and implementation of the Hinkle System, an innovative electronic financial statement platform designed to streamline and modernize local government auditing processes. This transformation has allowed libraries and other local entities to comply more efficiently with reporting requirements in a digital age.

“Bob Hinkle has been an invaluable partner to Ohio’s public libraries,” said Michelle Francis, Executive Director of the Ohio Library Council. “His collaborative approach and extensive knowledge of government finance have enabled library staff across the state to navigate complex financial matters with clarity and confidence.

What sets Bob apart is his commitment to listening to our members, understanding their concerns and answering their questions. His dedication to educating and supporting our libraries has left a lasting and meaningful impact on the library community.”

Hinkle began his career with the Auditor of State’s Office in September 1984 and has served as Chief Deputy Auditor through four administrations. He is a graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University and holds credentials as both a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Government Financial Manager. A native of Mt. Gilead, Ohio, Hinkle is preparing to retire from public service later this year.

In recognition of his decades of dedicated service, the OLC is honored to present Bob Hinkle with the Citizen of the Year Award. His work has strengthened the financial stewardship and operational integrity of public libraries across Ohio.

Hinkle will be formally recognized during a special ceremony on November 19, 2025, at the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, as part of the OLC’s Convention and Expo.