The 2025 Excellence in Public Service Award winners have been honored in separate surprise announcements at their respective jobs. The three winners are:
- Julie Stimson, Emergency Management Director, Sedgwick County
- Shanna Zimmerman, Marketing Teacher, Wichita High School East, and
- Detective Robert K. Chisholm Jr, City of Wichita.
The honorees were selected from thousands of eligible workers from Sedgwick County, Wichita Public Schools, and the City of Wichita. They share a strong work ethic, exceptional performance and a commitment to community.
Courtesy of the sponsoring DeVore Foundation, each honoree will receive a $3,000 check at a reception at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14 in Lotus Hall at Botanica, 701 Amidon.
About the winners:
Julie Stimson (Sedgwick County) serves as Emergency Management Director for Sedgwick County, a post she has held for four years. She leads efforts to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and disasters that impact the region. With over two decades of experience in public safety and emergency management, Julie is a trusted leader in coordinating multi-agency responses, building community resilience, and developing comprehensive emergency preparedness strategies.
Throughout her career, Julie has been instrumental in advancing interagency collaboration, securing federal and state grants to enhance local emergency capabilities, and implementing training programs that strengthen response efforts across public safety, healthcare, and volunteer organizations. She is recognized for her calm leadership during crises and her commitment to protecting the well-being of all Sedgwick County residents.
Julie holds multiple certifications in emergency management and homeland security, and she actively participates in statewide planning initiatives and national emergency preparedness networks. Her leadership continues to shape Sedgwick County’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to both natural and human-made disasters.
Her nominator, Sara Magnasco, a partner agency member with the American Red Cross, has this to say about Julie: “Julie has always been a strong leader and top-tier female role model. Julie exemplifies duty, leadership, and consummate professionalism. A retired Air Force veteran, Julie stepped into her role with the County at a critical time—during the height of COVID-19. In her four years in the position, through vision, strategic communication, and regional partnerships, Julie as transformed Emergency Management into an award-winning operation, strengthened regional partnerships, stabilized the budget, and built a highly effective team.”
In addition to her demanding role, Julie is in the final year of earning her PhD in Emergency Management, is a devoted mother and grandmother, and volunteers with the County’s Medical Reserve Corps.
Shanna Zimmerman (Wichita Public Schools) is the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department Chair and a marketing teacher at Wichita East High School. With a passion for preparing students for real-world success, she leads East High’s business and marketing programs, helping students develop critical skills in entrepreneurship, finance, and professional communication.
Shanna is known for her student-centered approach, collaborative spirit, and dedication to bridging classroom learning with real-world applications. Her nominator, Jocelyn Powell, is a former student of Shanna’s. In her nomination letter, Powell stated, “Shanna Zimmerman is not just a regular teacher. She goes above and beyond to inspire and empower her students to pursue excellence in life and business. One top of her teaching duties, she is the advisor for DECA, which is one of the largest and most active student organizations on campus. She also runs the student stores, so students have access to food on campus. She makes sure each student gets to feel safe in her classroom and gets real life experiences.”
As a sports mom, Shanna spends significant time volunteering to support kids’ teams and organize countless team banquets. She has led Boy Scouts fundraising activities and helped with activities like popcorn sales and the pinewood derby. Her work with DECA extends beyond the normal school day, as she extends herself as a leader and support person for marketing teachers and DECA advisors in the region and state. Shanna is also making an impact by serving on the marketing curriculum review committee with the Kansas Department of Education, reviewing research and standards to make recommendations for the future of marketing programs across the state. This is her third time serving in this capacity.
Shanna’s work continues to inspire students and colleagues alike, making a lasting impact on Wichita’s—and the state’s–educational landscape.
Robert Chisholm Jr. (City of Wichita) is a seasoned detective with a distinguished career at the Wichita Police Department. Joining the force in August 1986, he began his service as a beat officer in the Downtown and Eastside Patrol areas, demonstrating a strong commitment to community policing and public safety. He is now in his 32nd year as a homicide detective.
Over the years, Detective Chisholm has been recognized for his dedication and excellence in law enforcement. In 2015, he was honored as the Wichita Police Department’s Officer of the Year, reflecting his outstanding contributions to the department and the community. He has also been honored with five Wichita Police Department Bronze Wreaths of Merit; a Wichita Police Department Silver Wreath of Valor; Four Distinguished Service Awards, and numerous other awards and outstanding ratings.
Throughout his tenure, Detective Chisholm has been involved in various aspects of policing, including investigative work and community engagement, evolving as technology and new techniques have become available. His nominator, Lt. Roderick Miller, highlighted Detective Chisholm’s unwavering passion and leadership, which have been instrumental in ensuring justice for victims and their families. He wrote, “A sign on Robert’s desk reads, “We work for God,” a testament to his deep sense of purpose and dedication to the community he serves. Throughout the years, Robert has been a cornerstone of guidance, serving as a mentor to new investigators and a trusted advisor to supervisors. Renowned for his unwavering dedication, it is often said that even after 38 years of service, Robert’s work ethic remains unmatched.”
In addition to his positive contributions on the job, Robert is a devoted husband, father, and active member of his church. He regularly volunteers at The Lord’s Diner and provides Meals on Wheels year-round. He is also a dedicated supporter of Wichita State University. Chisholm’s extensive experience, volunteer spirit and commitment to justice have made him a respected figure within the department and among Wichita residents.
This has been shared in a sponsored partnership with the City of Wichita
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