2026 Citizen of the Year

The Ohio Library Council has selected veteran journalist and educator Thomas Suddes as its 2026 Citizen of the Year. Throughout his distinguished career, Suddes has brought clarity and context to issues affecting Ohio communities, and his thoughtful commentary has consistently highlighted the value of strong public institutions. His vocal support for Ohio's public libraries, particularly during the 2025 state budget debate, helped elevate the importance of the Public Library Fund and made him a powerful ally for libraries across the state.

A respected journalist, educator, and commentator, Suddes has spent decades helping Ohioans better understand state government, public policy, and the decisions that shape their communities. Through his editorial writing for The Plain Dealer, cleveland.com, The Columbus Dispatch, and the Dayton Daily News, he has earned a reputation for thoughtful analysis, historical perspective, and a deep commitment to transparent and accountable government.

During the 2025 state budget process, Suddes brought renewed public attention to the importance of Ohio's public libraries and the Public Library Fund. Drawing on his extensive experience covering the Ohio General Assembly, he explained the history of Ohio’s library funding model and examined the potential consequences of the changes. His columns helped readers understand why Ohio’s public libraries have long been recognized as a national model and highlighted how funding decisions could affect the services and resources available to communities across the state.

Suddes' commentary brought attention to the importance of a stable and effective funding structure for Ohio’s public libraries. By connecting legislative decisions to their impact on communities, he helped readers see how public library funding supports access to information, education, and lifelong learning opportunities for all Ohioans. His ability to bring clarity, context, and perspective to a complex issue made him a trusted voice during a significant moment for Ohio’s public libraries.

In addition to his distinguished journalism career, Suddes serves as Assistant Professor of Instruction in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University, where he helps prepare the next generation of journalists and communicators. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from The Ohio State University and both a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Mass Communication (Journalism) from Ohio University.

Suddes will be formally recognized during a special ceremony on October 21, 2026, at the Kalahari Convention Center in Sandusky as part of the Ohio Library Council's Convention and Expo.