SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro is excited to welcome Tavia Galonski as the new Summit County Clerk of Courts. Galonski was appointed by the Summit County Democratic Party Central Committee on January 10, 2024, to fill the vacancy left by outgoing Clerk Sandra Kurt. Galonski makes history as the first Black woman to hold a countywide charter office in Summit County.
Galonski has been a public servant for over 20 years. She previously served as a magistrate for both the Summit County Domestic Relations Court and Summit County Juvenile Court. Most recently, she served in the Ohio General Assembly for over six years, representing Ohio’s 33rd House District, which includes the majority of the City of Akron, and served as the Assistant House Minority Whip.
With her professional and legislative experience, Galonski brings an extensive knowledge of the systems and processes that attorneys, clients, residents, and victims must navigate at the Clerk’s Office as an important point of contact in the judicial system.
“Clerk Galonski’s commitment to effective governance and public service has been a terrific asset to Summit County for many years,” said Executive Shapiro. “I am especially looking forward to working with her in her new role.”
While working full time as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Emory University and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Akron School of Law. Prior to her work as a magistrate, she was a community aid attorney who represented victims of domestic abuse.
Galonski is also an active member in her community. She is a member of Leadership Akron, The University of Akron School of Law Alumni Association, the Barristers, and the Ohio State Bar Association.
The Summit County Clerk of Courts Office consists of two divisions. The Legal Division handles the filing of documents, evidence, and processing of payments for the Court of Common Pleas, General Division, Domestic Relations Division, and Ninth District Court of Appeals. The Title Division handles the issuance of titles for motor vehicles and watercraft at three locations throughout the county. Visit the Summit County Clerk of Courts website at https://clerkweb.summitoh.net for more information about the office.
