SUMMIT COUNTY, OHIO—Summit County Department of Job and Family Services Chief Financial Officer Phillip Montgomery was recognized by Crain’s Cleveland as a 2020 Notable LGBTQ Executive. Montgomery has served in this role since 2017. As CFO, he oversees an operating budget of $47 million from more than 20 main funding sources which functions on three fiscal calendars: county, state and federal. In his time in this position, he has successfully navigated the agency’s finances through a federal government shut down, state funding cuts, and most recently, the economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Phillip serves his community with distinction in his professional and personal life,” County Executive Ilene Shapiro. “As Chief Financial Officer of the county’s social services agency, his work ensures our front line staff is ready and able to assist the residents of Summit County. As a dedicated community advocate, he continues to strengthen our local community and support progress towards LGBTQ equality.”
Montgomery is very passionate about his work in the LGBTQ community. He is currently a board member on the Gay Community Endowment Fund and served as chair from 2018-2020. In 2020, this fund awarded nearly $50,000 in grants to 13 local nonprofits, including a grant to support social work services at Akron Children’s Hospital’s new Center for Gender Affirming Medicine, which offers comprehensive care for transgender youth. He also serves as the Fund’s Sugar Plum Tour Co-Chair. This annual event raises more than $100,000 for the fund.
“As the chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, I work closely with Phillip to ensure Job and Family Services is meeting the needs of Summit County residents,” said County Council Member Paula Prentice. “Phillip is a man of integrity who has excelled personally and professionally. He is most deserving of this award.”
Montgomery also dedicates his time to the Akron Pride Festival and Equality March. As a member of the steering committee, and the Finance Chair, he has helped increase participation at this event. Last year, over 20,000 attendees participated in the Festival and March. In 2019, he became a Board Member Emeritus for Community AIDS Network/Akron Pride Initiative (CANAPI), a nonprofit that supports the LGBTQ community through education, support services, quality housing, and advocacy. Mr. Montgomery was Board President from 2014-2017 and Board Treasurer from 2010-2014. While serving on the board, he led the development and implementation of the organization’s 3-year strategic plan.
