LFC Comments by Brian Massie, Executive Director
We congratulate Auditor Chris Galloway for the “Distinguished Auditor” award he received from the other Ohio County Auditors. Chris has been extremely helpful and transparent with all of LFC’s recent dealings with the Auditor’s office.
*****
Auditor Christopher Galloway recognized as “Distinguished Auditor” by CAAO
Painesville, Ohio – The County Auditor’s Association of Ohio recently held its annual Winter Conference in Dublin, Ohio. At the year-end 2021 conference, Lake County Auditor Christopher Galloway was honored in being named a “Distinguished Auditor” by the association. Recognition of “Distinguished Auditors” occurs every few years and is not an annual award.
“It’s quite an honor to be recognized by your peers – especially in your first term as an elected county auditor,” Galloway remarked. Since being appointed to the position in 2019 and elected by the voters of Lake County in 2020, Galloway has focused on transparency, modernization, staff training and fiscal discipline.
Galloway started with transparency by putting Lake County on Ohio Checkbook – allowing the public to see how all county monies are spent. “After rolling out OhioCheckbook.com, I took to studying all the ways we could update the auditor’s office with implementing new technology to benefit the public. That’s why now with our Smartfile portal, we are rolling out the means for the public to file documents electronically with my office, from the convenience of their home,” Galloway noted. Additionally, Galloway has focused on staff training. “I have a great team. We’ve placed an emphasis on more cross-training in positions and professional certifications. Staff has really stepped up and embraced new roles and processes. No elected official works alone. You are only as good as your people. Giving them the training and tools they need to do the best job for the public has been my focus as a manager,” he added.
“Having had an extensive private sector background and nearly fifteen years as a Concord Township Trustee, I felt prepared to step in and assume this role. What hits you right away is the enormity of the job. There is no part of county government that the auditor is not involved in,” Galloway remarked. “I talk with fellow auditors around the state – some of which have been doing this for over twenty years and they are still learning. The laws change, accounting practices and standards change, duties are amended by the legislature, it goes on and on. That’s why in my 34 months on the job I have made it a priority to dive headlong into continuing education, studying Ohio Revised Code, and focusing on professional development – it’s the best approach to public service,” Galloway said.
“I’ve been impressed by Chris’ drive to learn and involvement in public policy matters at the state level. He’s been a vocal and active member of the CAAO right from the jump. I’ve enjoyed working with him,” remarked Alan Harold, Stark County Auditor and a past-President of the CAAO.
“Honors such as this are nice, but it just motivates me even more to do the best job I can for the citizens of Lake County. Never stop learning. Never stop improving.”
Categories: Lake, Ohio Counties, Uncategorized