Dayton, Ohio – The Montgomery County Board of County Commissioners has approved the appointment of Crystal Schultz as the new Deputy Assistant Director of the Family Assistance Division, recognizing her years of public service and broad experience across multiple county departments.
County leaders said Schultz brings nearly two decades of experience working for Montgomery County and has played important roles in several major projects that have helped improve services for residents. Most recently, she served as Human Resources Manager for Job and Family Services, a position that added to an already extensive career in county government.
Schultz first joined Montgomery County in 2007 when she began working in the Treasurer’s Office. Two years later, in January 2009, she moved to Job and Family Services as a JFS Specialist at the Job Center, beginning what would become a long career within the Family Assistance Division and related programs.
Leadership experience across multiple departments
Throughout her time with the Family Assistance Division, Schultz held several leadership positions and supervised a variety of teams responsible for helping residents access public assistance programs.
She managed both the Screening and Scheduling team and the Medical Only team while also helping oversee one of the county’s largest technology transitions. Schultz led the move from the CRIS-E eligibility system to the Ohio Benefits platform, a major change designed to modernize how benefits are administered.
She also served as the Training and Customer Support Supervisor, helping employees adapt to new systems and improving customer service for county residents.
Later, as a Social Program Coordinator, Schultz directed the implementation of the statewide Electronic Document Management System along with County Shared Services, initiatives intended to improve efficiency and streamline operations.
Her experience expanded beyond the Family Assistance Division as she later became Financial Benefits Manager at Children Services before serving as an HR Business Partner in Environmental Services. She eventually returned to Job and Family Services, where she most recently worked as Human Resources Manager before receiving her latest appointment.
County leaders said her varied background makes her especially qualified for the new leadership position.
“Crystal has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, adaptability and a commitment to improving how we serve residents. Her experience spans frontline service delivery, program implementation and operational leadership,” said Geraldine Pegues, Assistant County Administrator for Human Services. “She understands the work at every level, which makes her an excellent fit for this position.”
Supporting thousands of county residents
The Family Assistance Division provides many of the public assistance programs relied upon by residents throughout Montgomery County.
Among its responsibilities are administering food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP, along with Medicaid, cash assistance, child care assistance, and Adult Protective Services.
County officials noted the division serves a significant portion of the community. Approximately one in every three Montgomery County residents receives medical assistance through the division, while more than 78,000 people receive food assistance each year.
Schultz said returning to the Family Assistance Division in a leadership role carries special meaning because it is where much of her professional career developed.
“I feel like I’ve grown up professionally here. It’s where I had my first leadership role, my first real professional mentor and the opportunity to contribute to the development of our employees and members of the community,” said Schultz. “I’m genuinely humbled by the opportunity to step into this role. JFS has shaped so much of my professional journey, and I’m grateful for the trust placed in me to help lead its next chapter.”
Schultz earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communications from Hampton University before completing a master’s degree in Public Administration at Wright State University.
With the Board of County Commissioners approving her appointment, Schultz now steps into a key leadership role overseeing programs that provide essential assistance to tens of thousands of Montgomery County residents each year.
