(From a press release)
Montgomery County’s Deputy Controller Thomas Landauer was sworn in Wednesday as cting controller after former Controller Karen Geld Sanchez stepped down effective December 31, 2024. The swearing-in ceremony was presided by the Honorable Nicole Tate-Phillips at the Montgomery County Courthouse. Michael Vasko was also sworn in as Second Deputy Controller during the ceremony.
“I’m grateful to Tom Landauer for stepping up to be our Acting Controller. Having served as First Deputy of the Montgomery County Controller’s office since 2016, his knowledge and expertise facilitates the smoothest leadership transition possible for one of our most critical functions in the County,” said Jamila H. Winder, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “I also want to thank Karen for her diligent leadership of the Controller’s Office since her first election in 2015. I’m grateful for your partnership last year during my time as Board Chair, and I wish you all the best in your next chapter.”
“We look forward to working with Tom Landauer on a critical set of priorities that will support our efforts to modernize and innovate in county government for the efficient use of taxpayer dollars,” said Commissioner Neil K. Makhija. “Thank you, Tom, for accepting the mantle of leadership and providing continuity of leadership as Acting Controller.”
Former Controller Sanchez stepped down from her position at the County after being appointed to the position of Abington Township Tax Collector and Treasurer last month. She had served as Montgomery County Controller for nine years. She instituted several initiatives to protect taxpayer funds and ensure fiscal responsibility, including an online retirement platform and a new Grants Accounting department. She also served as vice-president and president of the Pennsylvania State Association of County Controllers (PSACC).
(From left) Tina Lawson, Dr. Janine Darby, Noah Marlier, Tom Landauer, Jamila Winder, Sheriff Sean Kilkenny, Merry Woods
Thomas Landauer has served as First Deputy of the Montgomery County Controller’s Office since 2016. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Cornell University and Master of Science in Industrial Administration from Carnegie Mellon University, and has an accomplished career in the financial services industry. Landauer will serve as Acting Controller until Governor Shapiro formally appoints a Controller for the County.
“Congratulations to Thomas Landauer on his swearing-in as Acting Controller. The Controller’s office is crucially important for the County – it’s the watchdog for how the County spends taxpayer dollars,” said Commissioner Tom DiBello. “I am thankful to former Controller Sanchez for her work to make sure grant funding was used appropriately and for her valuable input to the Montgomery County Salary Board. I look forward to continuing to work closely with the Controller’s Office to ensure fiscal accountability and compliance.”
