Jill Schiller is an attorney,  a mother, and a proven leader with a reputation for helping others. As an Obama Administration staffer, founder of a children’s literacy nonprofit and small business owner she’s had plenty of practice. As Hamilton County Treasurer,  Jill’s top priority is to revamp tax collection systems and policies to better serve taxpayers. Specifically, she will champion simple, user-friendly online payment options, increased community engagement and education, access to payment plans to keep people in their homes, and increased transparency by making available the budget of each county office.

In 2021, Jill Schiller will continue to serve as the Hamilton County Treasurer.

Meet the Candidate

Can you tell our members a little bit about your journey to filing as a candidate? I decided to run for office this year thanks in part to the great experience I had as a candidate for Congress in 2018. The shock of the 2016 election spurred me to public service as a candidate. While I’ve had experience before, serving in the Obama Office of Management & Budget, this direct role was new to me. I feel that county-level service is important – local government is often overlooked, and now is the time to underscore why the roles matter.

Tell our members about a friend or family member who inspired you to become a leader. I was inspired by a former boss, Shelley Metzenbaum. I watched her navigate a workplace that didn’t always value female voices, yet Shelley more than held her own and succeeded. Her strength and grace are qualities I aspire to model.

Some of you are military veterans, some small business owners, some professionals, some mothers and grandmothers, some homemakers. How did one of these experiences shape who you are as a person and a leader? My family is so important to me. Being a mother is one of the main motivating factors in my decision to run. My kids need to see leadership modeled, and know that they, too, can be leaders. You don’t need to wait for someone else to make necessary change in the world.

The Matriots PAC has a bold goal to see 50% of all elected offices in Ohio held by women by 2028. What is your vision for Ohio in 2028? I would love to see 50% of all elected offices held by women, and would hope to be among those women myself. A new government, inclusive and representative of the people it serves is a goal we should all strive toward.

Tip O’Neill famously said that “all politics is local.” What are the top-two issues your community faces today? In terms of my race for Treasurer, the two top issues are ensuring fair collection practices – that those who can pay and choose not to are made to, and that those who cannot are given every opportunity to get on an accessible payment plan; and supporting the Hamilton County Landbank in improving neighborhoods and returning properties to productive use.

Tell us something personal about yourself. It can be a hobby, your favorite food, a funny pet story, something we might not know about you that you would like to share with our members. I love to lift weights, and am counting the seconds until it’s safe to go back to the gym!