Scioto County Department of Job and Family Services Director Tamela Moore Morton has been recognized as the Ohio Job and Family Services Directors’ Association 2023 Outstanding Director of the Year.
Each year the Association recognizes a county department of job and family services director who, through dedicated efforts throughout the span of their career, exemplifies the professional qualities and achievements of an outstanding director. Morton received numerous nominations from her peers and was officially announced as the 2023 recipient during OJFSDA’s membership meeting Friday, Dec. 15.
Morton has served as Director of the Scioto County Department of Job and Family Services for five years but has spent nearly 30 years at the agency serving in human resources and business administrator roles. She holds a master’s degree in business administration, as well as the distinction of a certified labor relations professional. She also enjoys presenting and facilitating leadership development trainings and is a professional member of the National Speaker’s Association. In 2023, Morton was awarded the Pacesetter Award for innovative leadership in labor relations, from both the Ohio Public Employers Labor Relations Association and the National Public Employers Labor Relations Association.
In addition to leading SCDJFS, Morton has served her community through the Scioto County Family and Children First Council, the Elder Abuse Task Force, the Special Victims Unit Task Force, Children Services Levy Committee, Community Action Organization Board of Trustees, Southern Ohio Task Force on Domestic Violence, and the Scioto County Library Board. Morton strives to infuse her core values of kindness, professionalism and being a hard-worker into everything she does, and always approaches life with a positive attitude and faith in God.
In July 2022, the Scioto County Commissioners decided to merge SCDJFS with the Scioto County Children Services Board, and Morton set about making the two entities into one. She successfully combined employees from both organizations, making coaching available to management staff, and providing new technology and training for children services staff. At the same time, Tammy led a successful children services levy campaign, helping the county to provide vital services to kids under the county’s care.
“I am completely overwhelmed by this,” Morton said of the award. “The recognition is incredibly special, and I humbly accept it. However, the real credit has to go to the staff, who are the ones making things happen. I am so grateful for the team we have in Scioto County. It has truly been a collective effort.”
“As the Director of Scioto County JFS, Tammy Moore Morton has worked compassionately and unceasingly to develop new strategies and implement improvements that have transformed her organization,” said OJFSDA President Tammy Osborne-Smith. “She is a leader in her community and the generous and collaborative example she embodies in all her roles, is truly inspiring.”
“Tammy is an incredible public servant and is well deserving of this recognition. Her strong work ethic and heartfelt leadership style have supported her agency through many challenges. She has used these experiences as an opportunity to mentor those around her, becoming a source of inspiration for her staff, peers, and community,” said Laura Abu-Absi, executive director of OJFSDA.
The Ohio Job and Family Services Directors Association is a not-for-profit statewide organization established in 1946. OJFSDA represents Ohio’s 88 County Departments of Job and Family Services Directors on the local, state, and national level. OJFSDA communicates key issues and solutions regarding the delivery of social services to Ohio policymakers, legislators, and other decision makers.
