Gov. Shapiro appoints Robert R. Hart as Montgomery County's new Controller

On Friday, Montgomery County hosted a swearing-in ceremony for Robert R. Hart as the county’s new Controller. Governor Josh Shapiro nominated Hart for the role, and he was unanimously confirmed by the Pennsylvania State Senate on February 4, 2025. The swearing-in ceremony was presided by the Honorable Judge Todd Eisenberg and the Honorable Judge Melissa Sterling at the Montgomery County Courthouse.

Throughout his career, Hart has been a dedicated public servant who brings more than two decades of experience in municipal administration, law, and higher education. Most recently, he served as Chief Administrative Officer and Township Manager for East Norriton Township, where he oversaw the township’s daily operations, financial management, and policy implementation. His background also includes serving as First Deputy in the County’s Treasurer’s Office and serving as an elected member of the Whitemarsh Township Board of Supervisors.

Hart succeeds Acting Controller Tom Landauer, who stepped in when former Controller Karen Geld-Sanchez resigned effective December 31, 2024. Landauer will now resume his position as First Deputy Controller.

According to the county website, the controller is an elected row officer and has general supervision over all fiscal affairs of the county and of the accounts of all functions collecting, receiving, or disbursing county funds. This includes but is not limited to, the following:

• General Accounting – The general accounting function is responsible for the county's general ledger and countywide financial statements. Complete records are maintained by the Controller's Office, detailing all fiscal operations of the county.
• Accounts Payable – The accounts payable function approves and processes all vendor invoices for payment.
• Internal Audit – Internal audit conducts periodic audits of row offices, tax collectors, county departments, and other county functions as necessary. As a part of this function, the audit staff examines the effectiveness of internal controls, compliance with laws and regulations, and best practices.
• Payroll – Payroll serves over 3,500 full- and part-time employees. Employees are paid on a biweekly basis, using direct deposit. Such items as additional insurances, parking, day care, flex heath plans, deferred compensation plans, savings bonds, other investment options, and other deductions are handled through the Payroll Department. The dedicated payroll staff works diligently to ensure that the county’s employees are paid correctly and on time.
• Retirement – The controller maintains the accounting records for the Montgomery County Employees’ Retirement System and acts as a liaison between the county and the investment advisers for the retirement fund investment portfolio.

Board Membership
The controller serves as a member of the Salary Board, Depository Board, Investment Board, and is the secretary of the Montgomery County Employees' Retirement Board.