Sheriff Kandy Fatheree

Kandy Fatheree assumed the office of Sheriff in January 2021 and is now serving her second term. As the Sheriff of Ohio’s fourth largest county, she has more than 500 deputies, special deputies, and civilian staff under her command.

Fatheree grew up in Springfield Township and knew from an early age that she wanted to work in law enforcement — driven by a strong desire to protect others. As a struggling single mother, she sold nearly everything she owned to put herself through the Police Academy, and began her law enforcement career in 1993.

Over the next three decades with the Sheriff’s Office, Fatheree worked in nearly every unit and division, gaining a deep understanding of the agency from the ground up. Her dedication and leadership led her to rise through the ranks, ultimately attaining the rank of Captain.

In 2008, she attended the FBI’s National Academy for Executive Leadership, an experience that helped her realize her dream of becoming Sheriff. She was elected in 2020, becoming the first woman to hold the office of Sheriff in Summit County's history, and only the fourth in Ohio’s history.

Among her top priorities as Sheriff are boosting the professionalism and efficiency of the agency, expanding diversity and community engagement, reducing recidivism within the jail, and addressing the ongoing mental health and addiction crisis affecting our communities. 

Sheriff Fatheree has been nationally recognized for her innovative and groundbreaking approaches, and she currently sits on the Board of Directors of the National Sheriffs Association.