Chief of Staff
Deputy Mayor of Administration
Gert Wilms
166 South High Street, 2nd Floor
Akron, OH 44308
330-375-2345
[email protected]
Gert Wilms graduated from the Ohio State University with a double major in history and political science. She received her Juris Doctorate and Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Akron. Gert was admitted to the Ohio bar in 2001.
While in law school, Gert began her career in public service as an advocate with the Battered Women’s Shelter of Summit County. As an advocate she helped survivors of domestic violence navigate through the local criminal and domestic relations courts. The following year, Gert took a position with the Akron Prosecutor’s Office and for nearly two decade she served the Akron community as a municipal prosecutor. In 2012, Gert was appointed to Chief City Prosecutor. During the course of her career, Gert prosecuted more than 10,000 cases. Gert transitioned to Chief of Staff for Mayor Horrigan on January 3, 2022.
Gert Wilms serves as the LGBTQ Liaison to Mayor Horrigan, and as a founding member of the Akron Pride Festival.
As Deputy Mayor for Administration and Chief of Staff, Wilms oversees all functions of the Mayor's Office, manages messaging and communications for the City, and oversees strategic initiatives and special projects out of the Mayor’s Office.
