DAYTON, OHIO – Today, Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) hosted the 8th annual Congressional Community Service Award luncheon at the Engineers Club of Dayton. Congressman Turner presented the Community Service Award to retired Judge Alice O. McCollum and Dr. Anthony Whitmore for their service, commitment, and contributions to the Miami Valley.
“I was very proud to present the Congressional Community Service award to two distinguished individuals who have dedicated their lives to service in the Miami Valley,” said Congressman Mike Turner. “Judge Alice McCollum and Dr. Anthony Whitmore exemplify what it means to be true leaders in their careers in law, government, and community advocacy. They've made a lasting impact in the Dayton community.”
“I would not have been able to do all I have done without staff, friends, family and supporters,” said Judge McCollum. “I’d like to thank all of them who are here today for your support and your loyalty and your help in all I’ve accomplished.”
“I'd like to thank God for this day, for my old friend Judge Alice McCollum. Alice, you are an amazing individual and I thank God for giving you to all of us,” said Dr. Whitmore. “Thank you, Congressman Turner. Thank you for always being there, not just for me, but for this community, for this country.”
Background:
Judge Alice O. McCollum is the first woman to serve on the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas Probate Division, having been first elected in 2002, reelected in 2008, and again in 2014. Judge McCollum served until she retired on January 29, 2021. Prior to sitting on the bench in the Probate Division, she was the first woman elected to the Dayton Municipal Court bench. Her appointment in 1979 (by Governor Jim Rhoades) broke a 65-year precedence of male judges. McCollum was the lone Black woman during much of her judicial career. Each of the six Black female judges who came after McCollum have been mentored by her. McCollum's service in the judiciary spans 42 years.
Dr. Anthony B. Whitmore retired as the Director of Government and Community Relations at Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority. His chief focus was on legislative efforts at the state and federal level as well as support for regional community relations efforts. Dr. Whitmore served as the Governor’s Regional Director for Region IV from 1997 to 2003. He was responsible for facilitating economic growth in Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble, and Shelby Counties. He was also responsible for the Governor’s Economic Development Office, Ohio Department of Industrial Training Program, and other state agencies. Whitmore served as a liaison for the Governor’s office and state government to provide outreach assistance to local units of government, business leaders, elected officials, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and the state ombudsman program. Dr. Whitmore also served in senior leadership capacities in both Governor Taft’s and Voinovich’s administrations. Dr. Whitmore is highly regarded for his continued commitment to the Dr. MLK Day Inc. Organization as well as his service on many other Boards and committees.