Bringing more than 27 years of public safety experience to Summit Academy, Jeff Futo will begin his new role as Safety and Security Program Administrator on August 4.
Futo is a two-time Kent State University graduate with bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice. He served as a Kent State University patrol officer for 15 years and as an emergency and safety specialist for 11 years. He continued his service at KSU as its public safety manager, overseeing the regional campus system and public safety technologies. For the past five years, Futo has also provided consulting services in safety and security assessments, risk analysis, safety planning, and emergency training through his firm, Northeast Ohio Safety and Security Consulting. He is the law enforcement coordinator for the Ohio Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) at the Criminal Justice Coordinating Center of Excellence at Northeast Ohio Medical University. In addition, he serves as co-chair of the Law Enforcement Subcommittee of the Ohio Attorney General’s Criminal Justice and Mental Illness Task Force.
Honored with multiple awards and recognitions over the years, Futo was a KSU Police Officer of the Year, Portage County and State of Ohio CIT Officer of the Year, a KSU President’s Excellence Award recipient, and an Ohio School Safety Center Safety Stand Out Award winner, among several others. His published work focuses on law enforcement’s role in crisis response and the Ohio CIT Program, appearing in the Psychiatric Times, Ohio Police Chief Magazine, and Campus Law Enforcement Journal.
“I am thrilled Jeff is joining the Summit Academy team. His extensive background and experience as a police officer and in public safety will be invaluable in ensuring the safety and security of Summit students and staff,” says Jacci Gilliland, Director of School/Sponsor Relations and Compliance.
Futo says he was drawn to his new position for its purpose and multifaceted nature.
“I enjoy getting out, meeting people, and working with diverse teams. That kind of setup keeps things interesting and gives me a real chance to connect with the people I’m supporting,” he says. “I’m also drawn to Summit Academy’s mission. Working with students with special needs takes a thoughtful, steady approach that aligns with my background in public safety and crisis response.”
Summit Academy’s Therapeutic Martial Arts program checks off yet another box for Futo, who has practiced martial arts for many years and teaches Jiu Jitsu at Counterstrike Gym in Ravenna.
“Martial arts teaches positive values and self-discipline,” he says. “I like this approach and Summit Academy’s therapeutic martial arts model. Overall, it just feels like a good fit and a real chance to help and support the schools.”
Futo has two children, Alec and Avery, and lives in Ravenna Township. In his free time, he enjoys biking, kayaking, and grappling.