We believe that Greater Akron
can only be a thriving community when every voice is
welcomed, heard, valued, and treated with respect.

Dr. Teri Lash-Ritter, President, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Signature Class 34

Leadership on Main is a monthly conversation with Akron's prominent change-makers. This unique platform lets today's leaders share their successes and lessons, inspiring tomorrow's community leaders.

Join us each month, as our guest speakers reveal their leadership journeys, sharing the strategies and experiences that have shaped them. Discover what's worked, what hasn't, and how they achieved success.

Wednesday, January 21, 7:30-9:00 am
at The Duck Club by Firestone at 7 17 Credit Union Park
300 S. Main Street, Akron, OH 44308

Register Now

Sponsored By:

Find the Leadership Akron program for you in 2026!

Leadership Akron Community Leadership Institute (CLI)

Leadership Akron’s Community Leadership Institutes (CLI) combine individual development with community engagement, emphasizing leadership traits that are valuable in both community and professional settings. Each CLI session connects participants with top decision makers and includes access to best-in-class community assets.

Applications are closing on January 24, 2026.

Learn more & apply

Leadership Akron Signature Program – Class 43

The Leadership Akron Signature Program is a 10-month program for our region’s top leaders across sectors who are interested in broadening their community impact. Each day-long experience is designed by Leadership Akron alumni who have expertise in the field of interest for that day. In addition to each month’s day-long seminar, short site visits to unique locations provide a deeper understanding of the topic at hand. The program not only engages and informs the top leaders of our community’s companies and organizations, it creates meaningful bonds with other like-minded individuals of diverse backgrounds.

Applications are closing March 1, 2026.

Learn more & apply

Join the team empowering leaders to strengthen Greater Akron.

  • Development Director

    Leadership Akron is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and results-driven Development Director to lead all fundraising and revenue‐generation efforts in support of our mission and annual operating budget of approximately $1.2 million. This role is accountable for designing and executing a comprehensive development strategy that grows and sustains philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and community partners.

The LeaderSHOPAkron is open.

Good looks for great leaders.

Learn More

Leadership Akron Welcomes New Classes

NEXT Class 14

Leadership Akron proudly announces the members of NEXT Class 14, a group of seasoned leaders stepping into new chapters of service and community connection.

Designed for individuals approaching, experiencing, or mastering retirement, the NEXT program provides an opportunity to expand their experience and define their next season of impact in Greater Akron. Throughout the program, participants will immerse themselves in Greater Akron’s unique story, its people, its challenges, and its possibilities.

Read Press Release
Meet Class 14

Diversity on Board Class 10

Now in its tenth year, Leadership Akron’s Diversity on Board program is advancing a new class of 22 changemakers ready to lead with purpose in Greater Akron.

This milestone class continues the program’s mission to develop diverse talent for board service through a dynamic blend of leadership development, coaching, education, and hands-on experience. As with every class, these individuals are stepping into a relational journey designed not just to inform, but to transform – both themselves and the communities they serve.

Read Press Release
Meet Class 10

Signature Class 42

Leadership Akron proudly announces the members of Signature Class 42, a dynamic group of leaders who will embark on a deeply immersive experience designed to awaken purpose, expand perspective, and ignite lifelong connection.

As Leadership Akron’s flagship program, the Signature experience isn’t a class in the traditional sense, it’s a curated journey into the heart of Greater Akron. Over the next ten months, the 44 participants will step into Greater Akron’s most vital institutions, confront pressing community issues, and engage in transformative conversations that challenge, stretch, and connect.

Read Press Release
Meet Class 42

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Expand your vision.

Leadership Akron's mission is to inspire, strengthen and empower leaders. Together, let’s unlock the potential throughout our community and create inclusive workplaces, organizations, and neighborhoods

DEVELOP MY LEADERSHIP

From the high school junior through the early-career professional, Leadership Akron has a program for you!

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EXPAND MY LEADERSHIP

No two leadership journeys are the same. We invite you to explore our variety of programs designed to hone your leadership skills and connect you even deeper with our community.

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REIMAGINE MY LEADERSHIP

Good leaders never stop learning. They continue to learn and make new connections in our vibrant community. We encourage you to consider a Leadership Akron program designed to maximize your leadership talents even well beyond your career.

Learn more