Leadership on Main
Conversations with Akron's Change-Makers
Leadership on Main is our 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 have and continue to achieve success.
When and Where?
Every mid-month Wednesday, we convene at The Duck Club by Firestone at Canal Park (Home of our Akron RubberDucks) to promote and foster leadership in the heart of our community.
Who Should Attend?
Who Should Attend?
Leadership on Main is an opportunity to gain insights from Akron’s changemakers while connecting with our broader Leadership Akron community. Attendance is highly recommended for:
Leadership Akron’s current program participants and alumni
Current and emerging community leaders
Community partners
Changemaker supporters
Torchbearers members
Anyone looking to gain more knowledge about Leadership Akron programming
What to Expect?
At Leadership on Main, we prioritize nourishing both mind and body. That's why, thanks to the generosity of Ken Babby, President of the Akron Rubber Ducks, both the program and food (breakfast or appetizers) are free. Each month, the speaker suggests a charity to which donations can be made by attendees.
Here's a glimpse of a typical event:
7:30 am: Doors open and networking begins
8:00 am: Welcome and introductory remarks from Leadership Akron President.
8:05 am: The conversation begins, offering insight into the leadership journey of our guest speaker.
8:45 am: Conversation concludes, followed by questions from our attendees.
9:00 am: Event wrap-up.
Join us at Leadership on Main – where we're not just talking about leadership, we're living it.
Upcoming Leadership on Main Events:
March 12,
7:30-9:00 a.m.
Speaker: Brian Harding, Chief, Akron Police Department
Moderator: Greta Johnson, Assistant Chief of Staff/Communications
Chief Brian Harding has served with the Akron Police Department for 29 years. He has been a supervisor in patrol, the detective bureau, the Office of Professional Standards and Accountability, Technical Services, and Deputy Chief of the investigative subdivision.
Chief Harding earned his bachelor's degree in technical education from the University of Akron and complemented an associate degree in criminal justice. He has a commitment to lifelong learning shown by his recent graduation from Leadership Akron Class 39 and his completion of Police Executive Leadership College.
Chief Harding's dedication to community welfare extends beyond his law enforcement duties. As an advocate for victims' rights, he currently serves as a board member of the Victim Assistance Program. Furthermore, he has played pivotal roles in fostering collaboration between law enforcement and the community, serving as a liaison for the Citizen Police Oversight Board, Summit County Child Fatality Review Board, and spearheading initiatives such as the establishment of the Summit County CART team and the Northern Ohio Amber Alert system.
He has been married to his wife, Michelle for 29 years and they have two adult children.
April 16,
7:30-9:00 a.m.
Speaker: Sarah Vojtek, President & CEO, Stewart's Caring Place
Moderator: Kimberly Huff, Community Relations Representative, Synthomer
Sarah Vojtek serves as the President & CEO of Stewart’s Caring Place, a role she approaches with personal insight and dedication as a cancer survivor herself. Her experience with cancer deeply informs her understanding of the invaluable support Stewart’s Caring Place offers to the community. In her leadership capacity, Sarah is engaged in fostering the organization’s growth through strategic funding, sustainability efforts, and overall operational success.
Before her current role, Sarah was a vital part of the Greater Akron Chamber for a decade. She initially made her mark as the Events and Program Manager, eventually rising to the position of Director of Member Services. After receiving her MBA, Sarah started her career in development at the University of Akron's Athletic Department, where she worked closely with donors for game day experiences, events, and private functions.