Distinguished Leader Award
Presented by the Leadership Akron Alumni Association in conjunction with the Association of Leadership Programs (ALP)
Recipients of the Distinguished Leader Award are men and women who exemplify the heart of community leadership. They have made significant and notable contributions for the betterment of their community. The basic requirements are for the awardee to have either initiated or been a significant force behind a particular project or issue. This contribution should be on a volunteer basis, as opposed to part of employment. Click here for full guidelines.
NOMINATIONS HAVE CLOSED FOR 2020
Congratulations to Brian Miner, graduate of Signature Class 34, on receiving the 2019 Distinguished Leader Award! The award was presented at the Leadership Akron Holiday Party on December 5 by Betsy Hartschuh, the 2018 recipient and a member of the Leadership Akron Board of Directors, and Barry Dunaway, President of Leadership Akron.
Brian co-founded Elves & More NEO over thirteen years ago. The organization has provided over sixteen thousand bikes in that time by surprising an entire neighborhood each year near Christmas with truckloads of bikes and other gifts.
Past Honorees
2019
Brian Miner '18
2018
Betsy L. B. Hartschuh '10
2017
Nick Browning '01
Kirstin Toth '11
2016
Norma J. Rist '86
2015
Kelly Pariso '12
2014
James E. Merklin '03
2013
Karen C. Lefton '07
2012
Mark E. Krohn '03
2011
H. Sean Fremon '09
2010
William W. Lowery '01
Christine C. Yuhasz '05
2009
Frances A. Doll '88
2008
Joseph D. Parsons '91
2007
J. Bruce Hunsicker '93 *
2006
Scott T. Read '03
Jefferson E. Satterfield '01
2005
Marc B. Merklin '98
2004
Steven L. Marks '93
2003
W. Riley Lochridge '87
2002
Fr. Norman K. Douglas '97
Lawrence W. Vuillemin '99
2001
Laurie Zuckerman '91
2000
George R. Sarkis '86
1999
Pamela S. Williams '92
1998
Leonard M. Foster '92
1997
Knute Larson, D. Min. '87
1996
Frank J. Horn '96 *
1995
Steven P. Schmidt, Ph.D. '92
1994
Richard C. Fedorovich '88
1993
Mary L. Briggs '89
1992
Frank D. Heckel '87
1991
James P. Nilsen '87
1990
Michael R. Kura '89
1989
Barbara D. Mathews '86 *
1987
Marie E. Covington '85
*Denotes deceased