Phil Maynard Distinguished Leader Award
About The Distinguished Leader Award
The Distinguished Leader Award was created in 1987 to recognize Leadership Akron Alumni who have made extraordinary and notable contributions for the betterment of their community by voluntarily initiating and/or being a significant driving force behind a particular project or issue of critical relevance and impact on the Greater Akron area. Each year the award recognizes an individual or group of individuals whose efforts have in this way, embodied the mission and work of Leadership Akron in proliferating community leadership and strengthening the Akron community's well-being.
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
2023
Judi Hill
2022
Sherry Neubert ‘27
2020
All alumni in the Healthcare Industry, Leadership Akron’s Healthcare Heroes
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
PAST HONOREES
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
Phil Maynard
2024 Distinguished Leader Awardee
This year, Leadership Akron is honored to rename its Distinguished Leader Award in memory of Phil Maynard, an extraordinary leader, philanthropist, and steadfast advocate for Greater Akron. Phil will be posthumously recognized as the 2024 recipient of the newly named Phil Maynard Distinguished Leader Award at our annual Holiday Party.
Phil’s legacy in Akron is one of tireless dedication, from his rise as a local business leader and founder of ASW International to his influential roles with Leadership Akron, Akron Children's Hospital Foundation, Akron-Canton Foodbank, and numerous nonprofits. His work helped strengthen the Greater Akron community in lasting ways, including his pivotal role in establishing Leadership Akron’s endowment fund to support future leaders.
As a Life Trustee of Leadership Akron, Phil co-founded the NEXT program to guide experienced leaders transitioning to retirement into impactful roles and he generously mentored Signature class participants. His passion for service and commitment to the next generation’s success make him a fitting namesake for this award.
Join us at the Leadership Akron Holiday Party on December 12 at E.J. Thomas Hall to celebrate Phil’s life and legacy, as well as the remarkable leaders who continue to shape Greater Akron’s future.