New Executive Leader Reception

2024 New Executive Leader Reception
Honoring our community’s newest top decision-makers and leaders

Wednesday, January 24, at the Akron Art Museum

The 2024 annual New Executive Leader Reception (NELR) was a dynamic event celebrating the latest wave of executives and top decision-makers in our community. Whether new to the area or stepping into a significant leadership role, these leaders are at the heart of our event. We'll recognize, celebrate, and introduce them to our vibrant community of established leaders and Leadership Akron Alumni. It was an unforgettable opportunity to connect with and welcome the fresh faces shaping our community's future!

VIP Experience (4:00 - 5:30 pm)

  • A guided private behind-the-scenes nooks and crannies tour of the Akron Art Museum, designed anew by the world-renowned and award-winning Viennese architectural firm Coop Himmelb(l)au

  • A private viewing of the Barbara Stanzak Spirit and Matter exhibit, hosted by the artist Barbara Stanzak

  • Appetizers and a complimentary drink ticket

  • A chance to connect with Akron's influential leaders

Main Event: New Executive Leaders Reception (5:30 - 8:00 pm)

  • Networking opportunities

  • One drink ticket and appetizers are provided (additional alcoholic beverages are available for purchase)

  • A program dedicated to celebrating Greater Akron's newest executive leaders

Meet Our Honorees

  • Arnalesa (Lesa) Lavender

    Lead Pastor
    The Remedy Church

  • Bonnie Jensen

    Vice President - Hospital Chief Nursing Officer
    Summa Health

  • Bonnie Panlasigui

    President - Summa Health System Hospitals
    Summa Health

  • Brian Tierney

    President & Chief Executive Officer
    FirstEnergy

  • Carla Bayonnet

    Executive Director
    Adult Guardianship Services of Summit County

  • Carol Siciliano-Kilway

    Mayor
    City of Tallmadge

  • Christina Hodgkinson

    Executive Director
    International Welcome Center

  • Connie Bennett

    President
    Portage Community Bank

  • Daniel S. Blain

    Chief Executive Officer
    Jewish Akron

  • Deante Lavender

    Lead Pastor
    The Remedy Church

  • DeJuan Kelker

    Owner
    DeJuan’s

  • Gareth Vaughan

    President & Chief Executive Officer
    The Albert M. Higley Co.

  • George Whitefield

    Senior Pastor
    Wesley Temple Church

  • Gwyneth (Gwen) Price

    Sr. Vice Provost for Academic and Faculty Affairs
    The University of Akron

  • H. Kelly (Kel) Riley

    Chief Medical Officer
    SummaCare

  • Jennifer Towell

    Judge
    Summit County Court of Common Pleas

  • Jill Oldham

    Chief Executive Officer
    Greenleaf Family Center

  • Josh Gippin

    Executive Director
    Better Kenmore Community Development Corporation

  • Josh Gordon

    Executive Director
    Barberton Community Foundation

  • Julie Carneal

    Chief Executive Officer
    OPEN-M

  • Kelli Saucerman-Howard

    Chief Nursing Officer
    Cleveland Clinic Akron General

  • Kim Ventresca

    Chief Executive Officer
    Vantage Aging

  • Laura Pletcher

    Executive Director
    Blick Center

  • Michael Robinson

    Superintendent of Akron Public Schools
    Akron Public Schools

  • Michael Sferro

    President & Chief Executive Officer
    Towpath Credit Union

  • Pita Brooks

    Executive Director
    Akron Soul Train

  • Rocco Yeargin

    Mayor
    City of Green

  • Ron Paydo

    Market President Akron and Canton
    Huntington Bank

  • Russ Sharnsky

    Mayor
    City of Fairlawn

  • Sarah Vojtek

    President & Chief Executive Officer
    Stewart's Caring Place

  • Scott Taylor

    Executive Director
    International Soap Box Derby

  • Shammas Malik

    Mayor
    City of Akron

  • Stephanie York

    Executive Director
    Shaw Jewish Community Center

  • Suzanne Kirkman Zake

    Editor in ChIef
    Signal Akron