New Executive Leader Reception 2025
Honoring our community’s newest top decision-makers and leaders

Thursday, February 27th

at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens Manor House

Another Incredible New Executive Leader Reception in the books!

What a remarkable evening celebrating Greater Akron’s newest executive leaders at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens! From inspiring speeches to meaningful connections, the night was a true reflection of leadership in action.

The evening featured:

  • A heartfelt welcome from Leadership Akron, setting the tone for an evening of recognition and impact​

  • A powerful moment of gratitude for the Selection Committee, whose efforts brought together this outstanding group of honorees​

  • The highlight of the night—honoring more than 50 exceptional leaders who are shaping the future of Greater Akron​

  • A surprise save by Eric Mansfield, who stepped in as emcee at the last minute—truly embodying leadership in action​

  • Outstanding support from The University of Akron Student Ambassadors, who brought energy and professionalism to the entire evening​

  • A huge shoutout to McCoy Multimedia for capturing the night so beautifully!

See the full photo gallery here: https://www.mccoymultimediallc.com/leadership-akron-new-executive-leader-reception.html​

Thank you to our sponsors, partners, and attendees for making this night possible. Your support strengthens the leadership network that drives Greater Akron forward.

Help us recognize and celebrate the change makers shaping Greater Akron! You can nominate a new leader for next year’s reception by clicking here.

Thank You to Our Strengthening Sponsor!

Thank You to Our Inspiring Sponsor!

Thank You to Our Visionary Sponsors!

Barberton City Schools

City of Akron Department of Human Resources

Danielle J. Kimmel, CPA

M7 Holdings

Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs

Honorees are leaders who:

  • Serve as a top decision-maker or C-suite executive in a private, public, or nonprofit organization located in Greater Akron (Summit County or nearby counties with strong Akron ties).

  • Lead organizations that are well-established and make an impact on our community.

  • Are in roles with significant community influence, such as reporting to the CEO, Board of Directors, or overseeing a major operation.

  • Have accepted prestigious roles outside Greater Akron that elevate their leadership profile (Alumni only).

Criteria for Honorees

Meet Our 2025 Honorees

  • Captain Bramwell Applin

    Area Coordinator
    The Salvation Army - Summit County Area Services

  • Captain Jana Applin

    Associate Area Coordinator
    The Salvation Army - Summit County Area Services

  • Christopher Barker, MPH

    Health Commissioner
    Summit County Public Health

  • Kimberly Beckett

    President
    Downtown Akron Partnership

  • Tarun Bhalla, MD, MBA, FAAP

    Chief Clinical Officer
    Akron Children's Hospital

  • Nathan Briggs

    Executive Director
    Autism Society of Greater Akron

  • Nick Browning

    President & CEO
    Humane Society of Summit County

  • Angela Carter

    Chief of Staff
    Akron Public Schools

  • Mella Castner

    Executive Director
    Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs, Inc.

  • Robert DeJournett

    President & CEO
    Black Chamber of Commerce

  • Tim Edgar

    Executive Director
    Tarry House, Inc. & Project Beginnings I

  • Lashawrida Fellows

    Deputy Director of Human Resources
    City of Akron

  • Amber Genet Barkoukis

    Executive Director
    Embracing Futures

  • Jennifer Gerow

    Chief Curator
    Akron Art Museum

  • Richard Gibson

    Executive Director
    Students With A Goal (SWAG)

  • Laura Gleason

    Director of Human Resources
    Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board

  • Mark Greer

    Executive Director
    Akron 200

  • Brian Harding

    Police Chief
    City of Akron

  • Sonya Hartburg

    Executive Director
    RAHAB Ministries

  • Leon Henderson

    Fire Chief
    City of Akron

  • Michael Hunt

    Senior Director of IT&S
    Western Reserve Hospital

  • Montrella Jackson, Esq.

    Chief Human Resources Officer
    City of Akron

  • Harry Kamdar

    Chief Executive Officer
    Asian Services in Action (ASIA), Inc.

  • Steven Kaut

    Executive Director
    Akron Rural Cemetery Association

  • Eufrancia Lash

    Director of Neighborhood Assistance
    City of Akron

  • Sierjie Lash

    District Chief
    Akron Fire Department

  • David Laughlin

    Deputy Chief
    Akron Police Department

  • Josh Lehman

    President
    Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio

  • Jeremy Lile

    Chief of Leadership & Learning
    United Way of Summit & Medina

  • Shefali Mahesh, MD

    Pediatrician in Chief
    Akron Children's Hospital

  • Sara Martin

    Chief Operating Officer
    Bober Markey Fedorovich

  • Deborah Matz

    Law Director
    City of Akron

  • Chuck Mullen

    Partner, Great Lakes Regional Market Leader
    Eide Bailly

  • Robert J. ("RJ") Nemer

    President
    The University of Akron

  • Sierra Oden

    President
    Torchbearers

  • Jason Ondrus

    Superintendent
    Barberton City Schools

  • Scott Pascu

    Deputy Chief
    Akron Fire Department

  • Kishan Patel

    Executive Director
    Firestone Park YMCA

  • Natalie Pillsbury

    President & CEO
    PBS Western Reserve

  • Brynn Popa

    Executive Vice President
    Greater Akron Chamber

  • Cheryl Powell

    Executive Editor
    Akron Beacon Journal

  • Hayley Rayl

    Executive Director
    Green Family YMCA

  • Todd Ritzman, MD, FAAOS, FAOA

    Surgeon in Chief
    Akron Children's Hospital

  • Tiffany Roper, M.Ed., LPC

    Director of Outreach & Parent Education
    Early Childhood Resource Center

  • Casey Shevlin

    Director of Sustainability and Resiliency
    City of Akron

  • Larry Stevenson

    Chief Executive Officer
    Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

  • Esther Thomas, Esq.

    Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
    City of Akron

  • Dave Vitatoe

    President
    St. Vincent-St. Mary High School

  • Lisa Wheeler-Cooper

    Executive Director
    American Heart Association

  • John Williams

    President & CEO
    Akron Urban League

  • Evelyn Williams

    Executive Director
    Global Ties Akron

  • Sapphire Young

    Director of People & Culture
    Akron Art Museum

  • Brittany Zaehringer, Esq.

    Chief of Staff
    City of Akron