Press Releases

June 27, 2023

Leadership Akron Welcomes New Board Members Carla J. Davis and Paula Christ

Leadership Akron is thrilled to announce the addition of two new members to its Board of Directors: Carla J. Davis, Marketing Communications Director of the Akron-Summit County Public Library, and Paula Christ, Associate General Counsel – Litigation & Head of Legal Operations & Administration at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

"Carla J. Davis and Paula Christ exemplify the high-caliber leadership we strive to cultivate at Leadership Akron," says Justin Hilton, President & CEO of Leadership Akron. "Their wealth of experience, dedication to community, and commitment to leadership development will undoubtedly strengthen our board and impact our community."

Carla J. Davis brings a wealth of experience in public relations, journalism, communications, and marketing. As the Marketing Communications Director for the Akron-Summit County Public Library, she plans and directs system-wide marketing and communications initiatives. She also is the founder and president of CJ Davis Enterprises, LLC, which encompasses Carla Davis Communications, a strategic communications firm, and Carla Davis Music.

Carla is an esteemed alumnus of the University of Akron, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Communications, and Ashland University (Ashland Theological Seminary), where she furthered her studies with a Master's degree in Clinical Counseling.

Davis is an active community leader with board and civic memberships including the Akron Press Club, City of Akron Racial Equity and Social Justice Taskforce, Cleveland Clinic Akron General Community Advisory Council, and Haven of Rest Board of

Trustees, among others. A proud member of Leadership Akron Class 29, Davis continues her involvement as a co-facilitator for Leadership Akron’s Signature Program opening retreats.

In recognition of her contributions to the community, Davis has received numerous awards such as the Judge Brenda Burnham Unruh Servant Leader Award – Love Akron, Women of Achievement – Women’s Network, Inc; Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Office of Multicultural Development at the University of Akron, and a Knight Foundation Arts Challenge Award.

Adding to the dynamic roster of Leadership Akron's Board is Paula Christ, who currently serves as Associate General Counsel – Litigation & Head of Legal Operations & Administration at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Prior to joining Goodyear, she was the Associate General Counsel – Litigation for TRW Automotive Holdings Corp. and Senior Counsel – Litigation for TRW Inc., providing her with a rich tapestry of experience in her field.

Paula Christ brings a distinguished academic background to the Board, having received her bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering from Penn, and her Law degree, Magna Cum Laude, from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Her commitment to service extends beyond her professional life, evidenced by her role as a mentor and tutor at David Hill Community Learning Center, her presence on the Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Ohio Advisory Board, and her voluntary legal services for the Community Legal Aid/Goodyear monthly Record Sealing Clinic.

She also takes an active role in nurturing the next generation of legal professionals through the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity's Success in Law School Mentoring Program. Furthermore, she is a proud member of two significant women’s philanthropic groups, 100 Women Who Care – Western Reserve and 100 Women Strong Ohio. As a member of Leadership Akron Class 38, Christ has demonstrated her dedication to community involvement and development. Her diverse experience and unwavering commitment to Akron's community are sure to be invaluable assets to the Leadership Akron Board.

About Leadership Akron

For 40 years, Leadership Akron has inspired, strengthened, and empowered leaders to create a greater Akron. Through unique experiences and partnerships with local leaders, Leadership Akron provides a platform for emerging and established leaders to

contribute to the community's vibrancy. For more information about Leadership Akron, visit www.leadershipakron.org.