Press Releases
July 2, 2024
Leadership Akron Honors Mark and Sandy Auburn with the 2024 Read Family Difference Maker Award
Leadership Akron is delighted to award the 2024 Read Family Difference Maker Award to Mark and Sandy Auburn for their distinguished community service and leadership achievements, which have substantially contributed to advancing Leadership Akron's mission.
As proud members of the inaugural class of Leadership Akron’s NEXT program, Mark and Sandy have remained highly engaged Alumni for nearly fifteen years. Their impact has included active roles in assisting with the planning and execution of the Arts and Culture days for the NEXT program, as well as through coaching and mentoring within the Diversity on Board program. Their service continues to ensure that generations of leaders are inspired, strengthened, and empowered to create a greater Akron.
Mark and Sandy's extraordinary achievements will be honored and celebrated at Leadership Akron’s 2024 Annual Meeting and Read Family Difference Maker Award Event on Thursday, August 22nd, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at the Akron Civic Theater.
Sandy Auburn has held key positions, including Founding Executive Director of the Summit Educational Partnership Foundation, Vice President for Workforce Development for the Greater Akron Chamber, and Vice President for Development of the Akron Community Foundation. Her extensive board service includes the United Way of Summit and Medina Counties (where she served for 18 years), Akron Summit County Public Library, and the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. She has been recognized with the Lincoln Gries Alumni Award and the Judith A. Read Tribute Award for Service to Women and Girls.
Mark Auburn retired from the University of Akron, where he served as Dean of the College of Fine and Applied Arts and Senior Vice President and Provost. His extensive community service includes long-term involvement with the American Red Cross of Greater Akron and the Mahoning Valley (where he is a Life Member), the Akron Symphony Orchestra, and the Rotary of Akron. He has also contributed to the boards of Ohio Ballet, Akron Civic Theatre, and Western Reserve Public Media.
"Mark and Sandy Auburn’s remarkable service to Akron, from Sandy’s transformative roles in workforce development and community foundations to Mark’s distinguished career in higher education, stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication to our community," said Justin Hilton, President & CEO of Leadership Akron. "Their mentoring of every Diversity on Board coach and their creative and tactical implementation of the ‘Board Room Experience’, have been nothing short of profoundly amazing, and are critical to nurturing a legacy of leadership and service that will benefit generations to come."
Continuing the tradition of the Read Family Difference Maker Award, a new tree will be planted at Cascade Locks Park in honor of Mark and Sandy Auburn, symbolizing their lasting dedication and contributions to the Akron community. Leadership Akron sincerely thanks all the organizations and individuals who help support and maintain this commemorative site.
About The Read Family Difference Maker Award
The Read Family Difference Maker Award, created in July 2017, honors the Read family (Roger, Judy, and Scott) in recognition of their involvement in advancing the mission and work of Leadership Akron, promoting community leadership, and strengthening the Akron community's well-being. Each year the award recognizes an individual or group of individuals whose efforts have been instrumental in expanding the scope or impact of Leadership Akron's mission and work.
https://www.leadershipakron.org/readfamilydifferencemakeraward
About Leadership Akron
For over 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
