Press Releases
November 14, 2024
Leadership Akron Honors the Legacy of Phil Maynard with the Newly Named Maynard Distinguished Leader Award
Leadership Akron is honored to announce the renaming of its Distinguished Leader Award to the Maynard Distinguished Leader Award, celebrating the lasting impact of Phil Maynard’s leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to community service. A cherished Akron leader and one of Leadership Akron’s Life Trustees, Maynard will be posthumously recognized as the 2024 award recipient, for his remarkable contributions to the Greater Akron community. The award will be presented during Leadership Akron’s 2024 Alumni Holiday Party on Thursday, December 12, at E.J. Thomas Hall.
“Phil was the epitome of servant leadership, a tireless advocate for our community, and a mentor to countless individuals,” said Justin Hilton, President and CEO of Leadership Akron. “Naming this award after Phil allows us to honor his enduring legacy and share his story with future generations of Greater Akron’s leaders. Phil’s life was a testament to the power of generosity, commitment, and integrity—values that Leadership Akron strives to instill in all our alumni.”
As a Life Trustee of Leadership Akron, Phil was instrumental in establishing the organization’s endowment fund, ensuring financial sustainability and support for future leadership development. He also co-founded Leadership Akron’s NEXT Program, which empowers seasoned leaders transitioning to retirement to shape their next chapter of community impact. Phil’s guidance also extended to emerging leaders, as he generously shared his insights with Signature classes for the "Leadership Perspectives" session during Opening Retreat.
Phil Maynard’s life was defined by his deep commitment to Greater Akron. A graduate of Archbishop Hoban High School and Kent State University, he served four years with the U.S. Army Intelligence Agency in the Far East before returning to Akron to pursue a career in logistics. Starting as a dock worker, Phil rose through the ranks, ultimately founding ASW International, a logistics company that was instrumental in supporting the region’s growing polymer industry.
In addition to his business achievements, Phil dedicated much of his life to serving the Greater Akron community. He served on the boards of numerous organizations, including Leadership Akron, Akron Children's Hospital Foundation, and the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, among others. His volunteer efforts touched countless lives, especially through his work in healthcare, children’s services, addiction recovery, and faith-based organizations. In 2007, Phil received the Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award from the Akron Community Foundation, honoring his steadfast commitment to the community.
With the renaming of the Distinguished Leader Award, Leadership Akron now celebrates the legacy of all three of its life trustees through its Life Trustee Awards:
Read Family Difference Maker Award – honoring Roger Read
Lieberth Community Vision Award – honoring Dave Lieberth
Phil Maynard Distinguished Leader Award – honoring Phil Maynard
This “Leadership Akron Life Trustee Awards” trinity honors the contributions and legacy of the organization’s Life Trustees, whose service, vision, and dedication have helped shape Leadership Akron and strengthen the Greater Akron community.
Phil Maynard’s legacy will be celebrated at the Leadership Akron Alumni Holiday Party on December 12 at E.J. Thomas Hall, where Leadership Akron Alumni will come together to celebrate him. Ticket purchases and donations in honor of Phil can be completed at www.leadershipakron.org/holidayparty2024.
About the Maynard Distinguished Leader Award
The Maynard Distinguished Leader Award, formerly known as the Distinguished Leader Award, was created in 1987 to recognize Leadership Akron alumni who have made extraordinary contributions to the betterment of Akron by being significant driving forces behind impactful community initiatives. This award embodies Leadership Akron’s mission to inspire, strengthen, and empower leaders who contribute to Akron’s vibrancy and well-being.
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
