Press Releases
Our Impact in Akron
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.
August 8, 2024
Leadership Akron Announces NEXT Class 13: Shaping Akron's Past, Present, and Future
Leadership Akron proudly introduces the members of NEXT Class 13, a distinguished assembly of leaders dedicated to shaping Akron's past, present, and future. This innovative two-month program invites individuals at or nearing retirement to leverage their extensive experience and expertise, influencing the community's trajectory through meaningful engagement.
July 23, 2024
Leadership Akron Announces New Board Members and Officers
Leadership Akron is excited to welcome two distinguished professionals to its Board of Directors: Tim Able, Executive Vice President and Partner at SeibertKeck Insurance Partners, and Aimee Wade, Executive Director of the County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board.
July 18, 2024
Leadership Akron Hires Stephanie Smith As New Director of Engagement & Impact
Leadership Akron is proud to announce that Stephanie Smith has been hired as Engagement & Impact Director, effective July 22, 2024.
July 9, 2024
Leadership Akron Unveils Ninth Class of Diversity on Board Program
Leadership Akron is thrilled to announce the members of the ninth class of the Diversity on Board program. This year's class brings together a dynamic group of professionals poised to enhance their leadership capabilities and significantly contribute to nonprofit boards across Greater Akron.
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.
June 28, 2024
Leadership Akron Unveils Signature Class 41
In its continued mission to cultivate community engagement and leadership, Leadership Akron proudly announces the 44 members of Signature Class 41. This year’s class embodies a diverse group of dynamic leaders poised to further enhance their impact across the Greater Akron area.
June 25, 2024
Sylvia Trundle Honored as 2024 Recipient of the Lieberth Community Vision Award
Leadership Akron is excited to announce Sylvia Trundle, a distinguished leader and retired captain of the patrol subdivision of the Akron Police Department, as the 2024 recipient of the Lieberth Community Vision Award.
January 29, 2024
Leadership Akron Hires Elizabeth Saraceno As New Senior Development Director
Leadership Akron is proud to announce that Elizabeth Saraceno has been hired as Senior Development Director, effective February 12, 2024.
November 29, 2023
Judi Hill Recognized as the Recipient of the 2023 Leadership Akron Distinguished Leader Award
Leadership Akron is proud to announce Judi Hill as this year’s Distinguished Leader. Hill is being recognized for both her commitment to Leadership Akron and her leadership on important issues in the Akron community, according to Justin Hilton, President of Leadership Akron.
August 25, 2023
Dan Rice Recognized as the Recipient of 2023 Read Family Difference Maker Award
Leadership Akron is proud to announce that Dan Rice, a pivotal figure in the development of the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area and Towpath Trail, and an invaluable contributor to Leadership Akron, has been recognized as the recipient of the 2023 Read Family Difference Maker Award (RFDMA).
August 3, 2023
Leadership Akron Unveils NEXT Class 12
Leadership Akron is pleased to announce the members of its upcoming NEXT Class 12, a two-month program tailored for community-driven individuals at or approaching the retirement stage.
June 29, 2023
Leadership Akron Announces Diversity on Board Class 8
Leadership Akron is proud to introduce the dedicated professionals who comprise the eighth class of our Diversity on Board program. These participants are set to advance their skills and potential for service on nonprofit boards through a tailored program of leadership development, education, and coaching.
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.
June 22, 2023
Leadership Akron Announces Signature Class 40
For four decades, Leadership Akron has been a catalyst for participants, enhancing their engagement and making a substantial impact as community leaders. The need for dynamic, informed, and committed community leadership is more crucial than ever in today's landscape. With great pride, Leadership Akron is pleased to introduce the 40 distinguished members of Signature Class 40.
June 13, 2023
Laurie Zuckerman Honored as 2023 Recipient of the Lieberth Community Vision Award
Leadership Akron proudly announces Laurie Zuckerman, President of Zuckerman Consulting Group, as the esteemed recipient of the 2023 Lieberth Community Vision Award. Recognized for her unwavering commitment to leadership development and community involvement, Laurie's contributions have significantly shaped Akron and its surrounding communities.
June 7, 2023
Leadership Akron Secures $20,000 Grant from GAR Foundation
Leadership Akron is delighted to announce the receipt of a generous $20,000 grant from GAR Foundation for operating support in the fiscal year 2023-24. This significant financial contribution will help bolster Leadership Akron's impactful programming and aligns with our mission to inspire, strengthen, and empower leaders within the Greater Akron community.
May 18, 2023
Akron North DECA Youth Philanthropy Group Awards $1500 Grant to Leadership Akron
Leadership Akron, a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating effective community leaders, extends its heartfelt appreciation to the North High School DECA program for selecting them as the beneficiary of a generous $1,500 gift through Magnified Giving. Funds were also donated from the North High School Based Enterprise.