Our Team

Driving Economic Growth & Prosperity | Supporting the Success of the Business Community Convening Stakeholders on Key Issues Facing the Region.

Our Team

Driving Economic Growth & Prosperity | Supporting the Success of the Business Community | Convening Stakeholders on Key Issues Facing the Region.

Our Team
Amanda_Anderson_circle

Amanda Anderson

Director, Investor Engagement

Barbato, Jean_web_circle

Jean Barbato

Senior Manager, Manufacturing Sector Partnership
ConxusNEO

Hope_Bell_circle

Hope Bell

Senior Manager, Community Partnerships
ConxusNEO

Morgan_Bock_circle

Morgan Bock

Director, Executive Office

Alyssa_Carpenter_circle

Alyssa Carpenter

Director, Economic Development

Sarah_Dietrich_circle

Sarah Deitrick

Director of Operations, Polymer Industry Cluster

Kirsten_Delpinal_circle

Kirsten Delpinal

Graphic Designer

Durlin_Robyn_circle

Robyn Durlin

Manager, Digital Marketing and Web Design

Raineri_Alexis_circle

Alexis Escobar-Paz

Coordinator, Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance

Heather_Flohr_GAC_Headshots-Edit2

Heather Flohr

Senior Manager, Business Operations

Halee_Gerenday_circle

Halee Gerenday

Director, Marketing and Communications

Sante_Ghetti_circle

Sante Ghetti

Vice President, Investor Engagement

Golembiewski_Jen_circle

Jen Golembiewski

Senior Manager, Member Engagement

Christine_Hoffman_circle

Christine Hoffman

Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications

Ameeca_Holmes_circle

Ameeca Holmes

Senior Manager, Healthcare Sector Partnership
ConxusNEO

Juliana_Kless_circle

Juliana Kless

Coordinator, Cuyahoga Falls Business Gateway

Evan_Laux_circle

Evan Laux

Manager, Content Creation

Lundgard_Emily_circle

Emily Lundgard

Vice President, Elevate Greater Akron

SteveMillard_circle

Steve Millard

President & CEO

Marshall_Moore_circle

Marshall Moore

Industry Consultant, Polymer Industry Cluster

Elisha_Murray_circle_2

Elisha Murray

Office Coordinator

Anna_Pitts_circle

Anna Pitts

Senior Manager, Grants and Stakeholder Relations, Elevate Greater Akron
Brynn_Popa_circle

Brynn Popa

Executive Vice President

Anna_Richards_circle

Anna Richards

Senior Manager, Programs and Events

John_Rizzo_circle

John Rizzo

Vice President, Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance

Sheri_Shields_circle

Sheri Shields

Senior Manager, Small Business Engagement

Board of Directors

We have identified the Board members that also participate on our Executive Committee with a * by their name.

Name Personal Title Related Organization
Matthew AkersSpecial Assistant to the President for Government Relations & Associate Director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied PoliticsThe University of Akron
Juan AmezquitaChief Financial and Operating OfficerGOJO Industries, Inc.
Tyler AmosVP - Sr. Financial Consultant, Akron BranchCharles Schwab Corporate Services
Monica AndressAttorneyLewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, as well as Torchbearers
Anne ArmaoVice President, Member Experience & Product DevelopmentSummaCare
Dunja AugustinVice President of OperationsVistra
Elizabeth BartzPresident and CEOState and Federal Communications, Inc.
Kristi BeemanVice PresidentHuntington National Bank
Warren BlazySenior Vice PresidentCBRE
Tami BolderDirector, CBIZ Valuation GroupCBIZ
Julie Brandle*PresidentMetis Construction Services
Marie BrilmyerPartnerCohen & Co
Traci BucknerExecutive DirectorAkron Children's Museum
Ren Camacho*President and CEOAkron-Canton Airport
Tony CostanzoDirector, External/Legislative AffairsAT&T
Joe DaleidenSr. Vice President - Commercial BankingKeyBank
Jeff DatkuliakDirectorARCOA Group
Cliff Deveny*President /CEOSumma Health
Krista DobronosChief Consumer Banking OfficerWestfield Bank
Jason DodsonShareholderRoetzel & Andress
Matt DolanChief Executive OfficerTeam NEO
Tracy Dowe*City President & Middle Market Team Leader - Akron/Canton/YoungstownFifth Third Bank
Laura Duda*Senior Vice President & Chief Communications OfficerGoodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Gino FacianaCo-CEOPleasant Valley Corporation - NAI Pleasant Valley
Craig FerriotPresidentFerriot
J.R. FowlerCOOS.A. Comunale
Melanie FriedmanPrincipalFMD Architects
Rich FryTaxation Practice Group LeaderBuckingham Doolittle & Burroughs
Val GeigerExecutive Director, Commercial BankingJPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Peter GeiseAkron Area PresidentFocusCFO
Chris GessnerPresident & CEOAkron Children's Hospital
Suzie Graham MooreDirector of Economic DevelopmentCity of Akron
Dwayne Groll*CEOEnvironmental Design Group
Dan HampuPresident & CEOBurton D. Morgan Foundation
Craig HassingerCEO and PresidentSeibertKeck Insurance
Gillianne HetrickSenior Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate OperationsBabcock & Wilcox
John HigginsRegion Vice PresidentSpectrum
Torrence HintonPresidentFirstEnergy Ohio
Para Jones*PresidentStark State College
Halle Jones CapersPresidentHalle's Engineering & Design
Ethan KarpPresident and CEOMAGNET
Stephen KristanDirector, Market DevelopmentLumos
Kyle KutuchiefProgram Director/AkronKnight Foundation
Adam LaFaberOwnerDigital Sandwich
John LangellPresidentNortheast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
Theresa Lash-RitterPresidentCleveland Clinic Akron General
Amanda Leffler*Akron Managing PartnerShumaker, Loop & Kendrick
Erin Leppo PalmerCFO & In-House Legal CounselLeppo, Inc. (Leppo Equipment/Bobcat of Akron)
Joe Luckring*Regional PresidentPNC Bank
Shammas MalikMayorCity of Akron
Lauren MarshPresidentAkron Urban League Young Professionals
Christine Mayer*PresidentGAR Foundation
Annie McFaddenInterim President & CEOUnited Way of Summit and Medina
Jay MellonCEOAtNetPlus, Inc.
Jim MerklinPartnerBober Markey Fedorovich
Marc MerklinShareholderRoetzel & Andress
Steve Millard*President & CEOGreater Akron Chamber
Lakisha Miller-Barclay*Executive Director & CEORubber Division, ACS
Mike MorrisonSenior Director, Private MarketsGPD Group
Amy MuchaOwnerDaisy Pops
Chuck MullenPartner, Great Lakes Market LeaderEide Bailly
Chrissy Myers*CEOAUI & Clarity HR
Brandyn NealClient Advisor & Akron Market LeaderSchauer Group
Brian NelsenChief of StaffCounty of Summit, Ohio
Krishna NookalaVice PresidentNewry Corp
Don PadgettExecutive DirectorKaulig Companies Championship
Roberta PalacioSupply Chain ExecutiveContinental
B. PatelPrincipal & Co-FounderGHC Green Harvest Capital
Ron PaydoMarket PresidentHuntington Bank
John PeturesPresident & CEOAkron Community Foundation
Jim PfanderPresident & General ManagerAkron RubberDucks
Kendra Philon*Vice President, Assurance ServicesMeaden & Moore
Tia Ramlow*PresidentGreat Work Employment
Kathy RomitoCommunity Relations ManagerWestern Reserve Hospital
Ike Samson-AkpanPresident/OwnerSAF, Inc.
Jennifer Savitski*Chair, Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyCleveland Clinic Akron General
Ilene ShapiroCounty ExecutiveCounty of Summit, Ohio
Erick SharpCEOACE Laboratories
Suranjan ShomeCEOEpiphany Management Group
Mark SmaleExecutive Director, Core Polymer ScienceBridgestone Americas Tire Operations
Raymond SomichGlobal Director, Government AffairsSynthomer
Erin SpringSenior Director, Material ScienceThe Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Brian SteereCo-PresidentSteere Enterprises
Norm SteinerVP, Major Accounts & StrategyMedical Mutual
Don TaylorCEOWelty
Damian ThomasMarket PresidentThe RCF Group
Jason TumaPartner, Northeast Ohio Market LeaderSikich
Andrew TwardzikPartner, Americas Deputy Risk Markets LeaderErnst & Young
Dan WeekleyPresidentEnbridge Gas Ohio
Katherine WhiteBoard LiaisonTorchbearers (YP)
Bernett L. WilliamsChief Engagement OfficerAkron Children's
John WilliamsPresident/CEOAkron Urban League
Steve WiltPrincipal, Finacial AdvisorCAPTRUST
  • Matthew Akers

    The University of Akron
    Special Assistant to the President for Government Relations & Associate Director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics

  • Juan Amezquita

    GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Chief Financial and Operating Officer

  • Tyler Amos

    Charles Schwab Corporate Services
    VP - Sr. Financial Consultant, Akron Branch

  • Monica Andress

    Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, as well as Torchbearers
    Attorney

  • Anne Armao

    SummaCare
    Vice President, Member Experience & Product Development

  • Dunja Augustin

    Vistra
    Vice President of Operations

  • Elizabeth Bartz

    State and Federal Communications, Inc.
    President and CEO

  • Kristi Beeman

    Huntington National Bank
    Vice President

  • Warren Blazy

    CBRE
    Senior Vice President

  • Tami Bolder

    CBIZ
    Director, CBIZ Valuation Group

  • Julie Brandle*

    Metis Construction Services
    President

  • Marie Brilmyer

    Cohen & Co
    Partner

  • Traci Buckner

    Akron Children's Museum
    Executive Director

  • Ren Camacho*

    Akron-Canton Airport
    President and CEO

  • Tony Costanzo

    AT&T
    Director, External/Legislative Affairs

  • Joe Daleiden

    KeyBank
    Sr. Vice President - Commercial Banking

  • Jeff Datkuliak

    ARCOA Group
    Director

  • Cliff Deveny*

    Summa Health
    President/CEO

  • Krista Dobronos

    Westfield Bank
    Chief Consumer Banking Officer

  • Jason Dodson

    Roetzel & Andress
    Shareholder

  • Matt Dolan

    Team NEO
    Chief Executive Officer

  • Tracy Dowe*

    Fifth Third Bank
    City President & Middle Market Team Leader - Akron/Canton/Youngstown

  • Laura Duda*

    The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Senior Vice President & Chief Communications Officer

  • Gino Faciana

    Pleasant Valley Corporation - NAI Pleasant Valley
    Co-CEO

  • Craig Ferriot

    Ferriot
    President

  • J.R. Fowler

    S.A. Comunale
    COO

  • Melanie Friedman

    FMD Architects
    Principal

  • Rich Fry

    Buckingham Doolittle & Burroughs
    Taxation Practice Group Leader

  • Val Geiger

    JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
    Executive Director, Commercial Banking

  • Peter Geise

    Focus CFO
    Akron Area President

  • Chris Gessner

    Akron Children's Hospital
    President & CEO

  • Suzie Graham Moore

    City of Akron
    Director of Economic Development

  • Dwayne Groll*

    Environmental Design Group
    CEO

  • Dan Hampu

    Burton D. Morgan Foundation
    President & CEO

  • Craig Hassinger

    SeibertKeck Insurance
    CEO and President

  • Gillianne Hetrick

    Babcock & Wilcox
    Senior Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Operations

  • John Higgins Jr.

    Spectrum
    Regional Vice President

  • Torrence Hinton

    FirstEnergy Ohio
    President

  • Dr. Para Jones*

    Stark State College
    President

  • Halle Jones Capers, P.E.

    Halle's Engineering and Design
    President

  • Dr. Ethan Karp

    MAGNET
    President & CEO

  • Stephen Kristan

    Lumos
    Director, Market Development

  • Kyle Kutuchief

    Knight Foundation
    Program Director/Akron

  • Adam LaFaber

    Digital Sandwich
    Owner

  • Dr. John Langell

    Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
    President

  • Theresa Lash-Ritter

    Cleveland Clinic Akron General
    President

  • Amanda Leffler*

    Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick
    Akron Managing Partner

  • Erin Leppo Palmer

    Leppo, Inc. (Leppo Equipment/Bobcat of Akron)
    CFO & In-House Legal Counsel

  • Joe Luckring*

    PNC Bank
    Regional President

  • Shammas Malik

    Mayor
    City of Akron

  • Lauren Marsh

    Akron Urban League Young Professionals
    President

  • Christine Mayer*

    GAR Foundation
    President

  • Annie McFadden

    United Way of Summit and Medina
    Interim President & CEO

  • Jay Mellon

    AtNetPlus, Inc.
    CEO

  • Jim Merklin

    Bober Markey Fedorovich
    Partner

  • Marc Merklin

    Roetzel & Andress
    Shareholder

  • Steve Millard*

    Greater Akron Chamber
    President & CEO

  • Lakisha Miller-Barclay*

    Rubber Division, ACS
    Executive Director & CEO

  • Mike Morrison

    GPD Group
    Senior Director, Private Markets

  • Amy Mucha

    Daisy Pops
    Owner

  • Chuck Mullen

    Eide Bailly
    Partner, Great Lakes Market Leader

  • Chrissy Myers*

    AUI & Clarity HR
    CEO

  • Brandyn Neal

    Schauer Group
    Client Advisor & Akron Market Leader

  • Brian Nelsen

    County of Summit, Ohio
    Chief of Staff

  • Krishna Nookala

    Newry Corp
    Vice President

  • Don Padgett

    Kaulig Companies Championship
    Executive Director

  • Roberta Palacio

    Continental
    Supply Chain Executive

  • B Patel

    GHC Green Harvest Capital
    Principal & Co-Founder

  • Ron Paydo

    Huntington Bank
    Market President

  • John Petures Jr.

    Akron Community Foundation
    President & CEO

  • Jim Pfander

    Akron RubberDucks
    President & General Manager

  • Kendra Philon*

    Meadon & Moore
    Vice President, Assurance Services

  • Tia Ramlow*

    Great Work Employment
    President

  • Kathy Romito

    Western Reserve Hospital
    Community Relations Manager

  • Ike Samson-Akpan Sr.

    SAF, Inc.
    President/Owner

  • Dr. Jennifer Savitski*

    Cleveland Clinic Akron General
    Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

  • Honorable Ilene Shapiro

    County of Summit
    County Executive

  • Erick Sharp

    ACE Laboratories
    CEO

  • Suranjan Shome

    Epiphany Management Group
    CEO

  • Mark Smale

    Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations
    Executive Director, Core Polymer Science

  • Raymond Somich

    Synthomer
    Global Director, Government Affairs

  • Erin Spring

    The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Senior Director, Material Science

  • Brian Steere

    Steere Enterprises
    Co-President

  • Norm Steiner

    Medical Mutual
    VP, Major Accounts & Strategy

  • Don Taylor

    Welty
    CEO

  • Damian Thomas

    The RCF Group
    Market President

  • Jason Tuma

    Sikich LLP
    Partner, Northeast Ohio Market Leader

  • Andrew Twardzik

    Ernst & Young LLP
    Partner, Americas Deputy Risk Markets Leader

  • Dan Weekley

    Enbridge Gas Ohio
    President

  • Katherine White

    Torchbearers (YP)
    Board Liaison

  • Bernett L. Williams

    Akron Children's Hospital
    Chief Engagement Officer

  • John Williams

    Akron Urban League
    President/CEO

  • Steve Wilt

    CAPTRUST
    Principal, Financial Advisor

Our Committees

Business Owners Council

The business owner’s council is designed to ensure that the Chamber is appropriately focused on issues and programs specifically tailored to business owners in Greater Akron. This council is comprised of business owners and members from the Greater Akron region.

Diversity Professionals Council

Fostering inclusive economic growth relies on tapping into the expertise and perspectives of our region’s diversity professionals. The Diversity Professional Council convenes DEI and HR leaders regularly, providing a platform for collaborative brainstorming, problem-solving, and networking. Together, they drive forward their companies' and the region's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, leveraging collective knowledge and experiences to create meaningful progress.

Economic Inclusion Committee

As the representative and convener of the business community in Greater Akron, the Chamber is focused on providing businesses with the tools, resources, and information necessary to become more inclusive, to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within their companies, and to support the growth of minority-owned companies. The Economic Inclusion Committee is focused on ensuring that the Chamber is meeting the needs of the business community in this space and working to advance inclusive growth in the region.

Government Affairs Committee

The GAC’s ability to effectively advocate on these issues is largely due to ongoing support and input from its Government Affairs Committee. This group is comprised of leaders from within business, nonprofit, higher education, and community-based organizations. This committee is, at its core, a tool that enables the GAC to understand members’ perspectives on relevant issues and collaboratively explore solutions. Doing this work is critical to the GAC’s ability to effectively advocate on our members’ behalf and provides us with a platform to collectively engage elected officials.

Polymer Industry Advisory Council

Greater Akron is the center of the world’s polymer industry and with support from the Polymer Industry Advisory Council (PIAC), the region continues to drive global innovation and shape the local economy. The PIAC convenes leaders from across the Polymer Industry Cluster to inform and guide the development of the Cluster; share ideas and strengthen relationships; and identify common challenges, develop shared solutions, and pursue collaborative projects that advance industry innovation and have a positive impact on the economy.

Supplier Diversity Procurement Council

The Supplier Diversity Procurement Council is a specialized initiative centered on promoting inclusivity and equity within procurement practices. This council is dedicated to championing a diverse supplier base by fostering opportunities for businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with disabilities. Through strategic planning, outreach programs, and advocacy efforts, the council seeks to expand supplier diversity, creating avenues for underrepresented businesses to participate in the procurement process. It aims to establish fair and inclusive supplier selection processes, offer support and resources to diverse suppliers, and collaborate with stakeholders to drive economic growth while fostering a more equitable and representative business landscape.

Women’s Network Leadership Institute Advisory Council

In October of 2019, Women’s Network and the Greater Akron Chamber memorialized an official Affiliation Agreement for the purpose of creating women’s programming within the Greater Akron Chamber. The Women’s Network Leadership Institute Advisory Council oversees the mission of the Women’s Network to Connect, Empower and Inspire through Best-in-Class Curriculum offerings, Research and Thought Leadership.

Chair's Circle

Our Chair's Circle represents our most significant investors and the drivers of our work.

Our Team
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Amanda Anderson

Director, Investor Engagement

Emily-Baarson-Web

Emily Baarson

Manager, Projects and Initiatives
ConxusNEO

Barbato, Jean_web_circle

Jean Barbato

Senior Manager, Manufacturing Sector Partnership,
ConxusNEO

Hope-Mills-Web

Hope Bell

Senior Manager, Community Partnerships
ConxusNEO

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Morgan Bock

Director, Executive Office

Alyssa_Carpenter_GAC_Headshots-Web

Alyssa Carpenter

Director, Economic Development

Gregg_P_Cramer_GAC_Headshot

Gregg P. Cramer

Vice President, Economic Development

Deitrick-Sarah-Web

Sarah Deitrick

Project Manager

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Kirsten Delpinal

Graphic Designer

Durlin_Robyn_circle

Robyn Durlin

Manager, Digital Marketing and Web Design

Raineri_Alexis_circle

Alexis Escobar-Paz

Coordinator, Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance

Heather_Flohr_GAC_Headshots-Edit2

Heather Flohr

Senior Manager, Business Operations

Gerenday, Halee_web_circle

Halee Gerenday

Director, Marketing and Communications

Sante_Ghetti_GAC_Headshots-Edit

Sante Ghetti

Vice President, Investor Engagement

Golembiewski_Jen_circle

Jen Golembiewski

Senior Manager, Member Engagement

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Christine Hoffman

Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications

Ameeca-Holmes-conxus-circle

Ameeca Holmes

Senior Manager, Healthcare Sector Partnership
ConxusNEO

Juliana_Kless_circle

Juliana Kless

Coordinator, Cuyahoga Falls Business Gateway

Laux-Evan-Web

Evan Laux

Manager, Content Creation

Lundgard_Emily_circle

Emily Lundgard

Vice President, Elevate Greater Akron

SteveMillard_circle

Steve Millard

President & CEO

MarshallMoore_circle

Marshall Moore

Industry Consultant, Polymer Industry Cluster

Elisha_Murray_circle_2

Elisha Murray

Office Coordinator

Anna_Pitts

Anna Pitts

Senior Manager, Grants and Stakeholder Relations, Elevate Greater Akron

Brynn_Popa_GAC_Headshots-Edit

Brynn Popa

Executive Vice President

Anna_Richards_GAC_Headshots-Web

Anna Richards

Senior Manager, Programs and Events

John_Rizzo_GAC_Headshots-Edit

John Rizzo

Vice President, Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance

Sheri_Shields_GAC_Headshots-Web

Sheri Shields

Senior Manager, Small Business Engagement

Board of Directors

We have identified the Board members that also participate on our Executive Committee with a * by their name.

Name Personal Title Related Organization
Matthew AkersSpecial Assistant to the President for Government Relations & Associate Director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied PoliticsThe University of Akron
Juan AmezquitaChief Financial and Operating OfficerGOJO Industries, Inc.
Tyler AmosVP - Sr. Financial Consultant, Akron BranchCharles Schwab Corporate Services
Monica AndressAttorneyLewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, as well as Torchbearers
Anne ArmaoVice President, Member Experience & Product DevelopmentSummaCare
Dunja AugustinVice President of OperationsVistra
Elizabeth BartzPresident and CEOState and Federal Communications, Inc.
Kristi BeemanVice PresidentHuntington National Bank
Warren BlazySenior Vice PresidentCBRE
Tami BolderDirector, CBIZ Valuation GroupCBIZ
Julie Brandle*PresidentMetis Construction Services
Marie BrilmyerPartnerCohen & Co
Traci BucknerExecutive DirectorAkron Children's Museum
Ren Camacho*President and CEOAkron-Canton Airport
Tony CostanzoDirector, External/Legislative AffairsAT&T
Joe DaleidenSr. Vice President - Commercial BankingKeyBank
Jeff DatkuliakDirectorARCOA Group
Cliff Deveny*President /CEOSumma Health
Krista DobronosChief Consumer Banking OfficerWestfield Bank
Jason DodsonShareholderRoetzel & Andress
Matt DolanChief Executive OfficerTeam NEO
Tracy Dowe*City President & Middle Market Team Leader - Akron/Canton/YoungstownFifth Third Bank
Laura Duda*Senior Vice President & Chief Communications OfficerGoodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Gino FacianaCo-CEOPleasant Valley Corporation - NAI Pleasant Valley
Craig FerriotPresidentFerriot
J.R. FowlerCOOS.A. Comunale
Melanie FriedmanPrincipalFMD Architects
Rich FryTaxation Practice Group LeaderBuckingham Doolittle & Burroughs
Val GeigerExecutive Director, Commercial BankingJPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Peter GeiseAkron Area PresidentFocusCFO
Chris GessnerPresident & CEOAkron Children's Hospital
Suzie Graham MooreDirector of Economic DevelopmentCity of Akron
Dwayne Groll*CEOEnvironmental Design Group
Dan HampuPresident & CEOBurton D. Morgan Foundation
Craig HassingerCEO and PresidentSeibertKeck Insurance
Gillianne HetrickSenior Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate OperationsBabcock & Wilcox
John HigginsRegion Vice PresidentSpectrum
Torrence HintonPresidentFirstEnergy Ohio
Para Jones*PresidentStark State College
Halle Jones CapersPresidentHalle's Engineering & Design
Ethan KarpPresident and CEOMAGNET
Stephen KristanDirector, Market DevelopmentLumos
Kyle KutuchiefProgram Director/AkronKnight Foundation
Adam LaFaberOwnerDigital Sandwich
John LangellPresidentNortheast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
Theresa Lash-RitterPresidentCleveland Clinic Akron General
Amanda Leffler*Akron Managing PartnerShumaker, Loop & Kendrick
Erin Leppo PalmerCFO & In-House Legal CounselLeppo, Inc. (Leppo Equipment/Bobcat of Akron)
Joe Luckring*Regional PresidentPNC Bank
Shammas MalikMayorCity of Akron
Lauren MarshPresidentAkron Urban League Young Professionals
Christine Mayer*PresidentGAR Foundation
Annie McFaddenInterim President & CEOUnited Way of Summit and Medina
Jay MellonCEOAtNetPlus, Inc.
Jim MerklinPartnerBober Markey Fedorovich
Marc MerklinShareholderRoetzel & Andress
Steve Millard*President & CEOGreater Akron Chamber
Lakisha Miller-Barclay*Executive Director & CEORubber Division, ACS
Mike MorrisonSenior Director, Private MarketsGPD Group
Amy MuchaOwnerDaisy Pops
Chuck MullenPartner, Great Lakes Market LeaderEide Bailly
Chrissy Myers*CEOAUI & Clarity HR
Brandyn NealClient Advisor & Akron Market LeaderSchauer Group
Brian NelsenChief of StaffCounty of Summit, Ohio
Krishna NookalaVice PresidentNewry Corp
Don PadgettExecutive DirectorKaulig Companies Championship
Roberta PalacioSupply Chain ExecutiveContinental
B. PatelPrincipal & Co-FounderGHC Green Harvest Capital
Ron PaydoMarket PresidentHuntington Bank
John PeturesPresident & CEOAkron Community Foundation
Jim PfanderPresident & General ManagerAkron RubberDucks
Kendra Philon*Vice President, Assurance ServicesMeaden & Moore
Tia Ramlow*PresidentGreat Work Employment
Kathy RomitoCommunity Relations ManagerWestern Reserve Hospital
Ike Samson-AkpanPresident/OwnerSAF, Inc.
Jennifer Savitski*Chair, Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyCleveland Clinic Akron General
Ilene ShapiroCounty ExecutiveCounty of Summit, Ohio
Erick SharpCEOACE Laboratories
Suranjan ShomeCEOEpiphany Management Group
Mark SmaleExecutive Director, Core Polymer ScienceBridgestone Americas Tire Operations
Raymond SomichGlobal Director, Government AffairsSynthomer
Erin SpringSenior Director, Material ScienceThe Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Brian SteereCo-PresidentSteere Enterprises
Norm SteinerVP, Major Accounts & StrategyMedical Mutual
Don TaylorCEOWelty
Damian ThomasMarket PresidentThe RCF Group
Jason TumaPartner, Northeast Ohio Market LeaderSikich
Andrew TwardzikPartner, Americas Deputy Risk Markets LeaderErnst & Young
Dan WeekleyPresidentEnbridge Gas Ohio
Katherine WhiteBoard LiaisonTorchbearers (YP)
Bernett L. WilliamsChief Engagement OfficerAkron Children's
John WilliamsPresident/CEOAkron Urban League
Steve WiltPrincipal, Finacial AdvisorCAPTRUST
  • Matthew Akers

    The University of Akron
    Special Assistant to the President for Government Relations & Associate Director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics

  • Juan Amezquita

    GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Chief Financial and Operating Officer

  • Tyler Amos

    Charles Schwab Corporate Services
    VP - Sr. Financial Consultant, Akron Branch

  • Monica Andress

    Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, as well as Torchbearers
    Attorney

  • Anne Armao

    SummaCare
    Vice President, Member Experience & Product Development

  • Dunja Augustin

    Vistra
    Vice President of Operations

  • Elizabeth Bartz

    State and Federal Communications, Inc.
    President and CEO

  • Kristi Beeman

    Huntington National Bank
    Vice President

  • Warren Blazy

    CBRE
    Senior Vice President

  • Tami Bolder

    CBIZ
    Director, CBIZ Valuation Group

  • Julie Brandle*

    Metis Construction Services
    President

  • Marie Brilmyer

    Cohen & Co
    Partner

  • Traci Buckner

    Akron Children's Museum
    Executive Director

  • Ren Camacho*

    Akron-Canton Airport
    President and CEO

  • Tony Costanzo

    AT&T
    Director, External/Legislative Affairs

  • Joe Daleiden

    KeyBank
    Sr. Vice President - Commercial Banking

  • Jeff Datkuliak

    ARCOA Group
    Director

  • Cliff Deveny*

    Summa Health
    President/CEO

  • Krista Dobronos

    Westfield Bank
    Chief Consumer Banking Officer

  • Jason Dodson

    Roetzel & Andress
    Shareholder

  • Matt Dolan

    Team NEO
    Chief Executive Officer

  • Tracy Dowe*

    Fifth Third Bank
    City President & Middle Market Team Leader - Akron/Canton/Youngstown

  • Laura Duda*

    The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Senior Vice President & Chief Communications Officer

  • Gino Faciana

    Pleasant Valley Corporation - NAI Pleasant Valley
    Co-CEO

  • Craig Ferriot

    Ferriot
    President

  • J.R. Fowler

    S.A. Comunale
    COO

  • Melanie Friedman

    FMD Architects
    Principal

  • Rich Fry

    Buckingham Doolittle & Burroughs
    Taxation Practice Group Leader

  • Val Geiger

    JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
    Executive Director, Commercial Banking

  • Peter Geise

    Focus CFO
    Akron Area President

  • Chris Gessner

    Akron Children's Hospital
    President & CEO

  • Suzie Graham Moore

    City of Akron
    Director of Economic Development

  • Dwayne Groll*

    Environmental Design Group
    CEO

  • Dan Hampu

    Burton D. Morgan Foundation
    President & CEO

  • Craig Hassinger

    SeibertKeck Insurance
    CEO and President

  • Gillianne Hetrick

    Babcock & Wilcox
    Senior Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Operations

  • John Higgins Jr.

    Spectrum
    Regional Vice President

  • Torrence Hinton

    FirstEnergy Ohio
    President

  • Dr. Para Jones*

    Stark State College
    President

  • Halle Jones Capers, P.E.

    Halle's Engineering and Design
    President

  • Dr. Ethan Karp

    MAGNET
    President & CEO

  • Stephen Kristan

    Lumos
    Director, Market Development

  • Kyle Kutuchief

    Knight Foundation
    Program Director/Akron

  • Adam LaFaber

    Digital Sandwich
    Owner

  • Dr. John Langell

    Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
    President

  • Theresa Lash-Ritter

    Cleveland Clinic Akron General
    President

  • Amanda Leffler*

    Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick
    Akron Managing Partner

  • Erin Leppo Palmer

    Leppo, Inc. (Leppo Equipment/Bobcat of Akron)
    CFO & In-House Legal Counsel

  • Joe Luckring*

    PNC Bank
    Regional President

  • Shammas Malik

    Mayor
    City of Akron

  • Lauren Marsh

    Akron Urban League Young Professionals
    President

  • Christine Mayer*

    GAR Foundation
    President

  • Annie McFadden

    United Way of Summit and Medina
    Interim President & CEO

  • Jay Mellon

    AtNetPlus, Inc.
    CEO

  • Jim Merklin

    Bober Markey Fedorovich
    Partner

  • Marc Merklin

    Roetzel & Andress
    Shareholder

  • Steve Millard*

    Greater Akron Chamber
    President & CEO

  • Lakisha Miller-Barclay*

    Rubber Division, ACS
    Executive Director & CEO

  • Mike Morrison

    GPD Group
    Senior Director, Private Markets

  • Amy Mucha

    Daisy Pops
    Owner

  • Chuck Mullen

    Eide Bailly
    Partner, Great Lakes Market Leader

  • Chrissy Myers*

    AUI & Clarity HR
    CEO

  • Brandyn Neal

    Schauer Group
    Client Advisor & Akron Market Leader

  • Brian Nelsen

    County of Summit, Ohio
    Chief of Staff

  • Krishna Nookala

    Newry Corp
    Vice President

  • Don Padgett

    Kaulig Companies Championship
    Executive Director

  • Roberta Palacio

    Continental
    Supply Chain Executive

  • B Patel

    GHC Green Harvest Capital
    Principal & Co-Founder

  • Ron Paydo

    Huntington Bank
    Market President

  • John Petures Jr.

    Akron Community Foundation
    President & CEO

  • Jim Pfander

    Akron RubberDucks
    President & General Manager

  • Kendra Philon*

    Meadon & Moore
    Vice President, Assurance Services

  • Tia Ramlow*

    Great Work Employment
    President

  • Kathy Romito

    Western Reserve Hospital
    Community Relations Manager

  • Ike Samson-Akpan Sr.

    SAF, Inc.
    President/Owner

  • Dr. Jennifer Savitski*

    Cleveland Clinic Akron General
    Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

  • Honorable Ilene Shapiro

    County of Summit
    County Executive

  • Erick Sharp

    ACE Laboratories
    CEO

  • Suranjan Shome

    Epiphany Management Group
    CEO

  • Mark Smale

    Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations
    Executive Director, Core Polymer Science

  • Raymond Somich

    Synthomer
    Global Director, Government Affairs

  • Erin Spring

    The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Senior Director, Material Science

  • Brian Steere

    Steere Enterprises
    Co-President

  • Norm Steiner

    Medical Mutual
    VP, Major Accounts & Strategy

  • Don Taylor

    Welty
    CEO

  • Damian Thomas

    The RCF Group
    Market President

  • Jason Tuma

    Sikich LLP
    Partner, Northeast Ohio Market Leader

  • Andrew Twardzik

    Ernst & Young LLP
    Partner, Americas Deputy Risk Markets Leader

  • Dan Weekley

    Enbridge Gas Ohio
    President

  • Katherine White

    Torchbearers (YP)
    Board Liaison

  • Bernett L. Williams

    Akron Children's Hospital
    Chief Engagement Officer

  • John Williams

    Akron Urban League
    President/CEO

  • Steve Wilt

    CAPTRUST
    Principal, Financial Advisor

Our Committees

Business Owners Council

The business owner’s council is designed to ensure that the Chamber is appropriately focused on issues and programs specifically tailored to business owners in Greater Akron. This council is comprised of business owners and members from the Greater Akron region.

Diversity Professionals Council

Fostering inclusive economic growth relies on tapping into the expertise and perspectives of our region’s diversity professionals. The Diversity Professional Council convenes DEI and HR leaders regularly, providing a platform for collaborative brainstorming, problem-solving, and networking. Together, they drive forward their companies' and the region's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, leveraging collective knowledge and experiences to create meaningful progress.

Economic Inclusion Committee

As the representative and convener of the business community in Greater Akron, the Chamber is focused on providing businesses with the tools, resources, and information necessary to become more inclusive, to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within their companies, and to support the growth of minority-owned companies. The Economic Inclusion Committee is focused on ensuring that the Chamber is meeting the needs of the business community in this space and working to advance inclusive growth in the region.

Government Affairs Committee

The GAC’s ability to effectively advocate on these issues is largely due to ongoing support and input from its Government Affairs Committee. This group is comprised of leaders from within business, nonprofit, higher education, and community-based organizations. This committee is, at its core, a tool that enables the GAC to understand members’ perspectives on relevant issues and collaboratively explore solutions. Doing this work is critical to the GAC’s ability to effectively advocate on our members’ behalf and provides us with a platform to collectively engage elected officials.

Polymer Industry Advisory Council

Greater Akron is the center of the world’s polymer industry and with support from the Polymer Industry Advisory Council (PIAC), the region continues to drive global innovation and shape the local economy. The PIAC convenes leaders from across the Polymer Industry Cluster to inform and guide the development of the Cluster; share ideas and strengthen relationships; and identify common challenges, develop shared solutions, and pursue collaborative projects that advance industry innovation and have a positive impact on the economy.

Supplier Diversity Procurement Council

The Supplier Diversity Procurement Council is a specialized initiative centered on promoting inclusivity and equity within procurement practices. This council is dedicated to championing a diverse supplier base by fostering opportunities for businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with disabilities. Through strategic planning, outreach programs, and advocacy efforts, the council seeks to expand supplier diversity, creating avenues for underrepresented businesses to participate in the procurement process. It aims to establish fair and inclusive supplier selection processes, offer support and resources to diverse suppliers, and collaborate with stakeholders to drive economic growth while fostering a more equitable and representative business landscape.

Women’s Network Leadership Institute Advisory Council

In October of 2019, Women’s Network and the Greater Akron Chamber memorialized an official Affiliation Agreement for the purpose of creating women’s programming within the Greater Akron Chamber. The Women’s Network Leadership Institute Advisory Council oversees the mission of the Women’s Network to Connect, Empower and Inspire through Best-in-Class Curriculum offerings, Research and Thought Leadership.

Chair's Circle

Our Chair's Circle represents our most significant investors and the drivers of our work.

Careers

Membership in the Chamber

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND GROWING GREATER AKRON

One voice for business really can make a difference –
especially when that voice represents thousands of businesses.
Join the Greater Akron Chamber and become active in the
Greater Akron Region’s dynamic business community.

Team-Footer-ChamberMembership
Membership in
the Chamber

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND
GROWING GREATER AKRON

One voice for business really can make a
difference – especially when that voice
represents thousands of businesses.
Join the Greater Akron Chamber and
become active in the Greater Akron Region’s
dynamic business community.

Membership in
the Chamber

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND GROWING GREATER AKRON

One voice for business really can make a difference – especially when that voice represents thousands of businesses. Join the Greater Akron Chamber and become active in the Greater Akron Region’s dynamic business community.

Team-Footer-ChamberMembership@2x