Brian Anderson
Vice President, Research
Brian Anderson
Brian Anderson is the Vice President of Research for the Greater Akron Chamber. Brian leads the Polymer Industry Cluster Initiative of Northeast Ohio, as well as the data and regional economic analysis functions of the organization. Prior to the Chamber, Brian worked at a wearable technology start-up and a Fortune 500 company. He decided to make a move because he wanted to contribute to an organization that he felt could improve the region and the lives of its residents.
Brian received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Emmanuel College in Boston where he was also a three-sport collegiate athlete. From there, he attended The University of Akron for his MBA, and University of Texas – San Antonio for his master’s degree in finance.
Brian and his wife Casey like to travel, cook, and are dedicated fans and season ticket holders of the University of Akron men’s soccer team.
Enrique Antonio
Coordinator, Marketing and Content
Enrique Antonio
Enrique Antonio is the Marketing and Content Coordinator for the Greater Akron Chamber. In this role he will work to enhance communication about events, initiatives and goals of the chamber creating a two-way dialogue between the organization and its members. Enrique began working with the Greater Akron Chamber to make a difference in the real way around the Akron community.
Enrique received his bachelor's degree from The University of Akron in Public Relations. At UAkron, Enrique was involved in community engagement research where he focused on understanding the needs of the greater Akron area.
Enrique loves cats and cooking. If he could be any plant, it would be a vine so he could wrap around other trees and get to see what the view is like from up there. Enrique is such an Ohioan you can see it in his eyes… his buckeyes! No seriously, he makes great buckeyes.
Alyssa Carpenter
Alyssa Carpenter has a unique role, serving in a dual capacity as the Director of Economic Development for the Greater Akron Chamber and the Director of Business Development for Team NEO, focusing on the rubber, plastic and polymer industries serving Stark and Summit Counties. Alyssa views the work of economic development much like a puzzle with intersections of building relationships, problem solving, and pulling the partners in the public and private sectors together in order help our companies and communities grow and prosper.
For her work professionally, Alyssa earned the Ohio Economic Development, Ohio Certified Economic Developer certification. She also frequently presents as a guest speaker as part of the Ohio Economic Development (OEDA) programing on topics of economic and professional development, as well as more locally, via Team NEO’s NODE program.
Most of her time outside of work involves her kids, Caroline and Grant, and their school activities. Alyssa also enjoys entertaining and being outdoors.
Surendra Chawla
Polymer Consultant
Surendra Chawla
Surendra Chawla retired from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as a Senior Director of Global Innovation in 2018 after 40 years of service in different roles and responsibilities. He joined Goodyear in 1978 as a Senior Research Engineer in Corporate Research and rose through the ranks to Director and Head of the Goodyear Corporate Research from 2003 to 2008. In 2009, he was given the responsibility to lead Goodyear Open Innovation initiative. In this role, he championed the culture of open innovation in Goodyear, to explore, assess and internalize external technologies for sustainable product leadership and create new business opportunities in mobility solution space of Connected, Autonomous, Shared and Electrical (CASE) vehicles. He created a global R&D network of world-class universities, research institutes, national laboratories, open networks, suppliers, customers and start-ups; and successfully integrated dozens of new programs into Goodyear technology and product platforms. He is one of the founders of the Goodyear Institute of Technology (GIT) – “forum for tire related technologies”. Hundreds of Goodyear associates around the world have benefited from this opportunity to expand their knowledge and skill base. In January 2021, he joined Greater Akron Chamber as a consultant to support the Polymer Industry Cluster Initiative.
He has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from India, Master’s and PhD from the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Chicago, USA.
Michelle Collins
Executive Director
ConxusNEO
Michelle Collins
Michelle Cassetty Collins brings 20 years of leadership experience in higher education where she led initiatives related to the recruitment and retention of students. Her experience working with academic programs in a consortium is foundational to the value she places on collaboration to reach shared outcomes. She has a deep desire to improve the quality and effectiveness of an organization, a process or a system.
At ConxusNEO, Michelle manages research initiatives, coordinates with College and Career Academies of Akron, spearheads pilot projects, and supports the organization’s leadership and staff.
Michelle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Bible from Kentucky Christian College, a Master of Science in Higher Education degree from The University of Akron, and a Master of Education in Cultural Foundations at Kent State University where she studied marginalization and inequalities in education through the lenses of sociology, anthropology, philosophy, and history.
Gregg P. Cramer
Vice President, Economic Development
Gregg Cramer
Gregg Cramer is the Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Akron Chamber. In this role he manages the day-to-day economic development operations, including Attraction and Business Retention & Expansion. Gregg also works with our Elevate Greater Akron partners to oversee the collective effort to meet with 300+ companies on an annual basis. Along with the County of Summit and City of Akron, he also co-chairs the “Akron, USA” domestic/international marketing initiative.
Gregg is inspired by the fact that his father worked at B.F. Goodrich for 25 years in the same office complex currently occupied by the Chamber; he literally looks out the window at his father’s office every day. Gregg truly believes we are a unique community with a rich history and have a great story to tell.
Professionally, Gregg received his Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) certification from the National Development Council. He also honed his public speaking skills during his run for public office. For the record, his family prayed he would lose the race; he lost the race.
Without question, the defining characteristic of his life has been raising a child with Special Needs; in countless ways - personally and professionally - it has made him a more appreciative, better, and focused person. Other than chocolate, Gregg’s only vice is American muscle cars.
Natalie Diekman
Coordinator of Membership Services
Natalie Diekman
Natalie is the Coordinator of Member Services for the Greater Akron Chamber. In this role, Natalie serves the day to day needs of our members and prospective members and works maintain accurate information in our membership database. Natalie has always had a lot of pride in Greater Akron so she is happy to be working at an organization where she can contribute to the betterment of the region.
Natalie graduated from the University of Akron with her bachelor’s degree in the Spring of 2022.
Natalie loves living in Akron. She regularly visits the gorgeous parks we have scattered throughout the area, whether it’s to go for a run or to photograph nature. Also, when she has the time, she loves cooking and playing the piano.
Sarah Eaton
Sr. Manager, Executive Administration
Sarah Eaton
Sarah Eaton is the Senior Manager of Executive Administration. In this role she works to support the schedule of our President & CEO, meeting and event prep, and support of our members by connecting them to resources, events, and other opportunities. She chose to work at the Chamber because she was impressed by the work she saw the being done in the region. She felt that joining the team would allow her to be a part of something working for the betterment of Greater Akron.
Sarah brings 14 years of educational experience with her, having been a high school teacher in Portage County before making a career change to join us. She has also grown an impressive 25k followers on TikTok through content creation focused on education, advocacy, community building, and personal experience sharing. She is both professionally and personally inspired by people and being able to impact their growth, learning, and evolution through her work.
Professionally, Sarah is proud of having been selected for the Teachers for Global Classrooms global education fellowship through Fulbright which allowed her to connect and collaborate with teachers from both the U.S. and developing countries, as well as complete field experience in India. She also serves in leadership and mentor roles as an Advisory Board Member for the Kent State University chapter of Chi Omega Fraternity.
Sarah lives in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood of Cleveland with her husband. In her free time, she likes to cook, travel, collect houseplants, and experience the culture, music, and art of the greater Cleveland and Akron area.
Heather Flohr
Manager, Business Operations
Heather Flohr
Heather is the Manager of Business Operations at the Greater Akron Chamber. In this role she handles many responsibilities ranging from bookkeeping for the organization, human resource support for staff, as well as general office management. A couple years ago Heather chose to make a change in careers and join the Chamber after seeing the positive impact being made by the team in this region. She wanted to be a part of the change the Chamber was making in the community.
Heather is a proud Veteran of the United State Marine Corps, having served for eight years from 2004 – 2012, during that time she received various Medals and Letters of Commendations. Heather has a bachelor’s degree in social psychology from Park University and is a Certified Notary Public for the State of Ohio. She is also a graduate of Torchbearers Class of 2019 and served as the Co-Chair for Membership in 2020.
Outside of work her favorite things to do include hiking and reading. In 2020 she read over 140 books! She also likes to find volunteer opportunities she can share with her kids to get them immersed in their community. Heather lives in Copley with her husband, their three children, and their dog.
Paige Freel
Senior Manager, Projects and Initiatives
Paige Freel
Paige is the Senior Manager of Projects and Initiatives at the Greater Akron Chamber. In this role she works to advance the organization’s key projects. Paige started working at the Chamber as an intern out of college and fell in love with the mission, the culture, and the people. She loves being part of an organization and a community that focuses on collaboration for the betterment of Greater Akron.
Paige received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Mount Union where she also played collegiate soccer. She received her MBA from the University of Akron.
Outside of work Paige’s favorite thing to do is spend time with family and friends. Being an Ohio native, her hobbies change with the seasons ranging from skiing to camping and always traveling when possible.
Sante Ghetti
Vice President, Investor Engagement
Sante Ghetti
Sante is the Vice President of Investor Engagement for the Greater Akron Chamber. In this role he works to support our members goals, ensuring our members are connected, engaged, and supported in our shared work and mission. Sante chose the Greater Akron Chamber because he has a passion for supporting the business community and the region. His favorite part of his job is getting to know and working with people, he is always learning something new from everyone he meets.
Professionally, Sante has a unique background having previously working in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. He is particularly proud of his time working for The White House as well as raising money for pediatric cancer patients and survivors. A few awards he has received as recognition for his work have been 2014 COSE Staff Service Award, 2018 Catalyst of Leadership & Excellence (CLE) Award, and he was a member of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2020.
Sante has a wife and two daughters that inspire him daily. While it’s his family that inspires him the most, he also enjoys golfing and traveling to anywhere that has a beach.
Ameeca Holmes
Senior Manager, Healthcare Sector Partnership
ConxusNEO
Ameeca Holmes
Ameeca is an Akron native and comes from a local hospital with 11 years of experience. Ameeca is passionate about community outreach efforts and has led many grant initiatives related to youth development, education, and public health issues focusing on maternal and child health. All of her previous work experiences have awarded her the knowledge and skills to raise awareness and facilitate beneficial programming in adverse communities.
Ameeca received her bachelor’s and Masters of Arts from Kent State University. At ConxusNEO, she will manage the Healthcare Sector Partnership and continue to foster and promote relationships in the community with local healthcare facilities to support workforce development opportunities.
Al Jones
Manager of Member Engagement
Al Jones
Al is the Manager of Member Engagement at the Greater Akron Chamber. He works to support current and potential members, acting as a connector between our members, our mission, and our resources. Al has long been involved in the small business community in Akron and wanted to continue pursuing his passion of business support through the Chamber.
Al has over 8 years of experience hosting networking events for businesses in Northeast Ohio. He has also participated on several boards and enjoys volunteering. One of his greatest professional achievements was receiving a proclamation from the City of Akron recognizing December 16th as “Al Jones Marketing Networking Day”.
Outside of work, Al loves spending time with his family. He is a father of 3 boys. In his spare time, he also enjoys reading and traveling.
Steve Millard
President & CEO
Steve Millard
Steve Millard is President and CEO of the Greater Akron Chamber. Steve was attracted to the Chamber in 2018 to become a part of an emerging new collaboration among economic development partners led by the County of Summit, the City of Akron, the GAR Foundation, and the Chamber’s Board leadership. The promise of an enterprise approach across disparate ecosystem partners to increase jobs, investment and opportunity for the region was a bold idea for the region and the business community that he wanted to be involved in creating.
That bold idea became the unique collaboration that is working to advance economic development in Greater Akron called Elevate Greater Akron. The commitment by more than 20 ecosystem partners working together to do the right things to drive growth and success for the region has allowed for stronger collaboration and impact for the region.
Prior to joining the Chamber in 2018, Steve spent more than 20 years leading in various roles in economic development including as the President and Executive Director of the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) and the Executive Vice President of the Greater Cleveland Partnership.
Professionally, Steve is a Certified Chamber Executive and has been recognized in a variety of ways for community leadership, Board service and professional contributions. Steve holds a B.S. in Finance, a B.S. in Transportation and Distribution Management from Syracuse University, and an M.B.A. from Case Western Reserve University. Prior to his work in Economic Development, he spent time at both GE Medical Systems (now GE Health Care) and Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) in supply chain operations and strategy consulting roles.
Steve currently serves on several boards including Leadership Akron, Summit Education Initiative, TeamNEO, ConxusNEO, Business Volunteers Unlimited, Downtown Akron Partnership, Downtown Akron Development Corporation and Medical Service Company.
Steve and his wife, Lisa, are proud to have a daughter, Lexie, who is a high school English teacher and a son, Ben, currently attending Marietta College. They live as the guests of three cats and two dogs who go out of their way to be perfectly good at doing absolutely nothing. Steve has no impressive hobbies or world adventures to brag about, but does have some bad habits like good bourbon, great scotch, and an occasional cigar that he is happy to share.
Megan Nutter
Coordinator, Projects and Initiatives
Megan Nutter
Megan Nutter is the Coordinator of Projects and Initiatives at the Greater Akron Chamber where she will assist in the advancement of research projects and our Polymer Industry Cluster work. She brings several years of experience in similar roles with her, having previously worked in the corporate community.
Megan holds a bachelor’s degree from Tiffin University where she also rode on the varsity Equestrian Team. She is inspired both professionally and personally by her son Rocky who has shaped her work ethic and her ability to face challenges head on.
Outside of work, Megan loves living in a small community close to her family. In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding and off road ATVing.
Brynn Popa
SVP, Strategic Initiatives & Engagement
Brynn Popa
Brynn is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Engagement for the Greater Akron Chamber. For the last 15 years, Brynn has been immersed in economic development work, where she has advanced public policy efforts impacting business, played leadership roles in the coordination of collaborative economic development partnerships and worked to enhance the climate for business success in Northeast Ohio. In her current role, Brynn oversees the many operational efforts as well as key strategic initiatives of the Greater Akron Chamber, including the Chamber’s work as the convener and collaborator for Elevate Greater Akron. Among all of her roles, perhaps one of her most prized is the one she plays as a leader of teams – identifying unique talent, helping people to harness their skills and advance the organization’s work in impactful ways. Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, Brynn is proud and humbled to have the opportunity to impact change in her hometown and is inspired by the collaborative spirit in the region, illustrated by the strong public private partnerships that make all his work a possibility.
Advancing the region’s potential is something Brynn strives to do both professionally and personally. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Akron Civic Theater as well as the United Way Summit Medina. In 2011, Brynn was recognized for her work and leadership as a recipient of the Crain’s Cleveland 40 Under 40 Award. Brynn received her undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Sociology from John Carroll University and her Masters of Public Administration from Cleveland State University.
When she has the time, Brynn enjoys traveling, running, cooking and binge-watching Netflix series. She lives in Copley with her husband, Greg and two daughters.
Ebony Porter
Vice President of Opportunity and Inclusion
Ebony Porter
Ebony Porter is the Vice President of Opportunity and Inclusion at the Greater Akron Chamber. As an Akron native, she is excited to return home and make an impact in this community after having worked in Philadelphia for the last several years.
Prior to joining the Chamber, Ebony spent the last 10 years serving a broad range of clients. She has worked with non-profits, IT companies, government agencies, and in the education sector. Under her leadership, DEI programs and policies were developed to address unconscious bias, cultural competencies, hiring practices, and workplace culture. She is extremely proud of having overseen the implementation of policies that increased employee diversity by more than 10%.
Ebony holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Ohio University, where she also returned to teach classes. She holds several professional certifications and was recognized with the “Rising Star” award from the Ohio University College of Business.
When she’s not creating inclusive spaces, Ebony enjoys serving the homeless, exploring new hiking trails, and whipping up her signature lemon glaze strawberry bundt cake.
Anna Richards
Manager, Programs and Events
Anna Richards
Anna is the Manager of Programs and Events at the Greater Akron Chamber. In this role she creates opportunities for our members to come together, make connections, and stay informed. Anna has always enjoyed bringing people together and helping others, so she chose the Chamber to be a part of an organization that connects people and businesses in the region.
Anna dedicates time to volunteering, especially with the University of Dayton Cleveland Alumni Community actively serving in the Akron Chair and Service Chair roles.
Outside of work, Anna loves to spend time with her husband and two boys. They enjoy crafting, traveling, kayaking, and baking.
John Rizzo
Vice President, Government Affairs
John Rizzo
John Rizzo is the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Chamber. In this role, he works to connect chamber members to key information on relevant political activities, convene regional stakeholders on pressing issues facing the business community, and advocate for identified solutions. Coming from a family of small business owners, John really enjoys working with companies to understand and pursue the various policies and opportunities they stand to benefit from. Although not every effort results in a “win”, he finds it rewarding to facilitate conversations that identify real issues and solutions and work to achieve tangible results on behalf of small businesses.
John Rizzo received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Akron from which he is a proud alumnus. He also serves on several nonprofit committees and advisory boards within the region and participates on various panel discussions during advocacy-related events.
Coming from a large multicultural family, there is nothing John enjoys more than spending time with family, friends, and his dog, Bella. And, when Ohio’s weather permits it, he really enjoys cycling through Summit Metro Parks, golfing, and playing intramural sports.
Sheri Shields
Senior Business Relationship Manager
Sheri Shields
Sheri is the Senior Business Relationship Manager at the Greater Akron Chamber, working with the Economic Development team. In this role, Sheri works closely with small businesses with a focus on woman and minority owned companies. Prior to joining the Chamber team, she was a Chamber member and benefit provider. As a member, her experiences with the Chamber were great and when she was asked to join the team, she said yes! That was 25 years ago.
Sheri’s favorite thing about her job is getting to work with and help people. She enjoys developing relationships, making introductions, and providing memorable experiences. Sheri is a proud Alumni of the University of Akron and stays engaged with the university.
Sheri has a husband, two sons, and a very opinionated dachshund as a granddog. Outside of work, Sheri loves spending time with her family, traveling, going to parks, and enjoying music and theater.
Jenny Stupica
Senior Director, Manufacturing Sector Partnership
ConxusNEO
Jenny Stupica
Jenny has over 10 years of Human Resources experience in manufacturing. She has earned multiple HR certifications, is an active member of the Akron SHRM chapter, and has served as a board member for Kent State’s Center for Corporate and Professional Development, Tri-C’s Manufacturing Technology Program, ConxusNEO, and the Summit Medina Workforce Development Board.
Jenny has been involved in workforce issues in the manufacturing industry for a number of years and was Chair of the ConxusNEO Manufacturing Network before joining the ConxusNEO staff in July 2017. Jenny has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Crain’s, Smart Business, and other print publications regarding the importance of manufacturing and its career opportunities. Last year, Jenny was a guest on NPR’s Diane Rehm show to discuss the aging workforce and share some unique approaches to retaining talent and experience.
We have identified the Board members that also participate on our Executive Committee with a * by their name.
| Name | Personal Title | Related Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. K.L. Allen, Ed.D. | Chancellor | WGU Ohio |
| Tyler Amos | VP - Sr. Financial Consultant, Akron Branch | Charles Schwab Corporate Services |
| Anne Armao | Vice President, Member Experience & Product Development | SummaCare |
| Dunja Augustin | Vice President of Operations | Energy Harbor |
| Ken Babby | Owner & Chief Executive Officer | Akron Rubber Ducks |
| Elizabeth Bartz | President and CEO | State and Federal Communications, Inc. |
| Sam Belcher | Senior Vice President & President | FirstEnergy Corp. |
| Julie Brandle | President | Metis Construction Services LLC |
| Marie Brilmyer | Partner | Cohen & Company |
| Nick Browning | President, Mahoning Valley/Akron/Canton Region | Huntington |
| Traci Buckner | Executive Director | Akron Children's Museum |
| Nick Buzzelli | Senior Vice President, Regional Head of Commercial Banking | Fifth Third Bank |
| Ren Camacho | President and CEO | Akron-Canton Airport |
| Theresa Carter | President | Synthomer Foundation |
| John Cavanaugh | Chief Financial Officer & Vice President | GOJO Industries, Inc. |
| Romona Davis | Vice President, National SBA BDO | Huntington |
| Eric Dellapina | Market President - Eastern Ohio | KeyBank |
| Dr. Cliff Deveny, MD | President /CEO | Summa Health |
| Todd Diacon, Ph.D. | President | Kent State University |
| Dawn Distler | Chief Executive Officer | METRO RTA |
| Marc Divis | President | Akron Energy Systems, LLC |
| Jason Dodson | Shareholder | Roetzel & Andress |
| Laura Duda | Senior Vice President & Chief Communications Officer | Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company |
| Luis Escudero | Executive Director | El Patron Restaurant |
| Gino Faciana | Co-CEO | Pleasant Valley Corporation - NAI Pleasant Valley |
| Craig Ferriot | President | Ferriot |
| Christine Fowler-Mack | Superintendent | Akron City Schools |
| Richard Fry | Akron Partner in Charge & Taxation Practice Group Leader | Buckingham Doolittle & Burroughs LLC |
| Valerie Geiger | Executive Director, Commercial Banking | JPMorgan Chase |
| Peter Geise | Akron Area President | FocusCFO |
| Chris Gessner | President & CEO | Akron Children's Hospital |
| Dwayne Groll | President | Environmental Design Group, LLC |
| Dr. Brian Harte, MD | President | Cleveland Clinic Akron General |
| Craig Hassinger | CEO and President | SeibertKeck Insurance |
| John Higgins, Jr. | Region Vice President | Spectrum |
| Ella Hochstetler | Director of Regulatory Affairs Ohio | Dominion Energy |
| Honorable Daniel Horrigan | Mayor | City of Akron |
| Dr. Para Jones | President | Stark State College |
| Halle Jones Capers, P.E. | President | Halle's Engineering & Design |
| Ethan Karp | President and CEO | MAGNET |
| Danielle Kimmell | Principal, Assurance and Advisory Services | Apple Growth Partners |
| Bill Koehler | Chief Executive Officer | Team NEO |
| Mark Krohn | Founder and Managing Partner | The Law Offic of Mark E. Krohn |
| Dr. John Langell, M.D., Ph.D. | President | Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) |
| Amanda Leffler | Partner | Brouse McDowell |
| Teresa LeGrair | President & CEO | Akron Urban League |
| Erin Leppo Palmer | CFO & In-House Legal Counsel | Leppo Inc dba Leppo Equipment/Bobcat of Akron |
| Dr. Leia' Love | Chief Executive Officer | Leia' Love Hair & Nail Salon |
| Joe Luckring | Regional President | PNC Bank |
| Jeff Walters | Managing Director of Northeast Ohio Offices | CBIZ Mayer Hoffman McCann |
| Christine Mayer | President | GAR Foundation |
| Meghan Meeker | President | Torchbearers (YP) |
| Marc Merklin, Esq. | Managing Partner | Brouse McDowell |
| Jim Merklin | Owner | Bober Markey Fedorovich |
| Steve Millard | President & CEO | Greater Akron Chamber |
| Gary Miller, PhD | President | The University of Akron |
| Lakisha Miller-Barclay | Executive Director & CEO | Rubber Division, ACS |
| Melissa Monaco | Vice President, Americas Communication | Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company |
| Erika Moore | President | Young Professionals of Akron |
| Michelle Moran | Senior Vice President of Sales, Product, and Marketing | Involta, LLC |
| Mike Morrison | Senior Director, Private Markets | GPD Group |
| Jim Mullen | President & CEO | United Way of Summit and Medina |
| Chrissy Myers | CEO | Associated Underwriters (AUI) |
| Jon Park | Executive Chairman | Westfield Bank |
| B. Patel | Principal & Co-Founder | GHC Green Harvest Capital |
| Joe Paul | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | The Davey Tree Expert Company |
| John Petures, Jr. | President & CEO | Akron Community Foundation |
| Kendra Philon | Senior Manager, Assurance Services | Meadon & Moore |
| Parker Platt | SVP Senior Strategy Manager in Sales Strategy & Distribution | Citizens |
| Tia Ramlow | President | GreatWork! Employment Services |
| Christopher Richardson | Chief Operating Officer | CHC Addiction Services |
| Terry Robinson | Dean of Technical Learning & Outreach | Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC |
| Tiffany Roper | Chief Executive Officer | Oh Snap! & Eat Speak Love |
| Jim Ruhlin, Jr. | President & COO | The Ruhlin Company |
| Ike Sampson-Akpan | President/Owner | SAF, Inc. |
| Dr. Jennifer Savitski, M.D. | Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology | Cleveland Clinic Akron General |
| David Schipper | President & CEO | The Schipper Group |
| Honorable Ilene Shapiro | County Executive | County of Summit, Ohio |
| Brian Steere | Co-President | Steere Enterprises |
| Andrew Twardzik | Partner, Americas Deputy Risk Markets Leader | Ernst & Young LLP |
| Don Taylor | CEO | Welty Building Company Ltd |
| Andre Thornton, Sr. | President & CEO | ASW Global, LLC |
| Jason Tuma | Partner | Sikich LLP |
| Neille Vitale | Chief Executive Officer | VMI Group/Tri Mor |
| Rich Wallack | Regional Vice President, Northeast Region of Ohio | Medical Mutual |
| Liz Watson | VP, Customer Engagement & Marketing | Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group |
| Bernett Williams | Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer; Vice President for Community Initiatives | Akron Children's Hospital |
| Steve Wilt | Senior Vice President, Finacial Advisor | CAPTRUST |
| Christopher Wyche | Director External Affairs | AT&T |
-
Dr. K.L. Allen, Ed.D.
WGU Ohio
Chancellor -
Tyler Amos
Charles Schwab Corporate Services
VP - Sr. Financial Consultant, Akron Branch -
Anne Armao
SummaCare
Vice President, Member Experience & Product Development -
Dunja Augustin
Energy Harbor
Vice President, Operations -
Ken Babby
Akron RubberDucks
Owner & Chief Executive Officer -
Elizabeth Z. Bartz*
State and Federal Communications
President and CEO -
Sam Belcher
FirstEnergy Corp.
Senior Vice President & President -
Julie Brandle*
Metis Construction Services LLC
President -
Marie Brilmyer
Cohen & Company
Partner -
Nick Browning
Huntington Bank
President, Mahoning Valley/Akron/Canton Region -
Traci Buckner
Childrens Museum
Executive Director -
Nick Buzzelli
Fifth Third Bank
Senior Vice President, Regional Head of Commercial Banking -
Ren Camacho
Akron-Canton Airport
President & CEO -
Theresa Carter
Synthomer Foundation
President -
John Cavanuagh
GOJO Industries, Inc.
Chief Financial Officer & Vice President -
Romona Davis
Huntington Bank
Vice President, National SBA BDO -
Eric Dellapina
KeyBank
Market President - Eastern Ohio -
Dr. Cliff Deveny, MD
Summa Health
President & CEO -
Todd Diacon, PhD
Kent State University
President -
Dawn Distler
METRO RTA
Chief Executive Officer -
Marc Divis
Akron Energy Systems, LLC
President -
Jason Dodson
Roetzel & Andress
Shareholder -
Laura Duda
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer -
Luis Escudero
El Patron Restaurant
Executive Director -
Gino Faciana
Pleasant Valley Corporation - NAI Pleasant Valley
co-CEO -
Craig Ferriot
Ferriot
President -
Christine Fowler-Mack
Akron Public Schools
Superintendent -
Richard Fry
Buckingham Doolittle & Burrough
Akron Partner in Charge & Taxation Practice Group Leader -
Valerie Geiger
JPMorgan Chase
Executive Director, Commercial Banking -
Peter Geise
Focus CFO
Akron Area President -
Chris Gessner
Akron Children's Hospital
President & CEO -
Dwayne Groll
Environmental Design Group
President -
Dr. Brian Harte, MD
Cleveland Clinic Akron General
President -
Craig Hassinger
SeibertKeck Insurance
President & CEO -
John Higgins, Jr.
Spectrum
Regional Vice President -
Ella Hochstetler*
Dominion Energy
Director of Regulatory Affairs Ohio -
Honorable Daniel Horrigan
City of Akron
Mayor -
Dr. Para Jones*
Stark State College
President -
Halle Jones Capers, P.E.
Halle's Engineering and Design
President -
Ethan Karp
MAGNET
President & CEO -
Danielle Kimmell
Apple Growth Partners
Principal, Assurance and Advisory Services -
Bill Koehler
TeamNEO
Chief Executive Officer -
Mark Krohn
The Law Office of Mark E. Krohn
Founder and Managing Partner -
Dr. John Langell, M.D., Ph.D.*
Northeast Ohio Medical University
President -
Amanda Leffler
Brouse McDowell
Partner -
Teresa LeGrair*
Akron Urban League
President & CEO -
Erin Leppo Palmer
Leppo Equipment
CFO & In-House Legal Counsel -
Dr. Leia' Love
Leia Love Hair, Nail and Eyelash
Chief Executive Officer -
Joe Luckring
PNC Bank
Regional President -
Christine Mayer
GAR Foundation
President -
Meghan Meeker
Torchbearers/YP
President -
Marc Merklin, Esq.*
Brouse McDowell
Managing Partner -
Jim Merklin
Bober Markey Fedorovich
Owner -
Steve Millard*
Greater Akron Chamber
President & CEO -
Gary Miller, PhD
University of Akron
President -
Lakisha Miller-Barclay
Rubber Division, American Chemical Society
Executive Director & CEO -
Melissa Monaco
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Vice President, Americas Communication -
Erika Moore
Young Professionals of Akron
President -
Michelle Moran
Involta
Senior Vice President of Sales, Product, and Marketing -
Mike Morrison
GPD Group
Senior Director, Private Markets -
Jim Mullen
United Way of Summit and Medina Counties
President & Chief Executive Officer -
Erika Moore
(YP/Young Professionals of Akron) Marcum LLP
Senior Manager -
Chrissy Myers
Associated Underwriters Insurance (AUI)
CEO -
Jon Park*
Westfield Bank
Executive Chairman -
Bhavin Patel
Green Harvest Capital
Principal & Co-Founder -
Joe Paul
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer -
John Petures, Jr.*
Akron Community Foundation
President & CEO -
Kendra Philon
Meadon & Moore
Senior Manager, Assurance Services -
Parker Platt
Citizens Bank
SVP Senior Strategy Manager in Sales Strategy & Distribution -
Tia Ramlow*
GreatWork! Employment Services
President -
Christopher Richardson
CHC Addiction Services
Chief Operating Officer -
Terry Robinson
Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
Dean of Technical Learning & Outreach -
Tiffany Roper
Oh Snap! & Eat Speak Love
Chief Executive Officer -
Jim Ruhlin, Jr.
The Ruhlin Company
President & COO -
Ike Sampson-Akpan
SAF, Inc.
President/Owner -
Dr. Jennifer Savitski, MD*
Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology -
David Schipper
The Schipper Group
President & CEO -
Honorable Ilene Shapiro
County of Summit
County Executive -
Brian Steere
Steere Enterprises
Co-President -
Andrew Twardzik
Ernst & Young LLP
Partner, Americas Deputy Risk Markets Leader -
Don Taylor
Welty Building Company, Ltd.
President & CEO -
Andre Thornton, Sr.
ASW Global
President & CEO -
Jason Tuma
Sikich LLP
Partner -
Neille Vitale
VMI Group/Tri Mor
Chief Executive Officer -
Rich Wallack
Medical Mutual
Regional Vice President, Northeast Region of Ohio -
Jeff Walters
CBIZ Mayer Hoffman McCann
Managing Director of Northeast Ohio Offices -
Liz Watson
Crum & Forster Pet Insurance
VP, Customer Engagement & Marketing -
Bernett Williams
Akron Children's Hospital
Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer; Vice President for Community Initiatives -
Steve Wilt
CAPTRUST
Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor -
Christopher Wyche
AT&T
Director External Affairs
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.
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 Professional Roundtable
Driving inclusive economic growth cannot be done without harnessing the knowledge and experience of our region’s diversity professionals. The Diversity Professional Roundtable is a group of DEI leaders with a regular opportunity to brainstorm, problem-solve and connect as they work to advance their company’s and the regions diversity, equity, and inclusions efforts.
Equity and 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.
Get Engaged
Interested in getting involved with our committee work?
We are always looking for new perspectives at the table.
Our Chair's Circle represents our most significant investors and the drivers of our work.
Akron Children's
ACF
ACF
AT&T
BMF
Brouse McDowell
Buckingham
CBIZ
Charles Schwab
City of Akron
Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Cohen & Co
County of Summit
Dominion
Energy Harbor
EY
FedEx
First Energy
GAR
gojo
Goodyear
GPD Group
GreatWork
Huntington
Kent State
KeyBank
Magnet
Medical Mutual
Northeast Ohio Medical University
PVC
PNC Bank
Roetzel
Sikich
Spectrum
Spectrum
Summa
Team-neo
University of Akron
United Way Summit-Medina
Welty
Brian Anderson
Vice President, Research
Brian Anderson
Brian Anderson is the Vice President of Research for the Greater Akron Chamber. Brian leads the Polymer Industry Cluster Initiative of Northeast Ohio, as well as the data and regional economic analysis functions of the organization. Prior to the Chamber, Brian worked at a wearable technology start-up and a Fortune 500 company. He decided to make a move because he wanted to contribute to an organization that he felt could improve the region and the lives of its residents.
Brian received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Emmanuel College in Boston where he was also a three-sport collegiate athlete. From there, he attended The University of Akron for his MBA, and University of Texas – San Antonio for his master’s degree in finance.
Brian and his wife Casey like to travel, cook, and are dedicated fans and season ticket holders of the University of Akron men’s soccer team.
Enrique Antonio
Coordinator, Marketing and Content
Enrique Antonio
Enrique Antonio is the Marketing and Content Coordinator for the Greater Akron Chamber. In this role he will work to enhance communication about events, initiatives and goals of the chamber creating a two-way dialogue between the organization and its members. Enrique began working with the Greater Akron Chamber to make a difference in the real way around the Akron community.
Enrique received his bachelor's degree from The University of Akron in Public Relations. At UAkron, Enrique was involved in community engagement research where he focused on understanding the needs of the greater Akron area.
Enrique loves cats and cooking. If he could be any plant, it would be a vine so he could wrap around other trees and get to see what the view is like from up there. Enrique is such an Ohioan you can see it in his eyes… his buckeyes! No seriously, he makes great buckeyes.
Alyssa Carpenter
Director, Economic Development
Alyssa Carpenter
Alyssa Carpenter has a unique role, serving in a dual capacity as the Director of Economic Development for the Greater Akron Chamber and the Director of Business Development for Team NEO, focusing on the rubber, plastic and polymer industries serving Stark and Summit Counties. Alyssa views the work of economic development much like a puzzle with intersections of building relationships, problem solving, and pulling the partners in the public and private sectors together in order help our companies and communities grow and prosper.
For her work professionally, Alyssa earned the Ohio Economic Development, Ohio Certified Economic Developer certification. She also frequently presents as a guest speaker as part of the Ohio Economic Development (OEDA) programing on topics of economic and professional development, as well as more locally, via Team NEO’s NODE program.
Most of her time outside of work involves her kids, Caroline and Grant, and their school activities. Alyssa also enjoys entertaining and being outdoors.
Surendra Chawla
Polymer Consultant
Surendra Chawla
Surendra Chawla retired from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as a Senior Director of Global Innovation in 2018 after 40 years of service in different roles and responsibilities. He joined Goodyear in 1978 as a Senior Research Engineer in Corporate Research and rose through the ranks to Director and Head of the Goodyear Corporate Research from 2003 to 2008. In 2009, he was given the responsibility to lead Goodyear Open Innovation initiative. In this role, he championed the culture of open innovation in Goodyear, to explore, assess and internalize external technologies for sustainable product leadership and create new business opportunities in mobility solution space of Connected, Autonomous, Shared and Electrical (CASE) vehicles. He created a global R&D network of world-class universities, research institutes, national laboratories, open networks, suppliers, customers and start-ups; and successfully integrated dozens of new programs into Goodyear technology and product platforms. He is one of the founders of the Goodyear Institute of Technology (GIT) – “forum for tire related technologies”. Hundreds of Goodyear associates around the world have benefited from this opportunity to expand their knowledge and skill base. In January 2021, he joined Greater Akron Chamber as a consultant to support the Polymer Industry Cluster Initiative.
He has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from India, Master’s and PhD from the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Chicago, USA.
Michelle Collins
Executive Director
ConxusNEO
Michelle Collins
Michelle Cassetty Collins brings 20 years of leadership experience in higher education where she led initiatives related to the recruitment and retention of students. Her experience working with academic programs in a consortium is foundational to the value she places on collaboration to reach shared outcomes. She has a deep desire to improve the quality and effectiveness of an organization, a process or a system.
At ConxusNEO, Michelle manages research initiatives, coordinates with College and Career Academies of Akron, spearheads pilot projects, and supports the organization’s leadership and staff.
Michelle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Bible from Kentucky Christian College, a Master of Science in Higher Education degree from The University of Akron, and a Master of Education in Cultural Foundations at Kent State University where she studied marginalization and inequalities in education through the lenses of sociology, anthropology, philosophy, and history.
Gregg P. Cramer
Vice President, Economic Development
Gregg Cramer
Gregg Cramer is the Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Akron Chamber. In this role he manages the day-to-day economic development operations, including Attraction and Business Retention & Expansion. Gregg also works with our Elevate Greater Akron partners to oversee the collective effort to meet with 300+ companies on an annual basis. Along with the County of Summit and City of Akron, he also co-chairs the “Akron, USA” domestic/international marketing initiative.
Gregg is inspired by the fact that his father worked at B.F. Goodrich for 25 years in the same office complex currently occupied by the Chamber; he literally looks out the window at his father’s office every day. Gregg truly believes we are a unique community with a rich history and have a great story to tell.
Professionally, Gregg received his Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) certification from the National Development Council. He also honed his public speaking skills during his run for public office. For the record, his family prayed he would lose the race; he lost the race.
Without question, the defining characteristic of his life has been raising a child with Special Needs; in countless ways - personally and professionally - it has made him a more appreciative, better, and focused person. Other than chocolate, Gregg’s only vice is American muscle cars.
Natalie Diekman
Coordinator of Membership Services
Natalie Diekman
Natalie is the Coordinator of Member Services for the Greater Akron Chamber. In this role, Natalie serves the day to day needs of our members and prospective members and works maintain accurate information in our membership database. Natalie has always had a lot of pride in Greater Akron so she is happy to be working at an organization where she can contribute to the betterment of the region.
Natalie graduated from the University of Akron with her bachelor’s degree in the Spring of 2022.
Natalie loves living in Akron. She regularly visits the gorgeous parks we have scattered throughout the area, whether it’s to go for a run or to photograph nature. Also, when she has the time, she loves cooking and playing the piano.
Sarah Eaton
Sr. Manager, Executive Administration
Sarah Eaton
Sarah Eaton is the Senior Manager of Executive Administration. In this role she works to support the schedule of our President & CEO, meeting and event prep, and support of our members by connecting them to resources, events, and other opportunities. She chose to work at the Chamber because she was impressed by the work she saw the being done in the region. She felt that joining the team would allow her to be a part of something working for the betterment of Greater Akron.
Sarah brings 14 years of educational experience with her, having been a high school teacher in Portage County before making a career change to join us. She has also grown an impressive 25k followers on TikTok through content creation focused on education, advocacy, community building, and personal experience sharing. She is both professionally and personally inspired by people and being able to impact their growth, learning, and evolution through her work.
Professionally, Sarah is proud of having been selected for the Teachers for Global Classrooms global education fellowship through Fulbright which allowed her to connect and collaborate with teachers from both the U.S. and developing countries, as well as complete field experience in India. She also serves in leadership and mentor roles as an Advisory Board Member for the Kent State University chapter of Chi Omega Fraternity.
Sarah lives in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood of Cleveland with her husband. In her free time, she likes to cook, travel, collect houseplants, and experience the culture, music, and art of the greater Cleveland and Akron area.
Heather Flohr
Executive Assistant & Office Manager
Heather Flohr
Heather is the Manager of Business Operations at the Greater Akron Chamber. In this role she handles many responsibilities ranging from bookkeeping for the organization, human resource support for staff, as well as general office management. A couple years ago Heather chose to make a change in careers and join the Chamber after seeing the positive impact being made by the team in this region. She wanted to be a part of the change the Chamber was making in the community.
Heather is a proud Veteran of the United State Marine Corps, having served for eight years from 2004 – 2012, during that time she received various Medals and Letters of Commendations. Heather has a bachelor’s degree in social psychology from Park University and is a Certified Notary Public for the State of Ohio. She is also a graduate of Torchbearers Class of 2019 and served as the Co-Chair for Membership in 2020.
Outside of work her favorite things to do include hiking and reading. In 2020 she read over 140 books! She also likes to find volunteer opportunities she can share with her kids to get them immersed in their community. Heather lives in Copley with her husband, their three children, and their dog.
Paige Freel
Manager, Projects and Initiatives
Paige Freel
Paige is the Senior Manager of Projects and Initiatives at the Greater Akron Chamber. In this role she works to advance the organization’s key projects. Paige started working at the Chamber as an intern out of college and fell in love with the mission, the culture, and the people. She loves being part of an organization and a community that focuses on collaboration for the betterment of Greater Akron.
Paige received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Mount Union where she also played collegiate soccer. She received her MBA from the University of Akron.
Outside of work Paige’s favorite thing to do is spend time with family and friends. Being an Ohio native, her hobbies change with the seasons ranging from skiing to camping and always traveling when possible.
Sante Ghetti
Vice President, Investor Engagement
Sante Ghetti
Sante is the Vice President of Investor Engagement for the Greater Akron Chamber. In this role he works to support our members goals, ensuring our members are connected, engaged, and supported in our shared work and mission. Sante chose the Greater Akron Chamber because he has a passion for supporting the business community and the region. His favorite part of his job is getting to know and working with people, he is always learning something new from everyone he meets.
Professionally, Sante has a unique background having previously working in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. He is particularly proud of his time working for The White House as well as raising money for pediatric cancer patients and survivors. A few awards he has received as recognition for his work have been 2014 COSE Staff Service Award, 2018 Catalyst of Leadership & Excellence (CLE) Award, and he was a member of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2020.
Sante has a wife and two daughters that inspire him daily. While it’s his family that inspires him the most, he also enjoys golfing and traveling to anywhere that has a beach.
Al Jones
Manager of Member Engagement
Al Jones
Al is the Manager of Member Engagement at the Greater Akron Chamber. He works to support current and potential members, acting as a connector between our members, our mission, and our resources. Al has long been involved in the small business community in Akron and wanted to continue pursuing his passion of business support through the Chamber.
Al has over 8 years of experience hosting networking events for businesses in Northeast Ohio. He has also participated on several boards and enjoys volunteering. One of his greatest professional achievements was receiving a proclamation from the City of Akron recognizing December 16th as “Al Jones Marketing Networking Day”.
Outside of work, Al loves spending time with his family. He is a father of 3 boys. In his spare time, he also enjoys reading and traveling.
Steve Millard
President & CEO
Steve Millard
Steve Millard is President and CEO of the Greater Akron Chamber. Steve was attracted to the Chamber in 2018 to become a part of an emerging new collaboration among economic development partners led by the County of Summit, the City of Akron, the GAR Foundation, and the Chamber’s Board leadership. The promise of an enterprise approach across disparate ecosystem partners to increase jobs, investment and opportunity for the region was a bold idea for the region and the business community that he wanted to be involved in creating.
That bold idea became the unique collaboration that is working to advance economic development in Greater Akron called Elevate Greater Akron. The commitment by more than 20 ecosystem partners working together to do the right things to drive growth and success for the region has allowed for stronger collaboration and impact for the region.
Prior to joining the Chamber in 2018, Steve spent more than 20 years leading in various roles in economic development including as the President and Executive Director of the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) and the Executive Vice President of the Greater Cleveland Partnership.
Professionally, Steve is a Certified Chamber Executive and has been recognized in a variety of ways for community leadership, Board service and professional contributions. Steve holds a B.S. in Finance, a B.S. in Transportation and Distribution Management from Syracuse University, and an M.B.A. from Case Western Reserve University. Prior to his work in Economic Development, he spent time at both GE Medical Systems (now GE Health Care) and Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) in supply chain operations and strategy consulting roles.
Steve currently serves on several boards including Leadership Akron, Summit Education Initiative, TeamNEO, ConxusNEO, Business Volunteers Unlimited, Downtown Akron Partnership, Downtown Akron Development Corporation and Medical Service Company.
Steve and his wife, Lisa, are proud to have a daughter, Lexie, who is a high school English teacher and a son, Ben, currently attending Marietta College. They live as the guests of three cats and two dogs who go out of their way to be perfectly good at doing absolutely nothing. Steve has no impressive hobbies or world adventures to brag about, but does have some bad habits like good bourbon, great scotch, and an occasional cigar that he is happy to share.
Megan Nutter
Coordinator, Projects and Initiatives
Megan Nutter
Megan Nutter is the Coordinator of Projects and Initiatives at the Greater Akron Chamber where she will assist in the advancement of research projects and our Polymer Industry Cluster work. She brings several years of experience in similar roles with her, having previously worked in the corporate community.
Megan holds a bachelor’s degree from Tiffin University where she also rode on the varsity Equestrian Team. She is inspired both professionally and personally by her son Rocky who has shaped her work ethic and her ability to face challenges head on.
Outside of work, Megan loves living in a small community close to her family. In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding and off road ATVing.
Brynn Popa
SVP, Strategic Initiatives & Engagement
Brynn Popa
Brynn is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Engagement for the Greater Akron Chamber. For the last 15 years, Brynn has been immersed in economic development work, where she has advanced public policy efforts impacting business, played leadership roles in the coordination of collaborative economic development partnerships and worked to enhance the climate for business success in Northeast Ohio. In her current role, Brynn oversees the many operational efforts as well as key strategic initiatives of the Greater Akron Chamber, including the Chamber’s work as the convener and collaborator for Elevate Greater Akron. Among all of her roles, perhaps one of her most prized is the one she plays as a leader of teams – identifying unique talent, helping people to harness their skills and advance the organization’s work in impactful ways. Born and raised in Akron, Ohio, Brynn is proud and humbled to have the opportunity to impact change in her hometown and is inspired by the collaborative spirit in the region, illustrated by the strong public private partnerships that make all his work a possibility.
Advancing the region’s potential is something Brynn strives to do both professionally and personally. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Akron Civic Theater as well as the United Way Summit Medina. In 2011, Brynn was recognized for her work and leadership as a recipient of the Crain’s Cleveland 40 Under 40 Award. Brynn received her undergraduate degrees in Political Science and Sociology from John Carroll University and her Masters of Public Administration from Cleveland State University.
When she has the time, Brynn enjoys traveling, running, cooking and binge-watching Netflix series. She lives in Copley with her husband, Greg and two daughters.
Ebony Porter
Vice President, Opportunity and Inclusion
Ebony Porter
Ebony Porter is the Vice President of Opportunity and Inclusion at the Greater Akron Chamber. As an Akron native, she is excited to return home and make an impact in this community after having worked in Philadelphia for the last several years.
Prior to joining the Chamber, Ebony spent the last 10 years serving a broad range of clients. She has worked with non-profits, IT companies, government agencies, and in the education sector. Under her leadership, DEI programs and policies were developed to address unconscious bias, cultural competencies, hiring practices, and workplace culture. She is extremely proud of having overseen the implementation of policies that increased employee diversity by more than 10%.
Ebony holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Ohio University, where she also returned to teach classes. She holds several professional certifications and was recognized with the “Rising Star” award from the Ohio University College of Business.
When she’s not creating inclusive spaces, Ebony enjoys serving the homeless, exploring new hiking trails, and whipping up her signature lemon glaze strawberry bundt cake.
Anna Richards
Manager, Programs and Events
Anna Richards
Anna is the Manager of Programs and Events at the Greater Akron Chamber. In this role she creates opportunities for our members to come together, make connections, and stay informed. Anna has always enjoyed bringing people together and helping others, so she chose the Chamber to be a part of an organization that connects people and businesses in the region.
Anna dedicates time to volunteering, especially with the University of Dayton Cleveland Alumni Community actively serving in the Akron Chair and Service Chair roles.
Outside of work, Anna loves to spend time with her husband and two boys. They enjoy crafting, traveling, kayaking, and baking.
John Rizzo
Director, Government Affairs
John Rizzo
John Rizzo is the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Chamber. In this role, he works to connect chamber members to key information on relevant political activities, convene regional stakeholders on pressing issues facing the business community, and advocate for identified solutions. Coming from a family of small business owners, John really enjoys working with companies to understand and pursue the various policies and opportunities they stand to benefit from. Although not every effort results in a “win”, he finds it rewarding to facilitate conversations that identify real issues and solutions and work to achieve tangible results on behalf of small businesses.
John Rizzo received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Akron from which he is a proud alumnus. He also serves on several nonprofit committees and advisory boards within the region and participates on various panel discussions during advocacy-related events.
Coming from a large multicultural family, there is nothing John enjoys more than spending time with family, friends, and his dog, Bella. And, when Ohio’s weather permits it, he really enjoys cycling through Summit Metro Parks, golfing, and playing intramural sports.
Sheri Shields
Senior Business Relationship Manager
Sheri Shields
Sheri is the Senior Business Relationship Manager at the Greater Akron Chamber, working with the Economic Development team. In this role, Sheri works closely with small businesses with a focus on woman and minority owned companies. Prior to joining the Chamber team, she was a Chamber member and benefit provider. As a member, her experiences with the Chamber were great and when she was asked to join the team, she said yes! That was 25 years ago.
Sheri’s favorite thing about her job is getting to work with and help people. She enjoys developing relationships, making introductions, and providing memorable experiences. Sheri is a proud Alumni of the University of Akron and stays engaged with the university.
Sheri has a husband, two sons, and a very opinionated dachshund as a granddog. Outside of work, Sheri loves spending time with her family, traveling, going to parks, and enjoying music and theater.
We have identified the Board members that also participate on our Executive Committee with a * by their name.
| Name | Personal Title | Related Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. K.L. Allen, Ed.D. | Chancellor | WGU Ohio |
| Tyler Amos | VP - Sr. Financial Consultant, Akron Branch | Charles Schwab Corporate Services |
| Anne Armao | Vice President, Member Experience & Product Development | SummaCare |
| Dunja Augustin | Vice President of Operations | Energy Harbor |
| Ken Babby | Owner & Chief Executive Officer | Akron Rubber Ducks |
| Elizabeth Bartz | President and CEO | State and Federal Communications, Inc. |
| Sam Belcher | Senior Vice President & President | FirstEnergy Corp. |
| Julie Brandle | President | Metis Construction Services LLC |
| Marie Brilmyer | Partner | Cohen & Company |
| Nick Browning | President, Mahoning Valley/Akron/Canton Region | Huntington |
| Traci Buckner | Executive Director | Akron Children's Museum |
| Nick Buzzelli | Senior Vice President, Regional Head of Commercial Banking | Fifth Third Bank |
| Ren Camacho | President and CEO | Akron-Canton Airport |
| Theresa Carter | President | Synthomer Foundation |
| John Cavanaugh | Chief Financial Officer & Vice President | GOJO Industries, Inc. |
| Romona Davis | Vice President, National SBA BDO | Huntington |
| Eric Dellapina | Market President - Eastern Ohio | KeyBank |
| Dr. Cliff Deveny, MD | President /CEO | Summa Health |
| Todd Diacon, Ph.D. | President | Kent State University |
| Dawn Distler | Chief Executive Officer | METRO RTA |
| Marc Divis | President | Akron Energy Systems, LLC |
| Jason Dodson | Shareholder | Roetzel & Andress |
| Laura Duda | Senior Vice President & Chief Communications Officer | Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company |
| Luis Escudero | Executive Director | El Patron Restaurant |
| Gino Faciana | Co-CEO | Pleasant Valley Corporation - NAI Pleasant Valley |
| Craig Ferriot | President | Ferriot |
| Christine Fowler-Mack | Superintendent | Akron City Schools |
| Richard Fry | Akron Partner in Charge & Taxation Practice Group Leader | Buckingham Doolittle & Burroughs LLC |
| Valerie Geiger | Executive Director, Commercial Banking | JPMorgan Chase |
| Peter Geise | Akron Area President | FocusCFO |
| Chris Gessner | President & CEO | Akron Children's Hospital |
| Dwayne Groll | President | Environmental Design Group, LLC |
| Dr. Brian Harte, MD | President | Cleveland Clinic Akron General |
| Craig Hassinger | CEO and President | SeibertKeck Insurance |
| John Higgins, Jr. | Region Vice President | Spectrum |
| Ella Hochstetler | Director of Regulatory Affairs Ohio | Dominion Energy |
| Honorable Daniel Horrigan | Mayor | City of Akron |
| Dr. Para Jones | President | Stark State College |
| Halle Jones Capers, P.E. | President | Halle's Engineering & Design |
| Ethan Karp | President and CEO | MAGNET |
| Danielle Kimmell | Principal, Assurance and Advisory Services | Apple Growth Partners |
| Bill Koehler | Chief Executive Officer | Team NEO |
| Mark Krohn | Founder and Managing Partner | The Law Offic of Mark E. Krohn |
| Dr. John Langell, M.D., Ph.D. | President | Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) |
| Amanda Leffler | Partner | Brouse McDowell |
| Teresa LeGrair | President & CEO | Akron Urban League |
| Erin Leppo Palmer | CFO & In-House Legal Counsel | Leppo Inc dba Leppo Equipment/Bobcat of Akron |
| Dr. Leia' Love | Chief Executive Officer | Leia' Love Hair & Nail Salon |
| Joe Luckring | Regional President | PNC Bank |
| Jeff Walters | Managing Director of Northeast Ohio Offices | CBIZ Mayer Hoffman McCann |
| Christine Mayer | President | GAR Foundation |
| Meghan Meeker | President | Torchbearers (YP) |
| Marc Merklin, Esq. | Managing Partner | Brouse McDowell |
| Jim Merklin | Owner | Bober Markey Fedorovich |
| Steve Millard | President & CEO | Greater Akron Chamber |
| Gary Miller, PhD | President | The University of Akron |
| Lakisha Miller-Barclay | Executive Director & CEO | Rubber Division, ACS |
| Melissa Monaco | Vice President, Americas Communication | Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company |
| Erika Moore | President | Young Professionals of Akron |
| Michelle Moran | Senior Vice President of Sales, Product, and Marketing | Involta, LLC |
| Mike Morrison | Senior Director, Private Markets | GPD Group |
| Jim Mullen | President & CEO | United Way of Summit and Medina |
| Chrissy Myers | CEO | Associated Underwriters (AUI) |
| Jon Park | Executive Chairman | Westfield Bank |
| B. Patel | Principal & Co-Founder | GHC Green Harvest Capital |
| Joe Paul | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | The Davey Tree Expert Company |
| John Petures, Jr. | President & CEO | Akron Community Foundation |
| Kendra Philon | Senior Manager, Assurance Services | Meadon & Moore |
| Parker Platt | SVP Senior Strategy Manager in Sales Strategy & Distribution | Citizens |
| Tia Ramlow | President | GreatWork! Employment Services |
| Christopher Richardson | Chief Operating Officer | CHC Addiction Services |
| Terry Robinson | Dean of Technical Learning & Outreach | Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC |
| Tiffany Roper | Chief Executive Officer | Oh Snap! & Eat Speak Love |
| Jim Ruhlin, Jr. | President & COO | The Ruhlin Company |
| Ike Sampson-Akpan | President/Owner | SAF, Inc. |
| Dr. Jennifer Savitski, M.D. | Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology | Cleveland Clinic Akron General |
| David Schipper | President & CEO | The Schipper Group |
| Honorable Ilene Shapiro | County Executive | County of Summit, Ohio |
| Brian Steere | Co-President | Steere Enterprises |
| Andrew Twardzik | Partner, Americas Deputy Risk Markets Leader | Ernst & Young LLP |
| Don Taylor | CEO | Welty Building Company Ltd |
| Andre Thornton, Sr. | President & CEO | ASW Global, LLC |
| Jason Tuma | Partner | Sikich LLP |
| Neille Vitale | Chief Executive Officer | VMI Group/Tri Mor |
| Rich Wallack | Regional Vice President, Northeast Region of Ohio | Medical Mutual |
| Liz Watson | VP, Customer Engagement & Marketing | Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group |
| Bernett Williams | Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer; Vice President for Community Initiatives | Akron Children's Hospital |
| Steve Wilt | Senior Vice President, Finacial Advisor | CAPTRUST |
| Christopher Wyche | Director External Affairs | AT&T |
-
Dr. K.L. Allen, Ed.D.
WGU Ohio
Chancellor -
Tyler Amos
Charles Schwab Corporate Services
VP - Sr. Financial Consultant, Akron Branch -
Anne Armao
SummaCare
Vice President, Member Experience & Product Development -
Dunja Augustin
Energy Harbor
Vice President, Operations -
Ken Babby
Akron RubberDucks
Owner & Chief Executive Officer -
Elizabeth Z. Bartz*
State and Federal Communications
President and CEO -
Sam Belcher
FirstEnergy Corp.
Senior Vice President & President -
Julie Brandle*
Metis Construction Services LLC
President -
Marie Brilmyer
Cohen & Company
Partner -
Nick Browning
Huntington Bank
President, Mahoning Valley/Akron/Canton Region -
Traci Buckner
Childrens Museum
Executive Director -
Nick Buzzelli
Fifth Third Bank
Senior Vice President, Regional Head of Commercial Banking -
Ren Camacho
Akron-Canton Airport
President & CEO -
Theresa Carter
Synthomer Foundation
President -
John Cavanuagh
GOJO Industries, Inc.
Chief Financial Officer & Vice President -
Romona Davis
Huntington Bank
Vice President, National SBA BDO -
Eric Dellapina
KeyBank
Market President - Eastern Ohio -
Dr. Cliff Deveny, MD
Summa Health
President & CEO -
Todd Diacon, PhD
Kent State University
President -
Dawn Distler
METRO RTA
Chief Executive Officer -
Marc Divis
Akron Energy Systems, LLC
President -
Jason Dodson
Roetzel & Andress
Shareholder -
Laura Duda
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer -
Luis Escudero
El Patron Restaurant
Executive Director -
Gino Faciana
Pleasant Valley Corporation - NAI Pleasant Valley
co-CEO -
Craig Ferriot
Ferriot
President -
Christine Fowler-Mack
Akron Public Schools
Superintendent -
Richard Fry
Buckingham Doolittle & Burrough
Akron Partner in Charge & Taxation Practice Group Leader -
Valerie Geiger
JPMorgan Chase
Executive Director, Commercial Banking -
Peter Geise
Focus CFO
Akron Area President -
Chris Gessner
Akron Children's Hospital
President & CEO -
Dwayne Groll
Environmental Design Group
President -
Dr. Brian Harte, MD
Cleveland Clinic Akron General
President -
Craig Hassinger
SeibertKeck Insurance
President & CEO -
John Higgins, Jr.
Spectrum
Regional Vice President -
Ella Hochstetler*
Dominion Energy
Director of Regulatory Affairs Ohio -
Honorable Daniel Horrigan
City of Akron
Mayor -
Dr. Para Jones*
Stark State College
President -
Halle Jones Capers, P.E.
Halle's Engineering and Design
President -
Ethan Karp
MAGNET
President & CEO -
Danielle Kimmell
Apple Growth Partners
Principal, Assurance and Advisory Services -
Bill Koehler
TeamNEO
Chief Executive Officer -
Mark Krohn
The Law Office of Mark E. Krohn
Founder and Managing Partner -
Dr. John Langell, M.D., Ph.D.*
Northeast Ohio Medical University
President -
Amanda Leffler
Brouse McDowell
Partner -
Teresa LeGrair*
Akron Urban League
President & CEO -
Erin Leppo Palmer
Leppo Equipment
CFO & In-House Legal Counsel -
Dr. Leia' Love
Leia Love Hair, Nail and Eyelash
Chief Executive Officer -
Joe Luckring
PNC Bank
Regional President -
Christine Mayer
GAR Foundation
President -
Meghan Meeker
Torchbearers/YP
President -
Marc Merklin, Esq.*
Brouse McDowell
Managing Partner -
Jim Merklin
Bober Markey Fedorovich
Owner -
Steve Millard*
Greater Akron Chamber
President & CEO -
Gary Miller, PhD
University of Akron
President -
Lakisha Miller-Barclay
Rubber Division, American Chemical Society
Executive Director & CEO -
Melissa Monaco
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Vice President, Americas Communication -
Erika Moore
Young Professionals of Akron
President -
Michelle Moran
Involta
Senior Vice President of Sales, Product, and Marketing -
Mike Morrison
GPD Group
Senior Director, Private Markets -
Jim Mullen
United Way of Summit and Medina Counties
President & Chief Executive Officer -
Erika Moore
(YP/Young Professionals of Akron) Marcum LLP
Senior Manager -
Chrissy Myers
Associated Underwriters Insurance (AUI)
CEO -
Jon Park*
Westfield Bank
Executive Chairman -
Bhavin Patel
Green Harvest Capital
Principal & Co-Founder -
Joe Paul
The Davey Tree Expert Company
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer -
John Petures, Jr.*
Akron Community Foundation
President & CEO -
Kendra Philon
Meadon & Moore
Senior Manager, Assurance Services -
Parker Platt
Citizens Bank
SVP Senior Strategy Manager in Sales Strategy & Distribution -
Tia Ramlow*
GreatWork! Employment Services
President -
Christopher Richardson
CHC Addiction Services
Chief Operating Officer -
Terry Robinson
Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
Dean of Technical Learning & Outreach -
Tiffany Roper
Oh Snap! & Eat Speak Love
Chief Executive Officer -
Jim Ruhlin, Jr.
The Ruhlin Company
President & COO -
Ike Sampson-Akpan
SAF, Inc.
President/Owner -
Dr. Jennifer Savitski, MD*
Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology -
David Schipper
The Schipper Group
President & CEO -
Honorable Ilene Shapiro
County of Summit
County Executive -
Brian Steere
Steere Enterprises
Co-President -
Andrew Twardzik
Ernst & Young LLP
Partner, Americas Deputy Risk Markets Leader -
Don Taylor
Welty Building Company, Ltd.
President & CEO -
Andre Thornton, Sr.
ASW Global
President & CEO -
Jason Tuma
Sikich LLP
Partner -
Neille Vitale
VMI Group/Tri Mor
Chief Executive Officer -
Rich Wallack
Medical Mutual
Regional Vice President, Northeast Region of Ohio -
Jeff Walters
CBIZ Mayer Hoffman McCann
Managing Director of Northeast Ohio Offices -
Liz Watson
Crum & Forster Pet Insurance
VP, Customer Engagement & Marketing -
Bernett Williams
Akron Children's Hospital
Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer; Vice President for Community Initiatives -
Steve Wilt
CAPTRUST
Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor -
Christopher Wyche
AT&T
Director External Affairs
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.
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 Professional Roundtable
Driving inclusive economic growth cannot be done without harnessing the knowledge and experience of our region’s diversity professionals. The Diversity Professional Roundtable is a group of DEI leaders with a regular opportunity to brainstorm, problem-solve and connect as they work to advance their company’s and the regions diversity, equity, and inclusions efforts.
Equity and 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.
Get Engaged
Interested in getting involved with our committee work?
We are always looking for new perspectives at the table.
Our Chair's Circle represents our most significant investors and the drivers of our work.
Akron Children's
ACF
ACF
AT&T
BMF
Brouse McDowell
Buckingham
CBIZ
Charles Schwab
City of Akron
Cleveland Clinic Akron General
Cohen & Co
County of Summit
Dominion
Energy Harbor
EY
FedEx
First Energy
GAR
gojo
Goodyear
GPD Group
GreatWork
Huntington
Kent State
KeyBank
Magnet
Medical Mutual
Northeast Ohio Medical University
PVC
PNC Bank
Roetzel
Sikich
Spectrum
Spectrum
Summa
Team-neo
University of Akron
United Way Summit-Medina
Welty
Careers
We have no current job openings.
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.
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.
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.
