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

Gregg_Cramer_circle

Gregg P. Cramer

Vice President, 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
Tyler AmosVP - Sr. Financial Consultant, Akron BranchCharles Schwab Corporate Services
Anne ArmaoVice President, Member Experience & Product DevelopmentSummaCare
Dunja AugustinVice President of OperationsVistra
Ken BabbyOwner & Chief Executive OfficerAkron RubberDucks
Elizabeth BartzPresident and CEOState and Federal Communications, Inc.
Kristi BeemanVice PresidentHuntington National Bank
Warren BlazySenior Vice PresidentCBRE
Tami BolderDirector, CBIZ Valuation GroupCBIZ, Inc. (CBIZ Mayer Hoffman McCann)
Julie Brandle*PresidentMetis Construction Services LLC
Marie BrilmyerPartnerCohen & Company
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
Dr. Cliff Deveny*President /CEOSumma Health
Dr. Todd DiaconPresidentKent State University
Dawn DistlerChief Executive OfficerMETRO RTA
Marc DivisPresidentAkron Energy Systems, LLC
Krista DobronosSVP, Consumer Banking LeaderWestfield Bank
Jason DodsonShareholderRoetzel & Andress
Tracy DoweCity 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
Rich FryTaxation Practice Group LeaderBuckingham Doolittle & Burroughs LLC
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, LLC
Dan HampuPresident & CEOBurton D. Morgan Foundation
Dr. Brian HartePresidentCleveland Clinic Akron General
Craig HassingerCEO and PresidentSeibertKeck Insurance
Gillianne HetrickVice President, Human Resources & Corporate OperationsBabcock & Wilcox
John HigginsRegion Vice PresidentSpectrum
Dr. Para Jones*PresidentStark State College
Halle Jones CapersPresidentHalle's Engineering & Design
Ethan KarpPresident and CEOMAGNET
Bill KoehlerChief Executive OfficerTeam NEO
Dr. John Langell*PresidentNortheast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
Amanda LefflerAkron Managing PartnerShumaker, Loop & Kendrick
Erin Leppo PalmerCFO & In-House Legal CounselLeppo, Inc. (Leppo Equipment/Bobcat of Akron)
Dr. Leia' LoveChief Executive OfficerLeia' Love Hair & Nail Salon
Joe Luckring*Regional PresidentPNC Bank
Mayor Shammas MalikMayorCity of Akron
Christine Mayer*PresidentGAR Foundation
Jim MerklinPartnerBober Markey Fedorovich
Marc Merklin*ShareholderRoetzel & Andress
Steve Millard*President & CEOGreater Akron Chamber
Lakisha Miller-Barclay*Executive Director & CEORubber Division, ACS
Mike MorrisonSenior Director, Private MarketsGPD Group
Chuck MullenPartner, Great Lakes Market LeaderEide Bailly
Jim MullenPresident & CEOUnited Way of Summit and Medina
Chrissy MyersCEOAUI & Clarity HR
Brian NelsenChief of StaffCounty of Summit, Ohio
RJ NemerPresidentThe University of Akron
Don PadgettExecutive DirectorKaulig Companies Championship
Roberta PalacioSupply Chain ExecutiveContinental
B. PatelPrincipal & Co-FounderGHC Green Harvest Capital
Joe PaulExecutive Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerThe Davey Tree Expert Company
Ron PaydoMarket PresidentHuntington Bank
John PeturesPresident & CEOAkron Community Foundation
Kendra Philon*Vice President, Assurance ServicesMeaden & Moore
Tony PrinzoVP, Human ResourcesNational Interstate Insurance
Tia Ramlow*PresidentGreat Work Employment
Terry RobinsonDean of Technical Learning & OutreachBridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
Ike Samson-AkpanPresident/OwnerSAF, Inc.
Dr. Jennifer Savitski*Chair, Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyCleveland Clinic Akron General
Executive Ilene ShapiroCounty ExecutiveCounty of Summit, Ohio
Shaleeta SmithPresidentAkron Urban League Young Professionals
Raymond SomichGlobal Director, Government AffairsSynthomer
Erin SpringSenior Director, Material ScienceThe Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Brian SteereCo-PresidentSteere Enterprises
Don TaylorCEOWelty
Damian ThomasMarket PresidentThe RCF Group
Jason TumaPartner, Northeast Ohio Market LeaderSikich LLP
Andrew TwardzikPartner, Americas Deputy Risk Markets LeaderErnst & Young LLP
Neille VitaleCEOTri Mor Corp.
Rich WallackRegional Vice President, Northeast Region of OhioMedical Mutual
Dan Weekley*PresidentEnbridge Gas Ohio
Zach WempleChief Human Resources OfficerGOJO Industries, Inc.
Katherine WhiteBoard LiaisonTorchbearers (YP)
Bernett L. WilliamsChief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer; Vice President for Community InitiativesAkron Children's
Steve WiltPrincipal, Finacial AdvisorCAPTRUST
  • Tyler Amos

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

  • Anne Armao

    SummaCare
    Vice President, Member Experience & Product Development

  • Dunja Augustin

    Vistra
    Vice President, Operations

  • Ken Babby

    Akron RubberDucks
    Owner & Chief Executive Officer

  • Elizabeth Bartz

    State and Federal Communications
    President and CEO

  • Kristi Beeman

    Huntington National Bank
    Regional Banker

  • Warren Blazy

    CBRE
    Senior Vice President

  • Tami Bolder

    CBIZ, Inc.
    Director, CBIZ Validation Group

  • Julie Brandle*

    Metis Construction Services LLC
    President

  • Marie Brilmyer

    Cohen & Company
    Partner

  • Traci Buckner

    Childrens Museum
    Executive Director

  • Ren Camacho*

    Akron-Canton Airport
    President & CEO

  • Tony Costanzo

    AT&T
    Director, External Affairs

  • Joe Daleiden

    Key Bank
    Sr. Vice President - Commercial Banking

  • Dr. Cliff Deveny*

    Summa Health
    President & CEO

  • Dr. Todd Diacon

    Kent State University
    President

  • Dawn Distler

    METRO RTA
    Chief Executive Officer

  • Marc Divis

    Akron Energy Systems, LLC
    President

  • Krista Dobronos

    Westfield Bank
    SVP, Consumer Banking Leader

  • Jason Dodson

    Roetzel & Andress
    Shareholder

  • 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

  • Rich Fry

    Buckingham Doolittle & Burrough
    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
    President

  • Dan Hampu

    Burton D. Morgan Foundation
    President & CEO

  • Dr. Brian Harte

    Cleveland Clinic Akron General
    President

  • Craig Hassinger

    SeibertKeck Insurance
    President & CEO

  • Gillianne Hetrick

    Babcock & Wilcox
    Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Operations

  • John Higgins Jr.

    Spectrum
    Regional Vice 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

  • Bill Koehler

    TeamNEO
    Chief Executive Officer

  • Dr. John Langell*

    Northeast Ohio Medical University
    President

  • Amanda Leffler

    Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick
    Attorney-at-Law

  • Erin Leppo Palmer

    Leppo, Inc.
    CFO & In-House Legal Counsel

  • Dr. Leia Love

    Leia Love Hair & Nail Salon
    Chief Executive Officer

  • Joe Luckring*

    PNC Bank
    Regional President

  • Shammas Malik

    Mayor
    City of Akron

  • Christine Mayer*

    GAR Foundation
    President

  • Jim Merklin

    Bober Markey Fedorovich
    Partner

  • Marc Merklin, Esq.*

    Brouse McDowell
    Partner

  • Steve Millard*

    Greater Akron Chamber
    President & CEO

  • Lakisha Miller-Barclay*

    Rubber Division, ACS
    Executive Director & CEO

  • Mike Morrison

    GPD Group
    Senior Director, Private Markets

  • Chuck Mullen

    Apple Growth Partners
    Chairman

  • Jim Mullen

    United Way of Summit and Medina Counties
    President & Chief Executive Officer

  • Chrissy Myers

    AUI & Clairty HR
    CEO

  • Brian Nelsen

    County of Summit, Ohio
    Chief of Staff

  • RJ Nemer*

    The University of Akron
    President

  • Don Padgett

    Kaulig Companies Championship
    Executive Director

  • Roberta Palacio

    Continental
    Supply Chain Executive

  • B Patel

    Green Harvest Capital
    Principal & Co-Founder

  • Joe Paul

    The Davey Tree Expert Company
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

  • Ron Paydo

    Huntington
    Community President

  • John Petures Jr.

    Akron Community Foundation
    President & CEO

  • Kendra Philon*

    Meadon & Moore
    Senior Manager, Assurance Services

  • Tony Prinzo

    National Interstate Insurance
    VP, Human Resources

  • Tia Ramlow*

    Great Work Employment
    President

  • Terry Robinson

    Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Dean of Technical Learning & Outreach

  • 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

  • Shaleeta Smith

    Akron Urban League Young Professionals
    President

  • Raymond Somich

    Synthomer
    Global Director, Government Affairs

  • Erin Spring

    The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Senior Director, Material Science

  • Brian Steere

    Steere Enterprises
    Co-President

  • 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

  • Neille Vitale

    Tri Mor Corp.
    CEO

  • Chris Walker

    FirstEnergy Corp.
    SVP, CHRO & Corp Services

  • Rich Wallack

    Medical Mutual
    Regional Vice President, Northeast Region of Ohio

  • Dan Weekley*

    Enbridge Gas Ohio
    President

  • Zach Wemple

    GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Chief Human Resources Officer

  • Katherine White

    Torchbearers (YP)
    Board Liaison

  • Bernett L. Williams

    Akron Children's Hospital
    Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer; Vice President for Community Initiatives

  • 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
Tyler AmosVP - Sr. Financial Consultant, Akron BranchCharles Schwab Corporate Services
Anne ArmaoVice President, Member Experience & Product DevelopmentSummaCare
Dunja AugustinVice President of OperationsVistra
Ken BabbyOwner & Chief Executive OfficerAkron RubberDucks
Elizabeth BartzPresident and CEOState and Federal Communications, Inc.
Kristi BeemanVice PresidentHuntington National Bank
Warren BlazySenior Vice PresidentCBRE
Tami BolderDirector, CBIZ Valuation GroupCBIZ, Inc. (CBIZ Mayer Hoffman McCann)
Julie Brandle*PresidentMetis Construction Services LLC
Marie BrilmyerPartnerCohen & Company
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
Dr. Cliff Deveny*President /CEOSumma Health
Dr. Todd DiaconPresidentKent State University
Dawn DistlerChief Executive OfficerMETRO RTA
Marc DivisPresidentAkron Energy Systems, LLC
Krista DobronosSVP, Consumer Banking LeaderWestfield Bank
Jason DodsonShareholderRoetzel & Andress
Tracy DoweCity 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
Rich FryTaxation Practice Group LeaderBuckingham Doolittle & Burroughs LLC
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, LLC
Dan HampuPresident & CEOBurton D. Morgan Foundation
Dr. Brian HartePresidentCleveland Clinic Akron General
Craig HassingerCEO and PresidentSeibertKeck Insurance
Gillianne HetrickVice President, Human Resources & Corporate OperationsBabcock & Wilcox
John HigginsRegion Vice PresidentSpectrum
Dr. Para Jones*PresidentStark State College
Halle Jones CapersPresidentHalle's Engineering & Design
Ethan KarpPresident and CEOMAGNET
Bill KoehlerChief Executive OfficerTeam NEO
Dr. John Langell*PresidentNortheast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
Amanda LefflerAkron Managing PartnerShumaker, Loop & Kendrick
Erin Leppo PalmerCFO & In-House Legal CounselLeppo, Inc. (Leppo Equipment/Bobcat of Akron)
Dr. Leia' LoveChief Executive OfficerLeia' Love Hair & Nail Salon
Joe Luckring*Regional PresidentPNC Bank
Mayor Shammas MalikMayorCity of Akron
Christine Mayer*PresidentGAR Foundation
Jim MerklinPartnerBober Markey Fedorovich
Marc Merklin*ShareholderRoetzel & Andress
Steve Millard*President & CEOGreater Akron Chamber
Lakisha Miller-Barclay*Executive Director & CEORubber Division, ACS
Mike MorrisonSenior Director, Private MarketsGPD Group
Chuck MullenPartner, Great Lakes Market LeaderEide Bailly
Jim MullenPresident & CEOUnited Way of Summit and Medina
Chrissy MyersCEOAUI & Clarity HR
Brian NelsenChief of StaffCounty of Summit, Ohio
RJ NemerPresidentThe University of Akron
Don PadgettExecutive DirectorKaulig Companies Championship
Roberta PalacioSupply Chain ExecutiveContinental
B. PatelPrincipal & Co-FounderGHC Green Harvest Capital
Joe PaulExecutive Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerThe Davey Tree Expert Company
Ron PaydoMarket PresidentHuntington Bank
John PeturesPresident & CEOAkron Community Foundation
Kendra Philon*Vice President, Assurance ServicesMeaden & Moore
Tony PrinzoVP, Human ResourcesNational Interstate Insurance
Tia Ramlow*PresidentGreat Work Employment
Terry RobinsonDean of Technical Learning & OutreachBridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
Ike Samson-AkpanPresident/OwnerSAF, Inc.
Dr. Jennifer Savitski*Chair, Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyCleveland Clinic Akron General
Executive Ilene ShapiroCounty ExecutiveCounty of Summit, Ohio
Shaleeta SmithPresidentAkron Urban League Young Professionals
Raymond SomichGlobal Director, Government AffairsSynthomer
Erin SpringSenior Director, Material ScienceThe Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Brian SteereCo-PresidentSteere Enterprises
Don TaylorCEOWelty
Damian ThomasMarket PresidentThe RCF Group
Jason TumaPartner, Northeast Ohio Market LeaderSikich LLP
Andrew TwardzikPartner, Americas Deputy Risk Markets LeaderErnst & Young LLP
Neille VitaleCEOTri Mor Corp.
Rich WallackRegional Vice President, Northeast Region of OhioMedical Mutual
Dan Weekley*PresidentEnbridge Gas Ohio
Zach WempleChief Human Resources OfficerGOJO Industries, Inc.
Katherine WhiteBoard LiaisonTorchbearers (YP)
Bernett L. WilliamsChief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer; Vice President for Community InitiativesAkron Children's
Steve WiltPrincipal, Finacial AdvisorCAPTRUST
  • Tyler Amos

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

  • Anne Armao

    SummaCare
    Vice President, Member Experience & Product Development

  • Dunja Augustin

    Vistra
    Vice President, Operations

  • Ken Babby

    Akron RubberDucks
    Owner & Chief Executive Officer

  • Elizabeth Bartz

    State and Federal Communications
    President and CEO

  • Kristi Beeman

    Huntington National Bank
    Regional Banker

  • Warren Blazy

    CBRE
    Senior Vice President

  • Tami Bolder

    CBIZ, Inc.
    Director, CBIZ Validation Group

  • Julie Brandle*

    Metis Construction Services LLC
    President

  • Marie Brilmyer

    Cohen & Company
    Partner

  • Traci Buckner

    Childrens Museum
    Executive Director

  • Ren Camacho*

    Akron-Canton Airport
    President & CEO

  • Tony Costanzo

    AT&T
    Director, External Affairs

  • Joe Daleiden

    Key Bank
    Sr. Vice President - Commercial Banking

  • Dr. Cliff Deveny*

    Summa Health
    President & CEO

  • Dr. Todd Diacon

    Kent State University
    President

  • Dawn Distler

    METRO RTA
    Chief Executive Officer

  • Marc Divis

    Akron Energy Systems, LLC
    President

  • Krista Dobronos

    Westfield Bank
    SVP, Consumer Banking Leader

  • Jason Dodson

    Roetzel & Andress
    Shareholder

  • 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

  • Rich Fry

    Buckingham Doolittle & Burrough
    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
    President

  • Dan Hampu

    Burton D. Morgan Foundation
    President & CEO

  • Dr. Brian Harte

    Cleveland Clinic Akron General
    President

  • Craig Hassinger

    SeibertKeck Insurance
    President & CEO

  • Gillianne Hetrick

    Babcock & Wilcox
    Vice President, Human Resources & Corporate Operations

  • John Higgins Jr.

    Spectrum
    Regional Vice 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

  • Bill Koehler

    TeamNEO
    Chief Executive Officer

  • Dr. John Langell*

    Northeast Ohio Medical University
    President

  • Amanda Leffler

    Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick
    Attorney-at-Law

  • Erin Leppo Palmer

    Leppo, Inc.
    CFO & In-House Legal Counsel

  • Dr. Leia Love

    Leia Love Hair & Nail Salon
    Chief Executive Officer

  • Joe Luckring*

    PNC Bank
    Regional President

  • Shammas Malik

    Mayor
    City of Akron

  • Christine Mayer*

    GAR Foundation
    President

  • Jim Merklin

    Bober Markey Fedorovich
    Partner

  • Marc Merklin, Esq.*

    Brouse McDowell
    Partner

  • Steve Millard*

    Greater Akron Chamber
    President & CEO

  • Lakisha Miller-Barclay*

    Rubber Division, ACS
    Executive Director & CEO

  • Mike Morrison

    GPD Group
    Senior Director, Private Markets

  • Chuck Mullen

    Apple Growth Partners
    Chairman

  • Jim Mullen

    United Way of Summit and Medina Counties
    President & Chief Executive Officer

  • Chrissy Myers

    AUI & Clairty HR
    CEO

  • Brian Nelsen

    County of Summit, Ohio
    Chief of Staff

  • RJ Nemer*

    The University of Akron
    President

  • Don Padgett

    Kaulig Companies Championship
    Executive Director

  • Roberta Palacio

    Continental
    Supply Chain Executive

  • B Patel

    Green Harvest Capital
    Principal & Co-Founder

  • Joe Paul

    The Davey Tree Expert Company
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

  • Ron Paydo

    Huntington
    Community President

  • John Petures Jr.

    Akron Community Foundation
    President & CEO

  • Kendra Philon*

    Meadon & Moore
    Senior Manager, Assurance Services

  • Tony Prinzo

    National Interstate Insurance
    VP, Human Resources

  • Tia Ramlow*

    Great Work Employment
    President

  • Terry Robinson

    Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Dean of Technical Learning & Outreach

  • 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

  • Shaleeta Smith

    Akron Urban League Young Professionals
    President

  • Raymond Somich

    Synthomer
    Global Director, Government Affairs

  • Erin Spring

    The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Senior Director, Material Science

  • Brian Steere

    Steere Enterprises
    Co-President

  • 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

  • Neille Vitale

    Tri Mor Corp.
    CEO

  • Chris Walker

    FirstEnergy Corp.
    SVP, CHRO & Corp Services

  • Rich Wallack

    Medical Mutual
    Regional Vice President, Northeast Region of Ohio

  • Dan Weekley*

    Enbridge Gas Ohio
    President

  • Zach Wemple

    GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Chief Human Resources Officer

  • Katherine White

    Torchbearers (YP)
    Board Liaison

  • Bernett L. Williams

    Akron Children's Hospital
    Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer; Vice President for Community Initiatives

  • 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

We have no current job openings.

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