Akron, OH – The Greater Akron Chamber has announced that Dr. Cliff Deveny, Emeritus CEO and Strategic Adviser at Summa Health, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award.
Dr. Deveny will be honored at the Greater Akron Chamber’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the John S. Knight Center. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at greaterakronchamber.org.
Established in 2004 in memory of H. Peter Burg, the award recognizes an individual who demonstrates extraordinary executive leadership and a sustained commitment to economic and community development in the Greater Akron region.
Since 2017 when Dr. Deveny assumed the role of President and CEO of Summa Health —Greater Akron’s largest employer—he has led the organization through a period of significant change and transformation, investing in facilities and services to ensure the health system remains a strong, stable, and forward-looking anchor institution for the region. Under his leadership, Summa has continued to deliver high-quality, compassionate care while embracing innovation, strategic partnerships, and long-term sustainability. Under his watch, more than $400 million of economic development projects have been completed in the region.
Most recently, Dr. Deveny has led Summa Health through its recent acquisition by the Health Assurance Transformation Company (HATCo). This strategic move has positioned the health system to become a leader in innovating health care delivery and using technology to improve both patient outcomes and system performance. In addition, this acquisition will create the Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron which, as one of the region’s largest philanthropic foundations, will invest in expanding access to healthcare and driving long-term improvements in Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark, and Wayne counties.
“Dr. Deveny understands that healthcare is inseparable from a region’s economic strength,” said Steve Millard, President and CEO of the Greater Akron Chamber. “His leadership at Summa Health has helped ensure our largest employer remains innovative, resilient, and deeply invested in Greater Akron’s future. Cliff consistently brings a regional lens to his work, asking not just what’s best for the organization, but what’s best for the community.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Deveny has demonstrated the leadership, character, and civic responsibility that define the H. Peter Burg Award criteria. He is widely respected for his strategic insight, steady leadership, and ability to navigate complex challenges while keeping people—patients, employees, and the community—at the center of decision-making.
“What sets Dr. Deveny apart is his belief that strong institutions have a responsibility beyond their walls,” said Julie Brandle, Board Chair of the Greater Akron Chamber and President of Metis Construction Services. “Through moments of change, he has kept Summa focused on its role as a community anchor—creating opportunity, investing locally, and leading with inclusion. His work reflects the kind of leadership that shapes not just organizations, but regions.”
Beyond his role at Summa Health, Dr. Deveny is a passionate advocate for inclusiveness and diversity. He previously served as Chair of the Greater Akron Chamber’s Equity and Inclusion Committee, helping advance meaningful dialogue and action that promote opportunities for all our region’s residents. His passion for this work and practical focus on driving opportunity for individuals and his health system has inspired action to increase opportunities for neighborhood residents to access opportunities to build their skills and have a career at Summa Health.
Dr. Deveny’s leadership reflects a long-term commitment to civic responsibility, which is at the heart of the H. Peter Burg Award. His leadership has aligned healthcare excellence with workforce development, inclusive community leadership, and strategic investment—strengthening Greater Akron’s economic vitality and long-term prosperity.
“I have been blessed to be a member of this very special community since I was a young child. I returned once again in 2017 to give back to those that shaped and believed in me. Summa Health has been a catalyst for me professionally and so many in our region,” said Dr. Cliff Deveny.
With this recognition, Dr. Deveny joins a group of more than 20 other notable community leaders recognized since 2004 including recent award recipients Rick Rogers, Richard Kramer, Rick Fedorovich, County Executive Ilene Shapiro, Roger Read, S. Theresa Carter, the late Philip Maynard, and others as H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award recipients.