Leadership Akron

Your experience still matters. Your leadership still has a place to grow.

Leadership Akron’s NEXT Program invites retired and soon-to-be-retired leaders to expand their connection to Greater Akron through meaningful relationships, community awareness, and new opportunities to serve.

Class 15 registrations close July 17. Take the next step into a community-centered experience designed to help leaders continue learning, connecting, and contributing.

Register today and expand your experience with NEXT.

Learn more here: https://www.leadershipakron.org/next

Leadership Akron is pleased to announce the 2026 recipients of its Life Trustee Awards Trinity, a unified recognition that honors individuals whose leadership is shaping Greater Akron through service, vision, and lasting impact.

This year’s recipients are:
• Jennifer Venarge DiSalvo, Signature Class 38 – Read Family Difference Maker Award
• Marty Hauser, Signature Class 11 – Lieberth Community Vision Award
• Howard Parr, Signature Class 30 – Maynard Distinguished Leader Award

Read the full press release here: https://www.leadershipakron.org/press-releases-blog/pr3-2-26-jyknp

Additional details about each recipient and their community impact will be shared in the coming weeks and months as Leadership Akron celebrates each honoree throughout 2026

Leadership on Main is about having conversations with Greater Akron's change-makers.

Join us on June 17 as we welcome Benjamin Boyer, Co-Founder and President, Prospector Baseball Group (New Owners of the Akron RubberDucks). Moderated by Kristin Bernert, Co-Founder and Managing Director, SWISH Partners and KB2 Sports.

🗓️ Wednesday, June 17, 2026
⏰ 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
🏟️ The Duck Club by Firestone at 7 17 Credit Union Park
📍300 South Main StreetAkron, OH, 44308

🔗 Register: https://www.leadershipakron.org/lom-2026/jun-26

Are you ready to discover Greater Akron more deeply?

Insight Akron is designed for leaders who want to hit the ground running. Through one immersive day, participants will build relationships with leaders across business, education, arts, parks and environment, city and county leadership, and more.

You’ll gain insight into Akron’s history, explore unique community assets, and connect with the organizations and decision-makers helping shape what comes next.

As one participant shared, “The Insight Program was a launch point for me and an introduction that really acclimated me to the city.”

👉🏻 Register by October 9: https://www.leadershipakron.org/insightakron

This isn't your typical awards breakfast!

The Lieberth Community Vision Award recognizes individuals who reflect the values of its namesake, Dave Lieberth—demonstrating thoughtful, pragmatic leadership that brings people together to move Akron forward.

SAVE THE DATE:
🏆 2026 Lieberth Community Vision Award Breakfast
🗓️ November 5, 2026
📍John S. Knight Center | 77 E Mill St., Akron, OH

Visit here to learn more about the event and sponsorship opportunities:
🔗 https://www.leadershipakron.org/lcvawardbreakfast2026

What does it mean to lead with a deeper understanding of Greater Akron?

Leadership Akron’s Community Leadership Institute is designed for leaders who want to grow personally, connect meaningfully, and serve our community with greater awareness.

Over four intensive program days, CLI creates space to learn from top decision-makers, engage with community resources, and explore the assets and challenges shaping Greater Akron today.

Applications for the 2027 CLI program are open.

👉🏻 Learn more and apply: https://www.leadershipakron.org/lacli

Are you hiring?

The Job Board on LeadershipAkron.org is where Leadership Akron program members and alumni can share job openings and promote open positions. If you’d like to post a job on the Leadership Akron Job Board, please email [email protected] to let us know!

https://www.leadershipakron.org/job-board

Greater Akron needs experienced leaders who are ready to stay engaged.

If you’ve built a career, led a team, or shaped an organization, your perspective matters more than ever.
NEXT is intentionally designed for leaders entering a new season. Over two months, you’ll build meaningful relationships and develop a personal roadmap for community engagement that reflects your passions and strengths.

Registration for the 2026 NEXT Class 15 is still open, but time is running out! Our opening reception for program participants is in August, with the opening retreat in September.

Register now at LeadershipAkron.org/NEXT