February 2008

 The Leadership Akron Alumni Association develops future leaders, creates a community network
and reinforces leadership skills for the benefit of the greater Akron area.

In This Issue

A Fond Farewell   - Position Available Reflections on Quality of Life Upcoming Events Leaders' Reception Hosts over 200 Holiday Party Delivers over 109 lbs. of Food Volunteer! Member News

After fourteen years of dedicated service, Assistant Director Diane Bray is retiring from Leadership Akron. Diane has guided hundreds of participants through the program. Diane recently took a few minutes away from her Class XXIV planning to offer us this perspective:

I have come to embrace the truth of the statement “change is the only  constant,” as we all make decisions each day that in some way change us in both big and small ways. Some decisions are made with little thought; while others require more time and thought, knowing the change will result in leaving a part of ourselves behind. The decision to retire from Leadership Akron in June will certainly result in change for me, and part of me will be left behind, but I will carry with me years of memories, a better understanding of our community and a few lessons.

The memories are of the people and their stories. We have celebrated friendships, birthdays, promotions, marriages, and births (sometimes with a drink or two); and we have mourned deaths, sicknesses, and losses. Thank you for trusting me with your stories and honoring me with your friendships.

I will also carry with me an understanding of what makes our community work thanks to all of the people who give their time and expertise. I have learned that truly successful leaders are humble and the word “servant” defines them. I have learned to respect and value the opinions and perspectives of others. I have also learned exactly how many people will fit on a bus and I know every single meeting room in the city that can accommodate 40 people!

I have learned the importance of not taking yourself too seriously and the value of flexibility by having a “Plan B” up your sleeve. I remember Mary Ann Boland saying, “When we walk out the door – we better be prepared and if we are not, we better act like we are.” But you know the expression “the best laid plans …” Ours often morphed into “Plan B”, “C”, “D” and beyond. My first seminar day was Justice Day for Class XII in November 1995. We started class at 7:30 a.m. and it was dark. The entire day was constructed around the class seeing a staged “crime” next to our breakfast location. Did I mention it was dark?

No one had a clue any crime—staged or not—had taken place! We were off to “Plan B” in a hurry!

From that day forward through nearly 130 seminar days, “Plan B” has become an important part of our work. Mark also became quite familiar with the “Plan B” last year when we were, for the first time in Leadership Akron history, forced to cancel Health Care Day because of the Valentine’s Day snowstorm.

There are countless definitions for Leadership – one of my favorites is “Getting things done through people.” I would like to amend that to say from very personal experience it is “Getting GOOD things done through GOOD people”. That pretty much says it all.

Leadership Akron is in the capable hands of a committed staff with Mark and Heidi, a strong and proactive Board of Trustees, and alumni that have touched this community in ways too numerous to count. I will miss you. I have not yet decided my “Plan B” for the future; but please keep me in your thoughts and prayers, as I will you.

Leadership Development Program - Focusing on Good to Great During Challenging Times, featuring keynote speaker:
Dr. Lois Nora, President & Dean, NEOUCOM
February 21, 2008, 11:30 - 1:00 p.m.
Portage Country Club, 240 N. Portage Path, Akron 44303
Cost:  $20 - lunch will be served
GUEST(S) are WELCOME.

RSVP:  February 18 to Heidi Roane, LAAA, 1 Cascade Plaza, 17th Floor, Akron  OH 44308-1192. Click here to register http://www.lakron.com/3-events.asp.

Questions? Call Heidi Roane at 330.237.1239 or e-mail hroane@lakron.com
 

By Renee Pipitone, Class XVII


Actors, dancers, artists and musicians. Grand old homes with historic charm. Gardens, sculptures and symphonies. Parks and wildlife. The quality of our lives in Greater Akron are elevated by the efforts of so many dedicated organizations that offer us diverse cultural experiences. I recently spoke with Erin Wojno, member of the current Leadership Akron Class XXIV and Director of Administration, Wojno Development; and Ryan Brennan, member of the current Junior Leadership Akron Class XXI and a junior at Copley High School, about their respective experiences at Quality of Life Day. We began by sharing the surprises they discovered about their community:

Ryan: I was especially impressed by Stan Hywet. I never realized how large it was! Lock 3 was new to me. The marble exhibit was really interesting. I enjoyed the German exhibit, too. I had no idea Akron had a sister city in Germany.

Erin: The Ground Works Dance Theater was new to me. And I also was not aware of Tuesday Musical’s role in bringing artist musicians in for concerts and school visits.

Which of the places you visited do you expect to return to and what would it take to get you there?

Ryan: I would like to see a show at E.J. Ice skating at Lock 3 with a group of friends would be fun.

Would you and your friends consider going to a classical symphony, concert or a play?

Ryan: If a classical concert were to be presented at a high school level, yes. As for plays, I love a good mystery.

Erin: I went to the Civic to see The Black Keys right after the tour. It wasn’t easy to get tickets, but I managed to and I am so glad I did. We also heard about Ben Zander Week
with the Akron Symphony. That sounds interesting.

Ben Zander is doing a concert on Sunday Feb. 3 which is free and open to the public. It is for people who have never been to the symphony or those who have and hated it. Does that appeal to you Ryan?

Ryan: I will definitely see if I can make that. I would also like to see comedians and the occasional rock concert.

Erin: I would love to see more comedies.

What do you see as the greatest challenges the arts in Akron face today?

Ryan: Facilities and renovating.

Erin: The effect of the economy on donations has been difficult for arts organizations. Akron also has a challenge because we are not known as a tourist destination.

What was not covered on your Leadership Akron tour that you would like to check out?

Erin: I would like to see the Bang and Clatter Theater at Summit ArtSpace in downtown Akron.

Ryan: I would like to get a behind-the scenes tour of a sports facility.

Did you visit the Akron Art Museum on your tour?

Erin: I had visited before the Leadership Akron tour to see the Norman Rockwell exhibit, but I had never had the docent tour. That added a lot to the experience.

Ryan, how did you enjoy the museum?

Ryan: I enjoyed it. I would go back if I could go with a group.

What suggestions or recommendations do you have for arts organizations in Akron?

Erin: There is room for more marketing to Generations X and Y. But, the tour was a good reminder to me of everything Akron has to offer in arts and culture.

Ryan: I think we need to raise the awareness of what Akron has to offer to the people in the suburbs. You have to get people out there for the first time.

My meeting with Erin and Ryan ended on a high note …across three generations, we all agreed that the richness and diversity of Akron’s arts and culture scene is incomparable and we are the better for it. Akron Area Arts Alliance’s roster includes 44 cultural and arts organizations. We are awash with opportunities to experience art, music, dance, theater; to appreciate nature, wildlife, horticulture; to learn from history and to grow a sense of community and shared adventures.

On November 8, over 200 alumni and honored guests gathered at the new Urban League to welcome new leaders at the bi-annual New Leaders’ Reception. Over two dozen leaders, new to the area and/or their positions, experienced the hospitality and the energy of our alumni. Below are a few of the impressions of the evening from the honorees:

• “It offered a chance to view the community with a broader scope, I was
  impressed with the attendance of all community leaders.”
   

• “I enjoyed being recognized and being part of such a wonderful, nice group of people.”
   

• "I was glad to have the opportunity to meet new people. The contacts and the leadership cross a wide variety of vocations and community organizations.”
   

                     
More than 150 LAAA members came to the Holiday Party at the new Akron-Canton Foodbank, including merry-makers Theresa Carter '98 and Rita Kelly Madick '03. True to the spirit of the season, LAAA attendees donated a total of 109 pounds of food and $552.00  Together these donations will provide close to 4,000 meals.

From August 10-15, 2008, the Shaw JCC of Akron will host the JCC Maccabi Games, an annual international Olympic-style, athletic, cultural and social event that has united Jewish teens since 1982. The JCC Maccabi Games in Akron will include Jewish athletes ages 12-16 and draw more than 650 athletes, families and spectators to the city. More than 500 volunteers are needed to assist with the games. If you are interested, please e-mail Sue McMains '01 at jccmaccabivolunteers@shawjcc.org.

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Let's boost our college-going rate from 49% to 80%! Work with and support a junior who needs someone like you to help them make this tough transition from high school to postsecondary education. Be a Mentor! It's an investment in their future and ours. Contact diettra@seisummit.org. Judy Hummmel '05

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The Greater East Ohio Alzheimer's Association is seeking board members. If you have
a friend or loved one effected with Alzheimer's and some time to commit to the
organization, please contact Bob Pacanovsky '07, Board Member at 330.724.2211.

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Awards/Recognitions/Promotions     

Jody Bacon ‘92 has been selected to receive the Community Service Award from the Rotary Club of Fairlawn in collaboration with the Boy Scouts of America. She will be honored at a gala on April 5.

Theresa Beyerle ’01 recently received the “Spirit of Fair Housing Award” from the Fair Housing Contact Service, Inc.

Alan Bleyer '00 is being honored as Executive of the Year by the Akron affiliate of Sales and Marketing Executives International (SMEI) on Tuesday, February 19, 6:00 p.m. at Tangier.

Bober, Markey, Fedorovich & Company (Mark Bober ’95, Rick Fedorovich ’88, Cindy Johnson ’00, Jim Merklin ’03, Mike Moldvay ’07, Dale Ruther ’98 and Lori Sheets ’05) has joined the AICPA’s Center for Audit Quality., which was formed by AICPA to support firms conducting public company audits.

Theresa Carter ’98 was the recipient of the Athena Award. She and Sue Peirce ’99 were finalists.

Neil Chrystal ’85 was recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for 2007 and by Florida Super Lawyers , Top Attorneys in Florida for 2006. He is also affiliated with the South Dade Estate Planning Council, Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, Greater Miami Tax Institute and the Miami Beach Estate Planning Group.

Ron Clark ’97 coauthored a paper presented at the 2007 National Brownfields Conference in Boston that received the award for best use of new technology for the environmental remediation of contaminated property.

Tim Dimoff ’98 was selected as the “Best Speaker” in the January issue of Inside Business Magazine in their Best of Business Survey.

Rob Malone ’87 of Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs was voted amongst his peers
as one of the top lawyers in his area of practice and is listed in 2008 Ohio Super Lawyers®.

Paula Masuga-Adam '97 was recently promoted to Account Supervisor at Sheroian Associates, Inc., a marketing and public relations firm.

Marc Merklin ’98 and Mike Sweeney ’97 of Brouse McDowell were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2008.

Jack Morrison, Jr. '89 of Amer Cummingham Co., L.P.A. was featured in 2008 Ohio Super Lawyers®. This is the fifth consecutive year that he has received this honor.

Congratulations to Marcella Kanfer Rolnick '08 for being recognized by the Women's History Project for innovation as co-founder of the Lippman Kanfer Institute for Innovation in Jewish Learning and Engagement at JESNA (Jewish Educational Service of North America). She will be recognized at a dinner held on March 4th. Please see the following link for details http://www3.uakron.edu/schlcomm/womenshistory/

Dale Ruther ’98 presented the Webinar “Current Hot Buttons with the IRS in the Construction Industry” on August 28 for the Ohio Society of CPAs.

Steven P. Schmidt ‘92, Ph.D., has been named Director of Research for Summa Health System where he will have oversight responsibilities for biomedical and clinical research at Summa.

Rev. Dr. Diana L. Swoope ‘90 was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity by Asbury Theological Seminary, located in Wilmore, KY. Asbury is the 7th largest theological school in the United States.

Bret Treier ’02 and Thomas Crookes ’07 each were recently named partners with the law firm of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, LLP.

Kristie Van Auken ’00 was selected as a 2008 Distinguished Sales and Marketing Award winner by Sales and Marketing Executives of Cleveland.
 

Theresa Beyerle ’01 is no longer with The University of Akron, University Park Alliance. She is now on the adjunct faculty at The University of Akron. Theresa can be reached via email tsb4@uakron.edu.

Stephen Brand ’96 and his wife, Patricia Hallberg have moved to Wilbraham, MA. Pat is the new CEO of Girl Scouts for Central and Western MA and Stephen will move his innovation and new venture consulting practice to the east coast. He will continue consulting in NE Ohio with NorTech as their Innovation Fellow launching the Innovation Accelerator, a program to help midmarket manufacturers be more innovative; helping OneCommunity with their strategic plan; and teaching marketing at Case. You can reach him at sbrand@enterprisefactory.com, 243 Soule Road, Wilbraham MA 01095 or 330-864-1518.

Karla Clark’s ’05 has a new home address. It is 1 Lansing Court, New City, NY 10956.

Ron Clark ’97 has left Floyd Browne Group and joined the Akron office of ARCADIS, a premier global consulting firm. He is Principal Engineer in the Environmental Services Group. Address is 520 South Main Street, Suite 240, Akron OH 44311. Telephone: 330.374.1320 ext. 142. Fax: 330.374.1095. E-mail: ron.clark@arcadis-us.com.

Cambridge Home Health Care founder Nancy Diller-Shively ’97 has opened a new home health care company, Bridgeport Home Health Care in Naples, FL. She has plans to expand throughout the Gulf Coast. Also, Cambridge Home Health Care purchased Guardian Angels Health Care Solutions, LLC. in Hermitage and Prospect, Pennsylvania.

Karen Doty ’85 has a new home address: 240 Liberty Street, Apt. 1108, Columbus OH 43215. Telephone: 330.814.3643.

Sarah Beth Emberger ’91 is now with Veyance Technologies, Inc. Address is 703 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333. Telephone: 330.664.7143. Fax: 330.664.7145. E-mail: sarahbeth_emberger@veyance.com.

Jerilynn Ferguson ’93 is now Manager, Team Relations with Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores. Address is 5555 Darrow Road, Hudson OH 44236. Telephone: 330.463.6869. E-mail: Jerilynn.Ferguson@jo-annstores.com.

John C. Fickes ’00 has filed his candidacy as a Democrat for a seat on the Summit County Court of Common Pleas.

Tim Fitzpatrick ‘94 has been named Vice President, Marketing & Communications, for FPL Group/Florida Power & Light Company, Juno Beach, FL. Contact info: 700 Universe Blvd., Juno Beach FL 33408. Telephone: 561.694.6464. E-mail: tim_fitzpatrick@fpl. com. Home e-mail is mail@timfitzpatrick.com.

Jeff Fusco ’07 has retired from the City of Akron. He can be reached at his home address, 2117 Forest Oak Drive, Akron, OH 44312. Telephone: 330.794.1286. E-mail: jqfusco@yahoo.com.

Loretta Haugh ‘01 has a second residence address in Texas. It is 10053 Planters Woods Drive, Austin, TX 78730. Cell phone: 330.338.8393. Email: lmhaugh@austin.rr.com.

Sue Long ’04 has retired from Akron Public Schools. She can be reached at her home address 366 Village Point Drive, Akron, OH 44313. Telephone: 330.836.6163. E-mail: slong14@neo.rr.com.

Alice Luse ’95 and the American Heart Association have moved to new offices. New business address is 3505 Embassy Parkway, Suite 100, Akron, OH 44333. Telephone: 330.664.1930. Fax: 330.664.1928. E-mail: alice.luse@heart.org.

Rita Kelly Madick ’03 is no longer with the Akron Beacon Journal. She can be reached at her home address, 630 White Tail Ridge Drive, Akron OH 44333. Telephone: 330.670.8462. E-mail: rmadick@neo.rr.com.

Meg Matejkovic ’95 has a new home address. It is 4148 Foxtail Trail, Copley, OH 44321.

Holly Miller ’06 is now Community Development Coordinator – HOME with County of Summit, Department of Community and Economic Development. Address is 175 South Main Street, Suite 207, Akron, OH 44308. Telephone: 330.643.8013. Fax: 330.643.2886. E-mail: hmiller@summitoh.net.

Lisa Okolish Miller ’02 is now Law Director for the City of Barberton. Business address is 576 Park Avenue, Barberton, OH 44203. Telephone: 330.848.6715. E-mail: lmiller@cityofbarberton.com.

Moore Stephens Apple (Joel Hamsher ’08 and Sue Peirce ’99) has changed its name. It is now Apple Growth Partners. On Jan. 1, Brott Mardis & Co. merged into their newly named firm.

Boyd Pethel ’05 is now Managing Director, SVP for National City – Regional Commercial Bank, 1900 East 9th Street, 8th Floor, Locator 01-2087, Cleveland OH 44114. Telephone: 216.222.8200. Fax: 216.222.3148. E-mail: boyd.pethel@nationalcity.com

Dani Robbins ‘06 organization name and address have changed. It is Boys and Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve, 889 Jonathan Ave., Akron OH 44306. Telephone:  330.773.3375. Fax: 330.773.4279. New e-mail address is Dani@wrkids.org.

Jim Rollins ’05 and Barry Thoman ’08 of Meaden and Moore have moved. Their new address is One GOJO Plaza, Suite 275, Akron OH 44311. Telephone: 330.535.5149 ext. 345. Fax: 330.379.3494. E-mail: jrollins@meadenmoore.com and bthoman@meadenmoore.com.

Sharon Rosche '00, President of the Morrisville NC Chamber of Commerce new business address is White Ventures Chamber Building, 260 Town Hall Drive, Suite A, Morrisville  NC 27560. Telephone: 919.463.7150. Fax: 919.380.9021. E-mail: srosche@morrisvillenc.com.

Mike Sweeney ’90 of Huntington Bank has moved. New address is 39 East Market Street, 5th Floor, Akron OH 44308. Telephone: 330.258.2351. Fax: 330.258.2395. E-mail: mike.sweeney@huntington.com.

Superior Staffing (Lisa Craine ’02 and Tom Doll ’96) announces the formation of The Superior Search Group, an executive search organization serving companies throughout the United States. Learn more at www.superiorsearchgroup.com.

Gigi Woodruff ’88 is now Executive Director with Nashville Bar Association. Address is 315 Union Street, Suite 800, Nashville TN 37201. Telephone: 615. 242.9272. E-mail: gigi.woodruff@nashvillebar.org.
 

Leaders Serving the Community

Dan Bell '04 has been appointed President, Board of Trustees for Summit County Children Services

Alane Boffa ’07 has been elected Secretary of the Summit County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board.

Theresa Carter ’98 will chair the United Way of Summit County’s 2008-09 90th anniversary campaign.

Randy Cole ’98 is the Republican candidate for the 41st District, Ohio House of Representatives.

Tom Doll ’96 has been named to the Board of the Society of Human Resource Managers of Akron.

Paula Davis ’91 was voted by her peers to serve as the affiliate representative on the national Board of Keep America Beautiful, Inc.

Rick Fedorovich ’88 is serving as Treasurer for the ADM Levy (Issue 20) Committee, on behalf of the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board of Summit County.

Marcia Holcomb ‘03 was elected President of the Westminster Presbyterian Church Endowment Trust.

Beth Houseman ’02 was re-elected as President of the Board of Trustees of the Akron-Canton Airport.

Faith Howard ’06 has been appointed to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Akron-Canton Branch Board of Directors.

Susan Lobalzo ‘01 has been elected President of the Summit County Educational Service Center.

GinaKaye Maddox ’97 has been appointed to the United Disability Services Board.

Paula Masuga-Adam '97 was recently elected Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful.

Gregg Mervis ’01 has been installed as President of the Ohio Travel Association.

Ed Newman ’96 has been named as President of the Board of Trustees for the American Cancer Society (Summit-Portage-Medina Chapter).

Linda F. R. Omobien ’91 was elected President of Akron Board of Education for the third time.

Tom Parker ’89 has filed petitions in a bid for the Summit County Court of Common Pleas.

Bernie Rochford ’04 has been appointed to the Akron-Summit County Public Library Board.

Stacy Wessels ‘99 has been selected to serve on the Leadership Cincinnati USA Alumni Board.

Elaine Woloshyn ‘88, President and CEO of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, has been appointed to the Ohio Attorney General’s Charitable Advisory Board.
 

Congratulations to Bernardine Matava - van Kessel '03 and her husband Joe on the birth of their third son:  Benjamin Hendrik Albert. Weight 10 lbs., 6 oz.; 22 inches long.

Congratulations to Jim Nilsen ’87 and wife Cheryl on the birth of their first granddaughter, Celia Grace Bentrott, on May 29, 2007.

 

Our condolences to the family of Dave Myers ’92 who passed away on December 7 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mary Adams Fazio ’99 has a new e-mail address. It is mary500@neo.rr.com.

Rob Knabe ’96 has a new e-mail address. It is robert.knabe@summitacademies.org.

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