Save the date!
2026 Holiday Party & Maynard Distinguished Leader Award Celebration

Thursday, December 10, 2026
Location TBA

You're invited to an inspiring evening of connection, celebration, and inspiration at Leadership Akron’s 2026 Holiday Party and Maynard Distinguished Leader Award Celebration! This award is part of the Leadership Akron Life Trustee Awards Trinity.

Join us in recognizing our awardee’s exceptional leadership and commitment to Greater Akron. Together, we’ll honor the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to a bright future as we recognize the incredible leadership shaping Greater Akron.

Click here to view our 2025 Holiday Party Presentation.

Donate to Phil Maynard Memorial Scholarship Fund

About the Award

The Maynard Distinguished Leader Award was created in 1987 to recognize Leadership Akron Alumni who have made extraordinary and notable contributions for the betterment of their community by voluntarily initiating and/or being a significant driving force behind a particular project or issue of critical relevance and impact on the Greater Akron area. Each year, the award recognizes an individual or group of individuals whose efforts have, in this way, embodied the mission and work of Leadership Akron in proliferating community leadership and strengthening the Akron community's well-being.

Leadership Akron renamed it the Maynard Distinguished Leader Award in 2024 to honor the life and leadership of Phil Maynard, an extraordinary leader, philanthropist, and steadfast advocate for Greater Akron. Phil’s legacy in Akron is one of tireless dedication, from his rise as a local business leader and founder of ASW International to his influential roles with Leadership Akron, Akron Children's Hospital Foundation, Akron-Canton Foodbank, and numerous nonprofits. His work helped strengthen the Greater Akron community in lasting ways, including his pivotal role in establishing Leadership Akron’s endowment fund to support future leaders.

Award Criteria

The Distinguished Leader Award recognizes a Leadership Akron alumnus/alumni whose voluntary leadership has made an extraordinary and lasting impact on the Greater Akron community by serving as the driving force behind a significant project or issue of critical relevance.

LEADERSHIP AKRON ALUMNI

Nominee must be a Leadership Akron Alumni.

VOLUNTEER-DRIVEN LEADERSHIP

The contribution recognized must be rooted in voluntary service; efforts primarily connected to the nominee’s professional role are not eligible.

EXTRAORDINARY CIVIC IMPACT

Nominee has made a notable, voluntary contribution that goes beyond routine community involvement, serving as a significant force behind a specific project or in addressing a critical issue affecting Greater Akron.

EMBODIMENT OF PHIL MAYNARD’S LEGACY

Nominee reflects the spirit of Phil Maynard, demonstrating tireless dedication, generosity, and leadership that strengthen the community and inspire future leaders.

COMMUNITY RELEVANCE

The project or issue must have demonstrably advanced the well-being of the Greater Akron area, creating meaningful and measurable change.