Save the date!
2026 Lieberth Community Vision Award Breakfast

Thursday, November 5, 2026, 7:00-9:00am
John S. Knight Center

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.

Prepare to be inspired, entertained, and deeply moved as we celebrate a leader whose life’s work has helped shape a more inclusive and connected Greater Akron. More than an event, this one-of-a-kind experience—crafted with the signature creativity and spirit only Leadership Akron can deliver—brings legacy to life in powerful and unexpected ways.

About the Lieberth Community Vision Award

Leadership Akron created the Lieberth Community Vision Award in November 2012, to honor the life and leadership of Dave Lieberth upon his retirement as Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff of the City of Akron. A founder and life trustee of Leadership Akron, Lieberth has been known for bringing vision, pragmatism, and a relentless work ethic to his involvement in countless community causes.

Award Criteria

The Lieberth Community Vision Award will be given each year to a leader who exemplifies the type of leadership that Dave has modeled and Leadership Akron seeks to foster, in consideration of the criteria below:

COMMUNITY-CENTERED LEADERSHIP

The recipient will be known for putting aside individual agendas and looking at opportunities, challenges, and issues through the lens of the whole community.

IMPACT ON AKRON

The recipient’s leadership has shaped the Akron community in significant ways.

MULTI-DIMENSIONALITY

The recipient’s leadership has impacted multiple sectors in the Akron community, not just one specific area.

INVOLVEMENT IN LEADERSHIP AKRON

The recipient has played a meaningful role in advancing the mission and work of Leadership Akron. S/he may or may not be an actual graduate of Leadership Akron.

PRAGMATISM/HARD WORK

The recipient is known for his/her work ethic, willingness to go the extra mile, and problem-solving ability when advancing community. S/he does not hesitate to plunge into the sometimes unglamorous details to get the job done.

Meet our Past Honorees

We have had the honor of celebrating the leadership of these individuals with the Lieberth Community Vision Award.

2025 | Robert DeJournett

2024 | Sylvia Trundle | “A Heart For The Community”

2023 | Laurie Zuckerman | “Creating Communities of Love and Respect”

2022 | Ron Kopp | “Leadership Mastered”

2021 | Karen Talbott | “A Lifetime of Leadership”

2019 | Dr. David W. James | “All About the Kids”

2018 | Robert W. Malone | “Riding the Wave of Leadership”

2017 | Laura Culp | “A Story of Extraordinary Leadership”

2016 | Theresa Carter | “Grace in Motion”

2015 | Brian Moore | “Leadership in Harmony”

2014 | Tim Fitzwater | “Leadership in Motion”

2013 | Marie Covington | “In the right hands, the seed of a dream comes to life”

2012 | Dave Lieberth | “Celebrating the Art of Dave Lieberth”

Sponsor the 2026 Lieberth Community Vision Award Breakfast

Supporting the Lieberth Community Vision Award Event is an opportunity to align your brand with the values that Robert DeJournett and Leadership Akron epitomize. As Leadership Akron celebrates Robert, your event sponsorship takes on a deeper significance, showing your dedication to a vibrant Greater Akron and a legacy of leadership.

Choose from our tailored sponsorship tiers and let your contribution reverberate through the heart of Greater Akron.