Leadership on Main
Conversations with Akron's Change-Makers

Leadership on Main is our monthly conversation with Akron's prominent change-makers. This unique platform lets today's leaders share their successes and lessons, inspiring tomorrow's community leaders.

Join us each month, as our guest speakers reveal their leadership journeys, sharing the strategies and experiences that have shaped them. Discover what's worked, what hasn't, and how they have and continue to achieve success.

When and Where?

Every mid-month Wednesday, we convene at The Duck Club by Firestone at Canal Park (Home of our Akron RubberDucks) to promote and foster leadership in the heart of our community.

Who Should Attend?

Leadership on Main is an exclusive opportunity, and attendance is extended to:

  • Leadership Akron Alumni

  • Current Signature, NEXT, and Diversity on Board classes

  • Members of our Community Leadership Institutes

  • Members of Torchbearers

  • Community Partners

What to Expect?

At Leadership on Main, we prioritize nourishing both mind and body. That's why, thanks to the generosity of Ken Babby, President of the Akron Rubber Ducks, both the program and food (breakfast or appetizers) are free. Each month, the speaker suggests a charity to which donations can be made by attendees.

Here's a glimpse of a typical event:

  • 7:30 am: Doors open and networking begins

  • 8:00 am: Welcome and introductory remarks from Leadership Akron President.

  • 8:05 am: The conversation begins, offering insight into the leadership journey of our guest speaker.

  • 8:45 am: Conversation concludes, followed by questions from our attendees.

  • 9:00 am: Event wrap-up.

Join us at Leadership on Main – where we're not just talking about leadership, we're living it.

Upcoming Leadership on Main Events:

June 12
4:00-5:30 pm

Ron Paydo
Akron/Canton Market President, Huntington Bank

Moderator: Kemp Boyd, Executive Director, Love Akron

Ron serves as Market President for Huntington Bank’s Akron/Canton area, enabling Huntington’s ability to drive the bank’s vision to become the country’s leading ‘People-First, Digitally Powered” bank. Previously, Ron worked as the Dedicated Business Banking Group Director and Community President in Medina, Ohio. Ron has been with Huntington or previous banks since 1987, when he began his banking career as a Management Trainee with FirstMerit Bank. Ron was a Regional President for FirstMerit covering Medina, Richland, and Ashland counties, before becoming the Director of Small Business Banking until 2016. He became the Area Manager for Canton, Akron, and the Mahoning Valley upon the FirstMerit merger with Huntington. During his tenure, he’s held regional leadership roles since the merger.

Ron is very active in the community and serves on several boards including the American Red Cross of Summit & Media; Boy Scouts of America Great Trail Council; Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce; Greater Medina Chamber - President; Medina Economic Development Corporation - Board Development Committee; Medina Hospital/Cleveland Clinic; Salvation Army Wadsworth Corp; United Way of Summit & Medina - Executive Committee. He is also a founder of the Blue Coats and Downtown Wadsworth organizations.

Active in mentoring youth, Ron and his wife Kathleen have fostered more than 160 children. Together, they also hosted seven exchange students through the local Rotary Club. Ron lives in Wadsworth, Ohio with his family.