Press Releases
November 20, 2025
Leadership Akron to Honor Kemp Boyd at the 2025 Holiday Party and Maynard Distinguished Leader Award Celebration
Leadership Akron will recognize Kemp Boyd, Executive Director of Love Akron and Leadership Akron alumnus, as the 2025 recipient of the Maynard Distinguished Leader Award during its annual Holiday Party and Maynard Distinguished Leader Award Celebration on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Greystone Hall.
The Maynard Distinguished Leader Award, was named in honor of Phil Maynard in celebration of the lasting impact of his leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to community service. A cherished Akron leader and one of Leadership Akron’s Life Trustees, this award is part of Leadership Akron’s Life Trustee Awards Trinity, and recognizes leaders whose long-standing contributions to Greater Akron are grounded in voluntary service rather than tied to their professional responsibilities. Honorees demonstrate extraordinary civic impact by playing a significant role in advancing a project, initiative, or community issue that strengthens the region in meaningful ways.
“Kemp embodies the kind of leader who moves Greater Akron forward,” said Justin Hilton, President and CEO of Leadership Akron. “He listens deeply, builds trust across divides, and creates spaces where people feel seen, valued, and heard. His leadership brings people together in moments that matter, and his impact reaches far beyond any one role or organization.”
Kemp’s leadership is deeply ingrained across Greater Akron. On the sidelines at Garfield CLC, he invests in student-athletes with encouragement, accountability, and steady mentorship. At StreetLight Church, he guides and supports people through teaching, care, and spiritual leadership. In each setting, he shows up with presence and humility, helping others find common ground and move forward together.
As Executive Director of Love Akron, he has strengthened a collaborative movement rooted in faith and service. Under his guidance, Love Akron has become a trusted space where churches, nonprofits, and civic partners address difficult issues with clarity and compassion. His leadership has supported the community in moments of both challenge and possibility, demonstrating that real progress grows out of relationships.
A graduate of Leadership Akron Signature Class 33 and a member of its Executive Board, Kemp reflects the kind of leader Leadership Akron aims to cultivate. He connects across sectors, engages diverse perspectives, and works for the common good with authenticity, integrity, and a deep belief in Greater Akron’s potential.
Leadership Akron extends its sincere appreciation to the Maynard Family Foundation, whose generous support as the Title Sponsor helps make this celebration possible and continues to honor leaders who strengthen the Greater Akron community.
Individuals and organizations wishing to honor Kemp’s impact are invited to consider an event sponsorship to support his recognition and advance Leadership Akron’s mission.
Sponsorship Opportunities can be found here:
https://www.leadershipakron.org/holidayparty2025
About Leadership Akron
For more than 40 years, Leadership Akron has inspired, strengthened, and empowered leaders to create a greater Akron. Through immersive experiences and community connections, Leadership Akron serves as the only community platform experientially connecting leaders across sectors, backgrounds, and generations. With a network of more than 2,000 alumni, Leadership Akron continues to expand the experience of leadership, fostering relationships, building knowledge, and catalyzing impact for the future of Greater Akron.
