Press Releases
July 2, 2025
Leadership Akron Welcomes Four Distinguished Community Leaders to its Board of Trustees
Judge David Hamilton, Jessica Korzhiletskiy, Rick Krochka, and King Lewis are appointed to the leadership team.
Leadership Akron is proud to announce the addition of four new members to its Board of Directors: Judge David Hamilton, Jessica Korzhiletskiy, Rick Krochka, and King Lewis. These accomplished leaders bring with them a wealth of experience, a spirit of service, and a deep commitment to Greater Akron – further strengthening the organization’s mission to experientially connect Greater Akron leaders in ways that produce not only transformation, but sustained community momentum.
“We are thrilled to welcome these four exceptional leaders to the Leadership Akron Board of Directors,” said Justin Hilton, President & CEO of Leadership Akron. “Each brings a unique blend of professional expertise, lived experience, and deep-rooted commitment to community. Their proven leadership across business, public service, philanthropy, and civic engagement aligns seamlessly with our mission. I’m confident they will be instrumental in guiding our continued efforts to develop and connect leaders for meaningful impact throughout Greater Akron.”
Judge David Hamilton, a proud Akron native, currently serves as Administrative/ Presiding Judge for the Akron Municipal Court, having been elected to the bench in both 2023 and 2025. A committed public servant and civic leader, Judge Hamilton earned his Juris Doctorate from Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley School of Law and earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Akron. His dedication to the community is reflected in his leadership and service on numerous boards, including serving as a former Board Member of Victim Assistance, AxessPointe Community Health Centers, Summit County Land Bank, The First Tee of Greater Akron, and the Akron Zoo. David was appointed to the Ohio Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism in 2023 and is a former board member of ArtsNow.
A graduate of Leadership Akron Signature Class 34 and Leadership Ohio Class of 2023, Judge Hamilton was honored with Leadership Ohio’s 2024 Community Impact Award. His many accolades include the Harold K. Stubbs Humanitarian Award, the Akron Bar Association Diversity Award, and Crain’s Cleveland Business Forty Under 40.
Jessica Korzhiletskiy, Vice President at Marsh, is a strategic business development leader with deep expertise in risk advisory and management services. She helps organizations navigate complex risk environments, safeguard their assets, and drive sustainable growth. Known for building trusted client relationships and delivering tailored solutions, Jessica brings a forward-thinking approach to strategic advisory work.
A graduate of Leadership Akron Signature Class 39 and Leadership Akron/Women’s Network Community Leadership Institute Class 6, she is passionate about developing leaders and advancing community impact across the region. Jessica was recently elected to the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio and plans to bring that same spirit of service to her new role on the Leadership Akron Board, where she aims to help shape the future of leadership in Greater Akron.
Rick Krochka is the founder of TRIAD Communications, a leading Northeast Ohio advertising and marketing firm known for its award-winning creative work and deep community commitment. He has spent more than three decades helping local businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies bring their messages to life through innovative design and communications. Under his leadership, TRIAD’s Design4Good program has donated nearly $900,000 in pro-bono services to area nonprofits since its inception.
Rick is a graduate of Leadership Akron Signature Class 27, and currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Historic Glendale Cemetery, Scouting America/Great Trail Council Board, and chairs the Cuyahoga Falls Public Art Board. He is a founding (and Emeritus) advisory member of the Gay Community Endowment Fund of the Akron Community Foundation, and has held leadership roles with more than a dozen regional organizations, including the United Way of Summit County, Friends of 91.3 The Summit, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (Chair), The Downtown Cuyahoga Falls Partnership (Chair), Akron Area YMCA, Akron Symphony Orchestra, Akron Art Museum, Weathervane Community Playhouse, Boys & Girls Club of Western Reserve, Tuesday Musical Association, The Sugar Plum Tour, and First Night Akron.
King Lewis is a seasoned business leader who recently retired after a distinguished 40-year career with PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division. Throughout his tenure, he held a variety of leadership roles in Ohio and Michigan. Known for his operational excellence, people-centered leadership, and commitment to community partnership, Lewis played a key role in advancing corporate social responsibility efforts across the region with national initiatives like Feed the Children, Magic Johnson's City of Hope Foundation, and local organizations to support food security, health awareness, and family support programs.
Lewis is a graduate of Leadership Akron NEXT Class 8. He is a proud Akron native and has returned to the area with his wife, Jolene Lane. They are the loving and doting grandparents of 15, and have just welcomed a brand new great-grandson
The new board members will be formally introduced at Leadership Akron’s 2025 Annual Meeting & Read Family Difference Maker Award Reception on Thursday, August 21, from 4:30–7:30 PM at 1840 Manor House. Event details and sponsorships available at: www.leadershipakron.org/2025annualmeeting
About Leadership Akron
For over 40 years, Leadership Akron has inspired, strengthened, and empowered leaders to create a Greater Akron. Through unique experiences and partnerships with local leaders, Leadership Akron provides a platform for emerging and established leaders to contribute to the community's vibrancy. For more information, visit www.leadershipakron.org
