Leadership Akron Welcomes NEXT Class 15

Seventeen experienced Greater Akron leaders will explore new ways to invest their time, perspective, and talent in the community.

Leadership Akron is pleased to announce the members of NEXT Class 15, a group of experienced leaders preparing to explore new opportunities for service, connection, and continued impact in Greater Akron.

N.E.X.T., which stands for New Endeavors for eXperienced Talent, is designed for individuals transitioning into retirement or considering how they want to remain engaged in the community during their next chapter. Through immersive experiences, conversations with community leaders, and relationships built with one another, participants will deepen their understanding of Greater Akron and identify meaningful ways to contribute their experience and perspective.

“Leadership is a lifelong commitment, and a change in career or season of life does not change a leader’s ability to make a difference,” said Justin Hilton, President & CEO of Leadership Akron. “NEXT gives experienced leaders the opportunity to explore Greater Akron with a fresh perspective, build new relationships, and consider where their time and talents can have a meaningful impact. Class 15 brings a wealth of experience, but also the curiosity and commitment needed to continue strengthening our community.”

Please join us in welcoming NEXT Class 15:

• Lou Albertson

• Cynthia Bell

• Mary Bell Nolan

• Judith Christy

• Christine Cox

• Tonya Essick

• Deborah Farris

• Jean Hansen

• Jeannine Marks

• James McCargar

• Sieglinde O’Neil

• Butch Reynolds

• Suzanne Roberts

• Jill Sellers

• Lenda Sojourner

• Brenda Spear

• Robin Vande Zande

Throughout the two-month experience, participants will explore parks and the environment, health and social services, business and innovation, civic leadership and justice, and youth and education. Each session will connect participants with community leaders, broaden their understanding of the region, and help them develop a personal roadmap for continued involvement.

NEXT Class 15 will be formally introduced at Leadership Akron’s 2026 Annual Meeting & Read Family Difference Maker Award Reception on Thursday, August 20, from 4:30–7:30 PM at Our Lady of the Cedars in Fairlawn. Event details, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities are available at: https://www.leadershipakron.org/2026annualmeeting

About NEXT

Leadership Akron’s NEXT program, New Endeavors for eXperienced Talent, is a two-month community leadership experience for individuals transitioning into retirement or redefining how they want to remain involved in Greater Akron. Participants connect with peers and community leaders, explore the region’s history, assets, challenges, and opportunities, and develop pathways for reinvesting their time, wisdom, and experience into the community.

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.

In addition to the NEXT program, Leadership Akron offers Signature, Junior Leadership Akron, Diversity on Board, Insight Akron, Community Leadership Institutes, and other opportunities designed to build a relational ecosystem of leaders committed to strengthening Greater Akron.

For more information, visit www.leadershipakron.org.