Joined The Staff
August 2011
Favorite Thing About ACF
The chance to work with such a wide and diverse cross section of the community, both internally and externally. The people on staff at Akron Community Foundation are some of the most passionate and caring people I have ever known. Also, I am always amazed by the wonderful cohesiveness of our generous donors and this entire community when it comes to collaborating and addressing critical needs.
What He Does
John was appointed president and chief executive officer of Akron Community Foundation in July 2025. In this role, he provides strategic leadership to a team of 21 staff members and works in close partnership with a 24-member board of directors to advance the foundation's mission and deepen its impact across the Greater Akron region. John is recognized for his deep expertise in organizational strategy, donor relations, program development, and innovative grantmaking approaches that drive sustainable impact. A resident of Northwest Akron, John not only works to improve the community professionally but also gives back personally. He currently serves on the boards of ArtsNow, Akron Roundtable, the Downtown Akron Development Corporation, and the Summit County Social Services Advisory Board. He is also a member of the Leadership Akron board and will become chair of the organization in 2026.
What He Did Before
John previously served as Akron Community Foundation's vice president of community investment for 14 years, where he directed the allocation of more than $125 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and community initiatives throughout Summit County and beyond. His leadership in grantmaking and philanthropic strategy helped strengthen the foundation's role as a trusted resource and catalyst for community change. John brings a distinguished career in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, with past roles at UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, United Way of Greater Cleveland, United Way of Greater Stark County, and the American Red Cross. His extensive experience spans nonprofit management, fundraising and development, grantmaking, strategic planning, and organizational capacity building. John holds both a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education and a Master of Education in Community Health Management and Administration from Kent State University. He has also maintained the prestigious Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential since 2004.