From Our President and CEO: Fall 2024

British illustrator Frederick Barnard once said, "A picture is worth a thousand words." That might be true, but not today, as you're reading what is likely my final Foundations message to the Greater Akron and Summit County community.

I've known for many months that my retirement announcement would bring bittersweet memories of this remarkable journey in my life and career. I realized long ago that the best job I've ever had in my 45-year professional career would also be my last job – as the president and CEO of Akron Community Foundation for the past 16+ years.

In the seven decades since the foundation was first created with a $1 million bequest from the estate of Goodrich executive Edwin Shaw, your community foundation has grown to almost 900 funds and more than $305 million in charitable assets. These achievements are a testament to the power of permanent philanthropy and our collective ability to uplift and strengthen all corners of our community.

I recently read a passage from the book "How Much Shall I Give?" that says it best. Written in 1921 by Lilian Brandt, this timeless book was given to me by a former colleague who has now passed.

Brandt writes: "There is something about this thing of giving that blesses us. No man has ever impoverished himself by giving. It cannot be done. Those who give most, have most left. I believe that everyone who gives a penny will get it back a hundredfold. I believe that everyone who dries a tear with his assistance will be spared the shedding of a thousand tears. Give, and somewhere, from out of the clouds, or from the sacred depths of human hearts, a melody divine will reach your ears and gladden all your days upon the earth."

Greater Akron is an extraordinary place to call home. It's both big enough and small enough to get out of our own way and to collaborate and solve problems that stand in the way of success and progress.

As I reflect on these past 16 years, several significant moments come to mind: recovering from the Great Recession that coincided with the beginning of my career here in 2008; the passing of 15 exceptional leaders and past Polsky honorees, whose pictures adorn the walls of our board room; seeing the inspiring resilience of nonprofit organizations that rallied during the pandemic to keep their doors open amid a record demand for services; and the changing of the guard at nearly all of the major government, education and health institutions in our community.

As time continues to move forward, Akron Community Foundation will certainly do the same as I step away in the spring. During my time here, we've strived to be a more open and engaging champion and generator of enduring philanthropy in our community. Our incredibly talented staff and board have built upon the work of those that came before us, as others will do once we've all moved on to other life's work. Someday, we'll look back proudly to have done our part to make our community better, even as we wait for that divine melody to soothe our minds and hearts over what I'm convinced is a job well done.

Thank you, everyone. It's been an honor and a blessing to be part of this organization's wonderful history.