Torchbearers has announced its 2019 class, comprised of 40 of Greater Akron’s emerging leaders.
Applicants completed a detailed process to be considered for membership, including completion of a written application and an interview with current Torchbearers members. The process spanned three months and culminated with a group of diverse candidates from various backgrounds and experiences.
“The incoming class of 2019 is made up of nearly equal thirds of government, nonprofit, and for-profit industries,” said Stephen Knittel, co-chair of Torchbearers’ membership committee. “This will be a great class of leaders and we are thrilled to welcome them to our organization.”
“The growing excellence of our applicant pool each year speaks to the talent that can be found in Greater Akron, and I am thrilled with the diversity and potential of the class of 2019,” said Torchbearers president, Hillary Stewart. “I have no doubt that this group will quickly get to work growing our community, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish.”
“It is an honor to be selected as a member of Torchbearers Class of 2019,” said new member Arica Leonard, who works as the Marketing & Communications Coordinator for Leadership Akron. “I am excited to expand my scope of leadership through Torchbearers and make a meaningful impact on the Akron community. I am looking forward to being a part of Akron’s continued success as a member of Torchbearers.”
“It is an honor to be joining such a fantastic group of young professionals,” said another new member, Christopher Guy, who manages a Sherwin Williams store in Portage Lakes. “Community service is the greatest work of my life and has been a passion of mine for many years. The Akron area has been moving in a positive direction for years and I am excited to be in an organization that is made up of the future leaders of the city.”
Class of 2019:
Maureen Aebi, Tax Manager, Sikich LLP
Jena Beckett, Emergency Management Specialist, County of Summit
Tifanie Botzer, Manager Global Manufacturing IT, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Dalton Bowling, Corporate Banking Associate, PNC Financial Services
Roneisha Campbell, Assistant Principal 3-5, Canton City School District
Stephen Craig, Assistant Director, Staffing and Training, Kent State University
Adam Curry, Lead Analyst, VMI (Supply Chain), The J.M. Smucker Company
Kirsten Delpinal, Instructional Designer, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
Sonja Dittmann, Community Development Administrator, City of Barberton
Tom Dolezal, Analyst IV, FirstEnergy
Tim Faix, Assistant Director of Athletics Development, The University of Akron
Michael Fay, Director of Esports & Head Coach, The University of Akron
Heather Flohr, Graduate Engagement Coordinator, Leadership Akron
Daniel Glass, Associate Attorney, Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC
Maribeth Graham, Regional Account Executive, Zumper Regional
Tristan Griffin, Akron Area Director, Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Christopher Guy, Store Manager, Sherwin Williams
Willie Harper, Care Manager, Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities
Raina Henderson, EMIS Support Specialist, Northeast Ohio Network for Educational Technology
Andrew Henry, Director Building Services, Recycling, Grounds, Special Services, Parking and Athletic Maintenance, The University of Akron
Katie Jacque, Forensic Scientist, State of Ohio
Colleen Kelly, Executive Assistant, County of Summit
Rachael Kosakowski, Business Growth Developer, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates
Arica Leonard, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Leadership Akron
Allyse Love, Marketing Manager, Westfield Bank
Jennifer Martin, Senior Analyst, Bober, Markey, Fedorovich
Lauren Marsh, Administrative Assistant, Akron Fire Department
Rana Matar, Assistant Director, Summit County Clerk of Courts
Dustin Miller, Managing Consultant, Sikich LLP
Heather Morrow, Director of Operations, International Soap Box Derby
Sam Myers, Data Analyst, Area Wide Protective
Sierra Oden, Social Worker II, Akron Children’s Hospital
Evan Pannell, Sales Associate, Pickard Commercial Group
Jessica Prusak, Human Resource Generalist, Goodwill Industries of Akron
Tiffany Roper, Social Program Analyst, County of Summit
Andrew Rothermel, Wealth & Investment Senior Portfolio Manager, Huntington
Sam Scala, Vice President, Kenmore Construction
Abby Strbjak, Marketing Coordinator, Sikich LLP
Becca Thacker, Claims Specialist, Social Security Administration
Matthew Tweddle, Director of Chaplaincy Services, Akron Children’s Hospital
The new class will gather for the first time in mid-December, and they will begin their year-long journey of leadership development curriculum beginning in January 2019. Applications for the Class of 2020 will be available in May at TorchbearersAkron.com.
