Torchbearers has selected 42 emerging leaders for its Class of 2017, the professional development organization announced this week.
The independent affiliate of Leadership Akron said in a news release that its selections are a diverse field of individuals representing a strong professional cross section of Greater Akron.
Torchbearers was founded in 2003 to strengthen the connection between Akron-area nonprofits and emerging leaders, as well as to further efforts to attract and retain emerging leaders to Greater Akron. The organization describes itself as a bridge between established leadership of the community and leaders of the future.
Members of the new class will take part in the yearlong Torchbearers Leadership Development curriculum focused around community service, talent attraction and retention, and leadership development.
“We can’t wait to see all that they accomplish through their membership in Torchbearers and as advocates for our city,” said Lia Evans, co-chair of Torchbearers’ membership committee.
“Being selected to an organization with such a history of making real change in the community is an honor,” said new class member Christine Thompson. “One of the things that drew me to Torchbearers is how diverse the group is, allowing for creative and innovative ideas to come to light.”
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity of being a member of Torchbearers to build new relationships, strengthen my leadership skills and make an impact on the community,” said Randa Nemer, another new class member who is a teacher for Barberton City Schools. “The Greater Akron area is growing tremendously, and I am excited to be part of the community’s coming success in 2017.”
Here are the members of the new class:
Meghan Adair, DM Consulting Group; Katie Angheld, Mustard Seed Market; Andrew Antonucci, Akron Marathon Charitable Corp.; Sarah Balser, Cleveland Clinic; Christopher Billow, 9th District Court of Appeals.
Garrick Black II, Noir Creative; Chandra Bramlett, Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board; Sarah Buccigross, City of Akron Finance Department; Haley Burk, JumpStart Inc.; S. Benjamin Carro, Wayne County Public Defender’s Office.
Kimberly Cook, Akron Zoological Park; Byron Delpinal, Coffee and Code; Kelli Fetter, Downtown Akron Partnership; Catherine Gambill, Kastner Westman & Wilkins; Meghan Goetz, MG Marketing Co.
Shelley Goodrich, City of Cuyahoga Falls; Zinga Hart, Kent State University; Jessica Horinger, the Merchant Tavern and Howard Hanna Real Estate; Edwin E. Hubbard Jr., American Heart Association; Andrew Linebarger, CT Consultants.
Julia Livingston, Hillcrest Hospital; Shammas Malik, Ohio Democratic Party; Marissa McClellan, Crafty Mart; Anthony Joseph Nino Meyo, Comunale Properties; Randa Nemer, Barberton City Schools.
Lasheda Powell, Coleman Behavioral Health; Andrew Richards, Plante Moran; Tyisha Riley, Molina Health Care; Jessica Robb, Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank; Alicia Robinson, Kent State University; Orlando Romine, Concept Services.
Lori Schoenfelder, Oriana House, Inc.; Lin Smith, International Institute of Akron; Tiffany Stacy, International Institute of Akron; LeAnn Starlin Nilsson, Kent State University; Troy Thompson, Bridgestone Americas; Christine Thompson, Cleveland Clinic Akron General.
Bronlynn Thurman, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and GAR Foundation; Benjamin Tipton, Kent State University; Zach Vierheller, Summit County; Da’Shika Wells, VineWorks Marketing; and Andrew Wimer, MacroPoint.