In this special episode, we celebrate one of Greater Akron’s most impactful leaders, Dr. Cliff Deveny, Emeritus CEO and Strategic Advisor at Summa Health and the 2026 recipient of the H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award for his visionary leadership and lasting impact on the region. Under his leadership, Summa Health completed more than $400 million in regional development projects, strengthened strategic partnerships, and embraced innovation while remaining people-focused—positioning the health system for future growth through the HatCo transition and the creation of the Trailhead Community Health Foundation. Tune in as he shares his journey to leadership and his perspective on aligning healthcare with community prosperity. 

When an issue hits, how you respond can determine whether it fades or becomes a full-blown crisis. In this episode, Bruce Hennes, Chief Executive Officer of Hennes Communications, recognized by Chambers and Partners as one of the nation’s top crisis PR firms, shares best practices for business owners and leaders navigating today’s fast-moving media landscape. From managing brand reputation to understanding the intersection of legal strategy and crisis communications, Bruce explains how leaders can move quickly, control the narrative, and become effective vindicators for their organizations. For more tips, subscribe to the newsletter at crisiscommunications.com. 

Akron native and former military helicopter pilot Ned Parks, now the owner of Aegis 360Consulting, joins Dreamers, Drivers, Doers to discuss how aviation has shaped his career andOhio’s broader economic momentum. He touches on the state’s unusually high number of airports, the challenge of keeping them ready year-round, and Ohio’s reputation as the nation’s largest flyover state. Ned also spotlights the annual AOPA Props and Pistons showcase as a major draw that brings visitors into the region, highlights Greater Akron’s assets, and encourages people to return, explore, and invest in the community.

Thinking through a problem and coming up with a solution is second nature to Amanda Leffler, ManagingPartner of Shumaker's recently-established Akron office. Amanda sits down with Steve Millard to talk abouther role as a connector within the legal realm, how Shumaker offers a variety of services for businesses of all sizes, and their unwavering commitment to ensure the best outcome for their clients. Tune in to learn more about Amanda’s professional journey and her noteworthy contributions outside of law in the GreaterAkron community.

Becoming a leader was always in the cards for Chrissy Myers, but after a run of undesirable jobs as ayoung adult while working for her dad, she was adamant about not returning to work for the familybusiness. You can probably guess where this story goes, but what you don’t know is the how: HOW shedoubled her business in size and opened a fractional HR entity; and HOWher work serves smallbusinesses; and HOW she is making an impact on the Greater Akron business community and beyond. Inthis episode, the CEO of AUI/Clarity HR also dives into workplace trends, culture, and well-being, and herrole outside the office asco-captain of “Team Awesomesauce.” Stick around to hear Chrissy’s “AkronJams” and details on the upcoming launch of her first book.

Celeste Brown is a go-getter–when she sees a problem, she comes up with a solution from the lenseofan entrepreneur. On this episode, Celeste shares the “aha moment” behind the launch of her businessDefining Enterprises, LLC., how one email led to the placement of two automated retail machines in theAkron-Canton Airport, and the future of retail with convenient and contactless shopping methods.

Did you know that every $1 invested in public transportation generates $5 in economic returns? On thisweek’s episode, Steve Millard chats with METRO RTA CEO Dawn Distler and ValerieShea, Director ofPlanning and Strategic Development, about the role public transit plays to drive and support economicdevelopment, how the transit agency’s redesigned bus network that launched in June 2023 increasedaccess to jobs in Summit County by 53%through various mobility options, and the future of transit inSummit County (and beyond!). Both guests share their “Akron Jams” and how you can access them from a bus route! 

United Way's evolution from a traditional fundraising organization to a community impact-driven entity reflects the changing landscape in the nonprofit sector, yet there is still a lack of awareness around the dynamic work that United Way of Summit & Medina leads and supports. President and CEO Jim Mullendives into how United Way collaborates with corporate, philanthropic, and civic leaders to drive change while staying true to its primary focus of supporting the foundational needs that enable individuals to not just survive, but thrive. Jim also has three "Akron Jams" you don't want to miss!

While venture capital is historically concentrated in the West Coast, experts have witnessed a gradual shift in investments in the Midwest and Ohio specifically. Plus, with startup support from Bounce Innovation Huband Akron's position as Rubber Capital of the World, Greater Akron and Northeast Ohio has potential to be a premier startup hub in the Midwest. Join Steve Millard and Bill Manby, Founding and Managing Partner ofInterstate Fusion Ventures, on a journey through the dynamic world of venture capital and what needs tohappen in the next 5-7 years for venture capital to grow and thrive in the region.

Exposing students to experiences beyond the classroom in their early years is crucial–not only for personal development but also to ensure continuous growth of the local talent pool. On this episode, Marcie Ebright, Director of the College & Career Academies of Akron Public Schools, and Jobs for Ohio Graduates Executive Director, Chris Canova, talks about this transformative education model that impacts students ofall ages, from PreK to 12th grade, and how their partnership with helps position students for success with career exploration and job exposure opportunities.

On August 8, 2023, Summit County Public Health issued a public health alert following seven suspected overdose deaths in one weekend and a steady increase in overdose-related Emergency Department visits over the last month. Leaders from CHC Addiction Services sit down with Steve Millard to talk about the dangers facing the community, how employers are responding and the resources available to companies to support their employees, and the behind-the-scenes work CHC does to support individuals struggling with addiction.

If you were to ask college Dan Flowers, who was strumming his guitar at local gigs and teaching guitar lessons, if he’d be leading, let alone working, at a food bank, he probably would have laughed. But like many leaders featured on this podcast, the role seeks you out when you least expect it. In this episode, Dan takes listeners on a motivational and inspiring journey as he dives deep into day-to-day operations at the Foodbank, what’s on the horizon as part of their 5-year strategic plan, and gives a glimpse of personal obstacles he’s faced throughout his career. 

A clean and beautiful community instills a sense of pride and ownership among its residents, and when residents have that sense of pride, they tend to be more responsible and respectful of personal and public spaces. Jacqui Ricchiuti, CEO of Keep Akron Beautiful, and Akron Police Officer Aaron Brown dive into the details of their partnership, the ongoing challenges they face, their commitment to improving the beautification of Akron, and how the community can get involved to keep Akron beautiful.

What would it take to transform early childhood education and strengthen Akron’s workforce at the same time? Richelle Wardell (City of Akron) and Laura DiCola (GAR Foundation) unpack theUnified Early Learning Pilot, a bold effort to stabilize childcare providers, boost quality, and get more kids kindergarten-ready. They discuss the data linking early literacy to long-term success, the staffing shortages pushing providers into crisis, and how strategies like substitute pools, leadership training, and on-site navigators aim to bring coherence to a patchwork system. With phase one underway and phase two already forming, they share what success could mean for families, employers, and the future of Summit County.

Did you know that Kenmore is the largest business neighborhood district and the second-largest neighborhood in Akron? For the past five years, Tina Boyes, a fifth-generation Kenmore resident who formerly led the Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance, has poured her heart and soul into the revitalization of Kenmore Boulevard. In this episode, Tina shares how she helped reignite Kenmore as the place for community members to convene and a destination spot for visitors and why she believes in the power of community development work.

As the President and co-founder of Metis Construction Services, Julie Brandle did not set out to become a part of the building industry. Finding her path in Real Estate sales, it was then she caught the bug for new home construction. Enduring the recession of 2007, she changed her focus to start a business in property management which eventually grew into a leading provider of renovation and ground-up construction services. Steve and Julie also discuss taking risks in challenging times.

Jeremy Lile grew up with entrepreneurial parents who started a fundraising business in their basement. His path took a turn when he was called to pastoral ministry, yet he also had that entrepreneurial mindset and started a nonprofit in West Akron. Fast forward to the present day, Jeremy is the Executive Director of Heart to Heart Leadership, engaging with community partners through a series of programming and outreach efforts to cultivate the next generation of leaders.

What really happens when your old computer is recycled and how is your data protected? Jeff Detkuliak,Director of Operations for Ohio at ARCOA, talks about responsible recycling, compliance with stringent data security norms, and navigating the complex landscape of data privacy laws. Whether you’re running a small business or an enterprise, Jeff and his team at ARCOA provide convenient options for electronic disposal and ensures that retired hardware is processed sustainably and responsibly.

In this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, and Doers, Steve Millard engages in a conversation with Dr. Para Jones, the President of Stark State College. Hailing from the Akron-Canton area, Dr. Jones has been at the forefront of education and career planning in the region, emphasizing the significance of the college's mission: catering to the needs of students, employers, and the community.

As the President of the University of Akron, Gary Miller came on board just at a very challenging time in the history of the institution. In this conversation, Gary and Steve Millard discuss how he sees his role as a leader and the University's part in the Akron community.

This podcast was recording on the morning of the Greater Akron Chamber’s 2023
Annual Meeting (March 15th) with the event’s keynote speaker Jon Clifton, CEO of Gallup, and author of the recent Wall Street Journal Best Selling book, "Blind Spot: The Global Rise of Unhappiness and How Leaders Missed It". Jon and Steve Millard discuss some of the data that Gallup gathers and analyzes, and what that information is telling us about our work culture today.

Today Steve Millard chats with John Verdile, Founder and President of XpenseSolutions, an energy advisory firm. John talks about his history in the energy business and how that industry has changed over his career. John also discusses some of the services that he is helping bring to members of the Greater Akron Chamber.

Rita McNeal Danish is spearheading a new way to deliver news across the State as the CEO of Signal Ohio. Her background as an attorney has helped her understand the importance of communicating with people who live in our communities and are directly impacted by events big and small. Steve Millard discusses with Rita how the non-profit Signal Ohio will be a game-changer in reporting on local and regional happenings. To find out more, go to http://www.signalohio.org

From designing roads and water systems to shaping business and policy in Northeast Ohio,Dwayne Groll, CEO of Environmental Design Group, has done it all. He shares how he grew hisfirm, launched innovative services like EDG Creative and economic development consulting, andscaled thoughtfully while challenging the status quo. Dwayne also dives into his advocacy workwith the Akron Canton Advocacy Alliance and the National Small Business Association, includinghis role in preserving the R&D tax credit, andhighlights some of his favorite hidden gems in theregion.

It's hard to sum up what Tony Troppe brings to the community as a developer, business leader, architectural preservationist, and creative idea guy. Steve Millard goes one on one with the Akron region's "out-of-the-box" thinker for one of the most inspirational episodes of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers yet. Akron is going places and Tony will tell you why and how we will get there together.

Gregg has had two jobs in his life. Both of them have involved welcoming people to Akron. Steve Millard has a one-on-one with the President and CEO of the Akron Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau. Gregg talks about how he found his career path within our community and the part his organization plays in bringing people to Akron to live, work, and play.

If you are an Akron-area resident, you know Davey Tree. You have seen the trucks and THINK you know everything they do. Today, Steve is joined by Executive Vice President Dan Joy, and Sandee Reid, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning. During the program, Dan and Sandee share a whole lot more about this employee-owned company. From Davey's science and research programs, to training and education. Find out what you don't know about this world-class operation.

This week, Steve sits down with Marcella Granick, the Senior Talent Acquisition Business Partner at Synthomer, supporting North American business units. Marcella has worked across various industries and has mentored and coached across numerous career levels. On today's episode, she discusses her passion for working with, and developing people to realize and achieve their full potential.

Bernett Williams is a go-to leader in the Akron region through the roles she has played at organizations such as The Urban League, Leadership Akron, United Way, and the Greater Akron Chamber. As the Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer; Vice President for Community Initiatives at Akron Children's Hospital, Bernett is helping pave the way for future leaders in our community. Steve Millard and Bernett also discuss how we are growing as a workforce and what that will look like in the near and distant future.

In honor of National Wear Red Day on February 3rd, we have two guests this week to help bring greater awareness to the impact of heart disease. Joining Steve Millard in the studio is Val Weber, the Senior Community Impact Director of the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the American Heart Association, and Dr. Justin Dunn, an Interventional Cardiologist at Summa and a member of the chapter's board. Both discuss their involvement with the American Heart Association and the importance of heart health especially when it comes to prevention. After listening to this important discussion, you can find out more by going to www.heart.org

As the Executive Director of the Greater Akron and Mahoning Valley Red Cross, Rachel D'Attoma and her team get to offer hope to people who are very much in need during a challenging time in their lives. The Red Cross in our region is making a difference every day. Rachel and Steve Millard also discuss the sense of community in the Akron area and how people can get involved.

This week Steve Millard talks to Towpath Distillery Owner and CEO Anthony Piscazzi, an Akron entrepreneur who comes from generations of family members in both the food and spirits industries. Last September, Towpath Distillery launched their first product and Anthony reflects on that experience along with operating a popular restaurant, The Merchant, during some challenging times.

In her career, Suzie Graham has always been a supporter of greater Akron through public service. From her work with theater programs for children, to bringing the Lock 3 entertainment space to life. Now, as the President and CEO of Downtown Akron Partnership, she and her team have helped oversee the revitalization of the core of a legendary legacy American city. Steve Millard sits down with Suzie to talk about her passion for Akron, its people, and its progress.

As the Managing Partner at Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, Steve Dimengo always knew he was going to be a lawyer. Greater Akron Chamber President Steve Millard sits down with Steve and discusses how he set himself on this professional path, how he helps others focus on their own expertise, and why he thinks Akron is the place to work and play.

What does the economy look like heading into 2026? In this episode, Steve Millard talks with DanGriffith, Senior VP at Huntington National Bank, and Jacob Duritsky, VP of Strategy, Research &Talent at Team NEO, to break down the regional and national economic outlook. From strongconsumer spending and continued business investment to demographic challenges, labor marketshifts, and the evolving role of technology and AI, they discuss what’s driving growth, whereopportunities lie, and what headwinds to watch.

In Akron, the birthplace of Knight Newspapers and the foundation, Knight focuses on downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods through investments in talent, opportunity and engagement. Our guest today, Kyle Kutuchief is the Akron Program Director for the Knight Foundation and has been involved in a number of Akron initiatives including serving as the president of Torchbearers. He has received Akron’s 30 for the Future Award, Cleveland’s 25 Under 35 Movers and Shakers Award and Torchbearer’s Friend of Young Leaders Award.

On this crisp Fall day, Steve Millard has a conversation with Chuck Mullen, Chairman of Apple Growth Partners, one of the Akron region's premiere accounting and business advisory firms. Chuck talks about building his career in Akron and how his organization has expanded to other cities and states. His leadership has helped his firm grow and develop a culture that cultivates new talent, as well as encourages seasoned professionals.

In this episode, Steve Millard talks with Gino and Barbara Faciana from the Pleasant Valley Corporation. Their path is an amazing example of entrepreneurship and building upon success after success in the real estate and facilities management industry. Their strategic planning as a company is leaving a legacy for both their family and the greater Akron business community.

The Greater Akron Chamber's podcast this week welcomes Meghan Meeker who is the Senior Manager of Social Media at Vericast but also serves as the President of the Board of Directors of Torchbearers here in Akron. Steve Millard discusses her experience growing up in Northeast Ohio and why she decided to stay and network here in our region as a professional and how that brought her to Torchbearers.

On this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, and Doers, Steve Millard is joined by Renato “Ren” Camacho, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Akron-Canton Airport. Growing up in the Bronx, Ren has had transportation in his blood since an early age.  His career has spanned working in engineering at the New York and New Jersey Port Authority, to Cleveland's Department of Port Control. A job that brought him to Northeast Ohio. Now in charge of one of the greater Akron area's most important assets, Ren talks about what got him there and how he and his team have helped the Akron-Canton Airport grow and flourish even through some challenging times.

Going out to our listeners this week, Steve Millard welcomes Chancellor Dr. K.L. Allen of WGU Ohio, an online undergraduate and graduate degree university for traditional and non-traditional students. Dr. Allen brings a unique perspective on learning in our society today. Specifically, how the accessibility to higher education and workforce development enables WGU to better partner with businesses to reach the talent they need. 

This week, Steve Millard has a conversation with Jackie Hemsworth, the Executive Director of ACCESS, an emergency shelter in Akron providing for the needs of homeless single women and homeless women with children. Having been on a path to be of service in this space since entering the workforce after college, Jackie talks about how her various career roles have helped her understand the challenges faced by many in our community.

Our guest today on Dreamers, Drivers, & Doers is Daine Johnson-Owens of the Humane Society of Summit County. Diane has had many stages in her professional career including jobs in the legal and medical professions. But it is her role serving the animal members of our community that is her true passion. Steve has a chance to talk to Diane about the path that led her to where she thought she would be all along.

When you think about dealing with challenges as a leader, imagine taking the reins of a large cultural venue in the middle of a global health crisis. Our guest today did just that. Jon Fiume is the Executive Director & CEO of the Akron Art Museum. Steve Millard sits down with Jon to talk about the non-traditional path to his current role in our community, and how he and the museum team are making art and culture accessible to everyone right here in Akron.

Ever wondered what your audience really thinks? Shon Christy, Founder & CEO of NeuroVantageSocial Labs, stops by to reveal how neuroscience and AI are transforming the way businesses understand attention and engagement. From his early days exploring social media to creating a mobile neuromarketing lab that tracks eye movements, facial responses, and heat maps, Shon shows how NeuroVantage helps clients test content, improve campaigns, and uncover real insights before anything goes public. He also highlights applications for Greater Akron, upcoming work with Microsoft, and why VR and experiential media are the next frontier in marketing.

With a long history of community involvement, our guest today has worked with individuals from all walks of life as a business counselor and as the Director of Inclusive Entrepreneurship at Akron's Bounce Innovation Hub. Steve Millard catches up with Ace Epps and finds out what drives his desire to help people and how business opportunities grow when we come together. 

As the Executive Director of the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship, Don Pagett works tirelessly to bring one of the key annual sporting events in the United States right here to the Akron region. Don talks with Steve about growing up in the world of golf and how a major activity like this impacts our community economically and socially.