Release Date: July 2,2026
Greater Akron Chamber Names 2026 30 for the Future Honorees, Marking the Program’s 20th Year
June 30, 2026, Akron, OH – The Greater Akron Chamber is pleased to announce the 2026 class of 30 for the Future honorees, marking the 20th anniversary of the awards program and two decades of recognizing leaders whose vision, talent, and commitment are making a lasting impact on Greater Akron.
Since 2007, the Chamber has celebrated 600 professionals aged 25-39 whose leadership and accomplishments have helped strengthen the region. This year’s honorees continue that tradition, reflecting the strength and breadth of the region’s business community—from professionals carrying forward the legacy of organizations that have long been pillars of our community to those helping build and grow companies that are investing in our region and driving its future success.
The 2026 30 for the Future award recipients are:
Forrest Boggs, Towpath Credit Union
Anna King, Development Finance Authority of Summit County
Jason Brunn, PNC Bank
Kristi Lambert, The JADFA House
Abigail E. Burke, Roetzel & Andress, LPA
Alison Matas Smith, Schauer Group
Kate Calla, Summit County Juvenile Court
Clarence D. Mitchell, III, BWX Technologies
Michael J. Class, Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP
Francine Parr, The Akron Civic Theatre
Darnell D. Davis Jr., Business Volunteers Unlimited (BVU)
Meka Purdie-Moore, Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center
Nathan Z. Dreger, Avient Corporation
Marissa Rufe, NAI Pleasant Valley
Nicole Dumont, NR Design LLC
J. Noah Spinner, Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
Joy Edwards, Akron Children's Museum
Abigail Spraggins, Abby's Helping Hands, Hopeful Hearts
Richard Gibson, Students With A Goal (SWAG)
AJ Wadian, Premier Home Pros
Nick Glavan, Bounce Innovation Hub
Jeremy A. Wascak, 7 17 Credit Union
Megan Gosset Hatfield, Fairlawn-West Preschool
Andrew West-Barry, Summit County Executive’s Office
Ashley Hamilton, Huntington Bank
Jeananne M. Wickham, Amer Cunningham Co., L.P.A.
Sam Harsh, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio
Rosemarie Wilkins, Huntington Bank
Alexis King, City of Akron - Mayor's Office
Jaimie Yu, Clorox Purell
“Our region’s ability to compete and grow depends on people who choose to build their careers here, lead here, and invest their time and talent in the community around them,” said Steve Millard, President and CEO of the Greater Akron Chamber. “This year’s class represents the kind of leadership that makes Greater Akron a place where people are seen, celebrated, challenged, and inspired to help shape what comes next. We celebrate their accomplishments, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth as they help lead our region's ongoing vibrancy and success.”
Join us to honor and celebrate this year’s recipients on Friday, September 18 from 8:30-10:30 AM at the DoubleTree by Hilton Akron/Fairlawn. The event will feature networking opportunities, breakfast, and a chance to learn more about and celebrate these remarkable leaders. Event details are available here.
Honorees are selected based on several criteria, including their professional accomplishments, leadership, and community service. An independent selection committee facilitated by the Greater Akron Chamber selected the 30 finalists from a competitive pool of over 100 leaders, nominated by members of the Greater Akron Chamber, regional profit and non-profit organizations, and the community.
The Greater Akron Chamber is a business membership organization serving Summit, Medina, and Portage counties. The Greater Akron Chamber drives economic growth and prosperity for the region by supporting the success of the business community and acting as a convener of stakeholders on key issues facing Greater Akron.