AKRON, Ohio — July 9, 2026 — Goodwill Industries serving Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland and Richland Counties is pleased to announce that Robert J. (R.J.) Nemer, President of The University of Akron, will be the keynote speaker at its 25th annual Employee of Distinction Luncheon. The event will take place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, providing a platform for local employers to publicly recognize and celebrate the exceptional contributions of their team members.
“As we commemorate the 25th silver anniversary of our annual Employee of Distinction Luncheon, we are honored to welcome President Nemer as our keynote speaker,” said Nancy Ellis McClenaghan, president and CEO. “His enduring commitment to strengthening Greater Akron’s talent pipeline and uplifting our workforce aligns seamlessly with Goodwill’s mission, making his voice especially meaningful as we celebrate those who keep our community moving forward.”
“A thriving community is dependent upon its people and their capacity and willingness to serve in a variety of indispensable roles,” said President R.J. Nemer of The University of Akron. “Goodwill’s Employee of Distinction Luncheon annually highlights regional colleagues who go the extra mile. I am honored to deliver the 25th year keynote address and celebrate personnel who strengthen the Akron-area workforce and uplift our whole community.”
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: In person at Guy’s Party Center, 500 E. Waterloo Road in Akron
Cost: $35 per ticket
Event Chairs: Chrissy Myers, CEO, AUI & Clarity HR & Pamela Sayers, Director of Programming, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates
Employers can submit a nomination online at www.goodwillakron.org/EDL now through July 31.
Event Sponsors to Date
Thank you to the event sponsors to date – Diamond: Clarity HR; The University of Akron; Platinum: Synthomer Foundation; Gold: Presper Financial Architects; Silver: Julie Katz and The Extra Daughter; Eric & Nan McClenaghan; PNC Financial Services Group; W3 Financial Group; Bronze: Brennan Manna & Diamond; Marc Servodio, CFP®, AIF® – Vita Advisors, LLC; Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro’s Department of Job and Family Services; Copper: Bober Markey Fedorovich; Fifth Third Bank; Diamond Patron: Dr. Pleas R. Chambers III; Bill & Mary Glaeser; William & Susan Hanlon; Platinum Patron: Chip Clupper & Zebulon Keller; Laura & Christopher Judge; Silver Program Partner: Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority; The Blick Center; Child Guidance & Family Solutions; Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio; Hattie Larlham; In-Kind: Akron Civic Theatre; Akron Zoo; AUI; Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates; Media: akronlife; WAKR/WONE/WQMX/WNWV.
About The University of Akron President R. J. Nemer
Nemer, a double University of Akron alumnus, was named UA’s 19th president in May 2024. An attorney by education and a former entrepreneurial sports agent by trade, Nemer’s transition into higher-ed leadership has led to renewed culture and refreshed perspective for the University. He has prioritized student success and workforce development as cornerstones for regional economic growth. With Nemer at the helm, The University of Akron is leading the way in community partnerships and creating buy-in for a sustainable Northeast Ohio.
About Goodwill Industries Serving Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland & Richland Counties
The Goodwill Industries of Akron, Ohio, Inc., is a not-for-profit corporation that helps individuals prepare for, find and retain employment. Operating in the five-county region of Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland & Richland, the agency was established in 1927. It is a private, independent organization, operating as an affiliate member of Goodwill Industries International. Goodwill helps to directly strengthen the region’s workforce through its employment programs and indirectly through the net proceeds from its retail outlets and Business Services division. For more information about GIA, visit www.goodwillakron.org or call 800-989-8428.
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Contact: Leah Davis
(330) 786-2519
ldavis@goodwillakron.org