Speakers

John F. Garofalo was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Akron Community Foundation in July 2025. In this role, he provides strategic leadership to a team of 22 staff members and works in close partnership with a 24-member board of directors to advance the foundation’s mission and deepen its impact across the Greater Akron region.

John previously served as the foundation’s Vice President of Community Investment for 14 years, where he directed the allocation of more than $125 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and community initiatives throughout Summit County and beyond. His leadership in grantmaking and philanthropic strategy helped strengthen the foundation’s role as a trusted resource and catalyst for community change.

John brings a distinguished career in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, with past roles at University Hospitals, Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, United Way of Greater Cleveland, United Way of Greater Stark County, and the American Red Cross. His extensive experience spans nonprofit management, fundraising and development, grantmaking, strategic planning, and organizational capacity building.

He has successfully led major fundraising campaigns, secured multi-million-dollar grants, and cultivated strong partnerships with donors, foundations, and community stakeholders. John is recognized for his deep expertise in organizational strategy, donor relations, program development, and innovative grantmaking approaches that drive sustainable impact.

John holds both a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education and a Master of Education in Community Health Management and Administration from Kent State University. He has maintained the prestigious Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential since 2004.

He currently serves on the boards of ArtsNow, Leadership Akron, Akron Roundtable, Downtown Akron Development Corporation, and the Social Services Advisory Board (appointed by the county).
John resides in Northwest Akron with his husband, Matt.

Kimberly oversees all aspects of the work of Downtown Akron Partnership. She works closely with downtown stakeholders, local government leaders, property owners, commercial and retail businesses and residents to advance the downtown neighborhood. Kimberly received her bachelor's degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison and masters in public administration at the University of Akron. She is a Torchbearers Alum,  former Vice President of the Friends of Metro Parks board of directors and youth basketball coach.