During our Tuesday, November 29, 2022, Rotary Club meeting, members had the opportunity to listen to Janis Worley as she spoke about the twists and turns her career has taken her. Ms. Worley discussed the various opportunities she has had as “one door closed, and another door opened.” She shared how different jobs were ones she never intended to pursue but provided her with some great opportunities and adventures. If there were one or two take-aways from her presentation, it was that “Never say Never” and be open to all opportunities, you never know where they might lead. As you read some of her adventures below, I encourage you to also watch the recording as she shares some of her successes. View the presentation by clicking here.
Janis Worley was born in Mayfield Heights. She attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, receiving a BA in Business, and Pennsylvania State University, in State College, Pennsylvania, where she obtained her MBA. Janis has additionally attended the Executive Program, Strategic Marketing Management, at Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, University of Virginia and most recently, earned a Certificate of Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership and Management, from Michigan State University and the Society for Nonprofits.
Janis began her career working in Arlington, Texas, in the Budgets and Operating Systems department for Sky Chefs, a division of American Airlines. After spending three years in Texas, Janis returned to northeast Ohio to begin her career at Sherwin Williams. During her time at Sherwin Williams, Janis became Executive Producer of the HGTV home improvement series “Room by Room”, producing 9 seasons of the series before Sherwin Williams released its ownership.
At that time Janis started her own media business, Worleybird Productions. In addition to creating documentaries for PBS as a writer and associate producer, she also produced a local weekly business and economy program for PBS 45/49, NEOtropolis. Janis’ documentary work was recognized with a national Gracie Allen award for Best Documentary/Local Market, and with a Regional Emmy nomination.
Realizing that she wanted to do more than work in the large corporate world, Janis sought out opportunities in the Not-for-profit world. Janis joined One of A Kind Pet Rescue as Director of Advancement, and is now with First Congregational Church of Akron as its Finance and Operations Manager. Janis’ volunteer work is extensive, including involvement with the Junior League of Akron, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio, Akron Pride Festival, the Woman’s Board of Akron Children’s Hospital, Alpha Delta Pi, Summit County Historical Society, Grace House Akron, Old Trail School, and WITAN, and is a member of Leadership Akron Signature Class 37. Janis was recently honored by the Summit County Historical Society and Woman’s History Project with their 2022 Woman of the Year Award for Integrity, and by Wittenberg University with their Servant Leader award.
Terry Dalton
Akron Club Secretary and Scholarship Chair
