An inclusive, action oriented service organization, Akron Rotary improves our community and the world while having fun and building friendships.
Our Vision:
Together, we aspire to make a lasting, positive impact in the lives of those in our Akron community and beyond.
2026 Grant Cycle - ONE DAY LEFT TO SUBMIT Applications – due by Jan 31st!
The Rotary Club of Akron and the Akron Rotary Foundation 2026 Grant Cycle is officially open. Grants between $1,000 and $15,000 will be considered via an application process which ends January 31, 2026.Projects must fall within Rotary’s areas of service which include Peace & Conflict Prevention; Disease Prevention; Water &Sanitation; Maternal/Child Health & Welfare; Basic Education/Literacy; Economic/Community Development or the Environment.
ROTARIANS: Spread the word to impactful community service providers! Encourage them to apply by January 31, 2026, via the application link below. If you have questions, email Sandy_Naragon@yahoo.com.
Nancy Ellis McClenaghan (Nan) is the President and CEO of The Goodwill Industries of Akron, Ohio, Inc. For over 98 years, Goodwill has been a leader in workforce development serving Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland and Richland Counties. Its mission is to help individuals prepare for, find and retain employment. It serves more than 15,000 individuals annually through the direct and indirect efforts of over 450 employees in its workforce development, retail (donated goods) operations, business services and administrative areas. With a focus on strengthening the region’s work force, Goodwill prepares citizens for work and empowers people to live independent, productive lives. Services are available for anyone unemployed, underemployed, downsized, dislocated or new to the workforce as well as those with physical, mental, emotional or background barriers to employment. In late 2020, Goodwill was honored to receive its largest grant ever, a $5 million unrestricted gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott which is being utilized to help reduce transportation barriers in its region!
Nan assumed Goodwill’s leadership role in July 2003 after eighteen months of very early retirement from Dominion Resources. Just before leaving Dominion, she had served as its Vice President, Mass Market and just after Dominion’s January 2000 merger with Consolidated Natural Gas (CNG), Nan had also been the Vice President, Billing & Credit. Her nineteen years of utility experience began with CNG and its subsidiary, The East Ohio Gas Company (EOG), and included Customer Services, Operations, Rates and Treasury roles which, at times, included operations in up to four states. Her utility experience includes customer services and operations, product and market development, cost accounting and pricing activities (rate making), gas supply and operations planning, gas measurement strategy, complaint mediation, and rate case, labor and gas supply negotiations.
Prior to joining EOG, Nan spent two years with Touche Ross & Company (now Deloitte Touche) in Akron. She acquired her Ohio public accounting license while in that capacity and she maintains her registration as an inactive CPA. She holds a Masters of Taxation from the University of Akron (UA) and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Ohio University. During high school, she achieved the First Class Award in Girl Scouting (equivalent of the Eagle Award). She has achieved numerous awards over her career, and most recently, a 2014 Frank L. Simonetti Distinguished Business Alumni Award from UA’s College of Business Administration and the 2013 Women’s Network Founders’ Award for Community Progress for Women. She serves on ACRT’s Board as its Governance Committee Chair. Nan is the Treasurer/Trustee of the American Cancer Society’s Joseph S. & Jeannette M. Silber Foundation and a Reworks’ Trustee (Summit Akron Solid Waste Management Authority). As a member of the Summit County Social Services Advisory Board, she chairs its Income, Education & Workforce Development Committee. She resides in Akron with her husband and several rescued golden retrievers. Her childhood home was in Struthers, Ohio.
The 36th Chili Open is set to take place at Hale Farm & Village on February 7, 2026, from 9 AM to 3 PM. This event is proudly presented by Wayne Homes and will benefit the Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs.
The funds raised from the Chili Open ensure that no camper is turned away for their inability to pay. The event provides crucial camperships for families who might not otherwise be able to send their child with special needs to camp.
Important Reminders:
Last Call for Raffle Tickets! Please bring your tickets to the meeting on Tuesday, or you can drop them off at the camp office. Raffle tickets can also be turned in at the Chili Open.
We are still in need of a few bottles of liquor for the Wagon of Cheer. If you have any extra bottles taking up space in your cabinet, we would greatly appreciate your contribution. Additionally, any items for door prizes are welcomed!
If you’re interested in volunteering for a shift or two, please contact Dr. Doug. He would be delighted to place you in available slots. Feel free to bring a friend along to help and showcase the amazing work done by the Rotary Club of Akron.
Lastly, it’s not too late to secure a sponsorship, donation, or item for the auction.
Thank you for your continued support in helping Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs create a world where there are only abilities!
Inducted by President Katy Miller on Tuesday, January 27, Stephen was sponsored by Liv Pilon.
About Stephen:
Stephen was previously a member of the Rotary Club of Youngstown. He grew up in the city of Youngstown, graduating from Cardinal Mooney High School and Youngstown State University with a BA in Telecommunication Studies & a Minor in Music.
In his free time, he enjoys going out with friends, listening to music, playing guitar and piano, or just watching movies.
He shared “I moved to Cuyahoga Falls in 2023 so I really enjoy finding new places to go on the weekends as I'm still "new" to the Summit County area.”
Another hobby he has is woodworking/carpentry. He said ”If there is any way that this can be worked into community service I am happy to help! “ At YSU his fraternity helped out on the weekends with the YNDC (Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation) where they would beautify old abandoned homes. Stephen enjoys fixing things that are "broken" and making them new again!
He works for Great Trail Council, Scouting America and is an Eagle Scout. He said, “I'm proud to be able to share this program with so many young men & women today! Our organization is still going strong and working hard to build the future leaders of tomorrow.”
John Reyes is an Ohio native having been born in Steubenville. He grew up in Stark County, graduating from Sandy Valley High School and completing his undergraduate work in political science and economics at The University of Akron. Thereafter, he attended and graduated from The Vanderbilt University School of Law in 1978. He practiced law in the fields of commercial litigation, products liability defense and public law with the law firm of Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs in Akron from May 1978 to October 2021.
John is married to Linda, a Cleveland native who retired as infection control officer for Fairview Hospital, a part of the Cleveland Clinic Group. They reside in West Akron and have four children and two grandsons.
John began his Rotary career in April 1994 with the Rotary Club of Akron and has served in various capacities, including Club President, a member of the Club’s Board of Directors and a member of the Akron Rotary Foundation Board of Directors.
In addition, John has had the pleasure of serving as District Governor in 2019-2020, Assistant Governor, a member of the District Finance Committee, a member of the District Grants Committee, the District Bylaws Committee, the District Nominating Committee, the District Youth Protection Committee, and was Chair of the District GSE Team in 2012.
John has been active in many community activities including serving on the Board of The Well CDC Inc., Walsh Jesuit High School, the St. Luke’s Lutheran Community Foundation, Stewart’s Caring Place, The Lawrence School, and also served as a member of Summit County Planning Commission, including chairing its Long Range Planning Subcommittee and its Rules Committee. John also serves on the Summit County Board of Building Appeals.
John is both honored and humbled to be selected as a recipient of the 2025 Jim Redmond Ambassador of Service Award. He looks forward to continuing to support the Rotary Camp and Rotary activities in District 6630.
Congratulations John and thank you for all you do for Rotary and the Akron Community!
Our District 6630 conference is for ALL Rotarians and your guests.
We are 50 clubs united or one purpose - UNITE FOR GOOD.
Mark your calendar and plan to attend our District Conference & Learning Assembly.
We're mixing things up with a new schedule and new options so as many club members can join us. PLUS - our keynote speaker is one you don't want to miss!!
It is a great opportunity to meet other members, learn more about Rotary and exchange ideas and have fun and fellowship!!
Stay tuned for details!
April 24 & 25, 2026 | Cleveland Marriott East (Warrensville Heights).
