About Us

The Akron Press Club was founded in 1971 to promote a free press and serve local journalists and public relations professionals. The group has a rich heritage of bringing local and national newsmakers together to discuss compelling issues of the day at Press Club luncheons and speaking events that are open to the public. The club also funds scholarships for journalists and public relations students and sponsors annual fundraising and community outreach events.

Members of the Akron Press Club are journalists, communicators and public relations professionals, and frequently news makers themselves. The Akron Press Club represents the area’s only association whose membership encompasses all communications fields. This powerful network includes professionals from newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, public relations, business and nonprofit communications, education, business and government.

Club members benefit from opportunities to exchange ideas, hear provocative speakers, participate in professional development opportunities and attend interesting social events.

The Akron Press Club is an open forum that respects the rights of free speech and press. Speakers are expected to take questions from the audience after their formal remarks. Recording of Akron Press Club events by the media or public is permitted; recording rights may be restricted only at the discretion of the Akron Press Club Board.

The Press Club sponsors and co-sponsors events that are open to any member of the general public. Attendance at, and issues raised, at our events will not be screened or controlled by our guest speakers or their representatives.

Akron Press Club Officers:

Bruce Winges, President

Carla Davis, Immediate past president

Nick Antonio, Treasurer

Scott Piepho, Vice President, Programming

Lisa Craig, Vice President, Marketing

M.L. Schultze, Secretary

Board of Trustees:

David B. Cohen

Julia Gammon

Michelle Henry

Anna Huntsman

Andrew Meyer

Ron Ponder

Cheryl Powell

Michael Shearer

J. Cherie Strachan

Ron Syroid