Long-time political strategist Jerry Austin will speak at the Akron Press Club luncheon program Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Quaker Station. This event is rescheduled from its original December date.
This Press Club event is co-sponsored by the University of Akron’s Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.
There will be the opportunity for questions from the audience. There also will be the opportunity for Austin to sign copies of his books, “Tales from the Campaign Trail” and “Tales from the Campaign Trail, Vol. II.”
Bronx native Austin was schooled in Cleveland politics in the late 1960s. He was the Ohio campaign manager for President Jimmy Carter in 1980. Austin helped elect Richard Celeste Ohio governor twice. In 1988 Austin was Jesse Jackson’s national campaign manager. In 1992 he was the consultant and media adviser for Carol Moseley Braun’s successful campaign to become the first African American woman elected to the U.S. Senate.
Austin has provided consulting for many successful long-shot congressional races. In addition, he developed a unique targeting strategy for voters who have dogs or pets.
Austin holds a BA in history from the City College of New York, a master’s in public administration from New York University and a master’s in education from the University of Akron. He taught as an adjunct at Akron for 18 years and was director of the International Fellows Program at the Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.
Proceeds from Akron Press Club events fund scholarships for journalism and public relations students. Between the Press Club and the John S. Knight Memorial Scholarship Fund, scholarships of $5,000 were awarded to 10 students in 2022.
The Press Club sincerely thanks Summit County for its generous donation to the scholarship fund. One of our scholarships is named in honor of the late County Executive Russ Pry. Russ was a supporter of the Press Club through his annual State of the County speech. Current Executive Ilene Shapiro continues that tradition.