Justin Hilton named president of Leadership Akron

Justin Everett Hilton has been named the new president of Leadership Akron.

Hilton, a Goodyear executive and former Kent State University administrator, will succeed Barry Dunaway, who is retiring in June. Hilton has been on the Leadership Akron board of directors for two years.

Leadership Akron, founded in 1984, helps develop and connect community leaders through its programs.

“We are thrilled to have Justin Hilton become the next president of Leadership Akron," Amanda Leffler, incoming board chair of the organization, said in a statement. "His passion for relationships and community impact aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting leaders to each other and to the community.

Hilton is a graduate of Leadership Akron's Signature Program and has been on its board of directors since 2020.

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"Justin brings with him a wealth and depth of community leadership experience,” Leffler said.

Hilton currently is program director at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. He previously was at Kent State University for 20 years. His jobs there included senior administrator for community outreach and senior associate vice president of university relations.

Besides being on the board of Leadership Akron, Hilton is on the leadership advisory board of the LeBron James Family Foundation, executive committee and board of directors of Building Bridges Foundation, and executive committee and board of directors of 100 Who Care CAK.

He previously was on the board for Stan Hywet, Akron Pregnancy Services, Access Inc., and ArtsNow. He also was a member of the steering committee and advisory board for Akron Public Schools College and Career Academies.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Justin Hilton named president of Leadership Akron