Along the Way: Leadership Portage County better than ever at 33

Back in 1993, having gone through Leadership Portage County ’s second class, I thought its program of fast-tracking its participants on getting to know the community was outstanding.

Now, 31 years later, under its new, accomplished executive director, Andra Polasky , the program looks better than ever. Polasky is in her second year.

I base that conclusion on a report Polasky recently sent out to the hundreds of Leadership Portage County alumni. It shows Leadership Portage County finished its fiscal year comfortably in the black. With the Class of 2025 full at a record 43 members, applications for the Class of 2026 are already being accepted .

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Polasky’s report also had a reminder of an opportunity for LPC alumni to reconnect at a summer party on the patio of Metis Construction Services in Kent. Set for 5 p.m. Aug. 7, the reunion will celebrate a program that is better than ever going into its 33 ^rd year.

“I am fiercely proud of Andra and our board, who are giving Leadership Portage County new energy and momentum. We have a top-notch Leadership program here in our own backyard,” said Attorney Leighann Fink, board president of Leadership Portage County.

Founded in 1991, Leadership Portage County, funded by tuition and sponsorships, engages those who enroll in interesting day-long sessions that convene once a month from September through May. Participants are exposed to all aspects of life in Portage County in carefully crafted classes with hands-on opportunities. Experts provide a comprehensive look at Portage County. Those enrolled meet leaders working to make our county a better place to live. A new component is leadership training as part of every class day.

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When I went through the program, I assumed I already knew most of what I would see and hear. How wrong I was! I saw places in Portage County I would never have otherwise visited, heard impressive community leaders, and came to know wonderful Leadership Portage County classmates I might never have met.

Participants enjoy varied coursework

Currently, all classes are one day except the opening retreat, which begins Sept. 11 with a welcome dinner at the beautiful home of board member Shirley Mars and her husband, Bill.

A two-day retreat follows, starting the next day at Camp James A. Garfield (formerly the Ravenna Arsenal) with Lt. Col. Brian Crock presenting the history of the 22,000-acre site. The class takes a bus tour with Crock narrating, and finishes the day with a DISC presentation that enables class members to better understand their own personalities. The second day is a working day of service at a Portage County Habitat for Humanity home site.

On Oct. 10, classmates enjoy an extensive tour of Portage County. This is followed Nov. 7 by Human Services Day at the Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Class members visit the Center of Hope, Coleman Adult Day Care and the King Kennedy Center. Jobs and Family Services facilitates a powerful two-hour poverty simulation in the afternoon.

On Dec. 5, Economic Growth and Development Day, class members tour various businesses and hear from business leaders regarding workforce development, entrepreneurship and manufacturing.

On Jan. 5, Healthcare Day, the focus is on community and public health. UH Portage Medical Center hosts the class and presents. AxessPointe Community Health and Kent State University’s College of Public Health will also present at this session. In the afternoon, class members get an insider look at Northeast Ohio Medical University.

On Feb. 6 is Justice System & Citizenship Day. Local judges and office holders will provide insights into our civil and criminal justice systems and other functions of local county government that affect everyone.

On March 6, Education Day begins at Maplewood Career Center with Superintendent Randy Griffith and a tour. The day finishes by showcasing higher education at Kent State University. The April 3Leadership Conference is open to the public to participate.

May 8 is the closing retreat and commencement ceremony. Participants, upon graduation, join the Leadership Portage County Alumni Association, which provides opportunities to reconnect.

David E. Dix is a former publisher of The Record Courier.

43 students set for Class of 2025

Members of the new class of Leadership Portage County are:

Anamaria Feyervari, Family & Community Services

Angela Kwallek Evans, Burton D. Morgan Foundation

Anh Hoang Phuong Pham, Kent State University

Anna Marie Lavenia, Emerson Group

Annie Zwisler, Portage County District Library

Ashley Louceck, Coleman Health Services

Bethany Campbell, Davey Tree

Brook Anderson, The Church of Aurora

Corrina Dunfee, Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority

Craig Berger, Kent State University

David Dix, Dix 1898

Dennis Campbell, Kent Area Chamber of Commerce

Diane Sperko, Portage Park District

Dr. Amy Lee, Northeast Ohio Medical University

Eric Agyare, Portage County Job & Family Services

Eric Seachrist, Portage Park District

Holly Woods, Brimfield Township

Janice Simmons-Mortimer, Portage Foundation

Jasmine Golden, Portage Developmental Disabilities

Jennifer Bishop, Kent State University

Jeremy Brewer, AxessPointe Community Health Services

Jim Williams, Portage Community Bank

Joe Prada, Hattie Larlham

John E. Brachna, JAACZ Business Growth Services, LLC

Julie Ziga, SoL Harris/Day Architecture

Kristen Brown, Metis Construciton Services

LaKetta Wilson, Kent State University

Marea Ludwig, Independent Contractor

Mariah Blake, Portage Metropolitan Housing Authority

Matthew Hartzler, University Hospitals Portage

Michael Roberto, Aurora City Schools

Mitchell Planey, Bissler  & Sons Funeral Home

Olivia King, NEOvations Pharmacy Services, LLC

Patricia Wade, Portage County Job & Family Services

Rachel France, Portage Developmental Disabilities

Rachel Schafer, Kent State University

Randy Thomas, Akron Zoo

Sarah Meduri, Portage County Health District

Shannon Zemba, Over Easy at the Depot

Todd Burdette, Kent State University

Valerie Phillips, Davey Tree

Will Kulis, Wright Heating & Cooling

William Andrew Duck, Portage County Health District

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Along the Way: Leadership Portage County better than ever at 33