Dreamers, Drivers, Doers

In this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, Greater Akron Chamber President and CEO Steve Millard talks with Tracy Carter, System Director of Government Affairs and Health Policy at Summa Health. Tracy shares her inspiring journey from a young intern seeking mentorship at 18 to becoming a key voice in healthcare policy and advocacy at one of the region’s leading health systems. Tracy discusses the importance of proactive relationships across all levels of government, her fierce advocacy for Medicaid expansion, and the transformative potential of the HatCo acquisition for Summa’s future.

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In this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, Greater Akron Chamber President and CEOSteve Millard sits down with John Williams, President and CEO of the Akron Urban League. As the Akron Urban League approaches its 100th anniversary, John discusses the organization’s enduring legacy and its evolving role in workforce development, youth engagement, and small business support. From safe spaces for teens and esports programs to business incubators and community partnerships, John is focused on building trust, creating opportunity, and positioning the Urban League as a hub for innovation and empowerment.

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In this episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, Greater Akron Chamber President and CEO Steve Millard sits down with Dr. Teri Lash-Ritter, President of Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Lodi Hospitals and President of the South Submarket of the Northeast Ohio Market. Dr. Lash-Ritter shares her leadership journey from growing up in Canton to becoming a key figure in healthcare administration, with a strong foundation as a physician leader. She reflects on lessons learned in crisis management, the need for empathetic leadership, and her commitment to reinvesting in preventive care. Throughout the conversation, she offers candid insights into building trust, overcoming leadership challenges as a woman in medicine, and how Cleveland Clinic Akron General's physician-led model keeps patients at the center of every decision.

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In this episode, Steve Millard and John Rizzo talk with Todd McCracken, President & CEO of the National Small Business Association (NSBA) about the organization's history and the services they offer. Todd provides insight into various issues that small businesses face such as the Small Business Income Deduction, Corporate Transparency Act, R&D amortization, and other actions they're taking to give small businesses a voice among elected officials and government leaders. For more information about the NSBA and how to get involved, visit https://www.nsbaadvocate.org/.

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In this episode, we sit down with Dan Rice, President and CEO of the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, to explore how this impactful organization connects communities through history, recreation, and economic development. With over 150 public and private partners, the Coalition works to preserve and promote the rich educational and recreational assets along the Ohio & Erie Canalway like the Towpath Trail and Summit Lake. Dan also details the organizations upcoming “Captains Ball” on April 30–a virtual fundraising auction that supports their mission of protecting, preserving, developing and enhancing the historical, natural and recreational resources along the route of the historic Ohio & Erie Canal.

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With energy costs set to rise by a whopping 10%-20% this summer, commercial businesses and residences alike are facing mounting expenses. By investing in solar, businesses can lock in energy rates for up to 30 years, take advantage of a 30% federal tax credit, and even benefit from domestic manufacturing incentives. In this episode, Steve sits down with Anthony Manna Jr., President of Hello Sunray, to discuss how solar energy provides a powerful solution, as well as detailing their large scale commercial solar project in Cuyahoga Falls with manufacturer Kyocera. Anthony also breaks down how solar works—net metering, policy impacts, and why Ohio gets more than enough sun to make solar a viable investment.

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In this episode, Steve sits down with Michele Maas, President and Founder of Another Act of Kindness, and Jonathan Maas, board member and survivor of a life-threatening battle with COVID-19. After Jonathan’s miraculous recovery, Michelle was inspired to give back to the nurses who saved his life. Together, they launched Another Act of Kindness, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting healthcare workers through scholarships, wellness retreats, and care initiatives like “Healing the Healers.” From providing nurses with stress-relief tools like massage and yoga to tackling burnout and attrition in the profession, Michelle and Jonathan are on a mission to uplift those who give so much to others.

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In this special episode of Dreamers, Drivers, Doers, we sit down with Rick Rogers, Founder and Executive Director of Curated Storefront and the 2025 recipient of the H. Peter Burg Economic Development Leadership Award. A visionary entrepreneur, business leader, and champion of the arts, Rick has played a pivotal role in shaping Akron’s economic and cultural landscape. From expanding B.W. Rogers Company across multiple states to revitalizing downtown Akron through public art and creative placemaking, Rick’s impact is undeniable. He shares insights into his journey, the mission of Curated Storefront, and his belief in the power of the arts to drive economic resurgence in post-industrial cities.

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In this episode, Steve sits down with Kathy Wilcox and Joe Watson of Switch Innovation Lab to explore the power of design thinking in organizational success and how a human-centered approach can solve workplace challenges, foster innovation, and create psychological safety. The three dive into appreciative inquiry, the importance of focusing on strengths rather than faults, and the role of emotional intelligence in leadership. The conversation also covers the necessity of clarity in job roles, fostering an open culture for innovation, and how organizations—large or small—can be intentional in creating environments where employees thrive.

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In this episode, Steve talks with Rob Buchwald, founder of Akron Innovations, about how businesses can effectively integrate AI to drive growth and innovation. Rob explains why AI adoption should be seen as a business process change rather than just a technology upgrade, emphasizing the need for leaders to embrace AI early rather than waiting for competitors to set the standard. He discusses the risks of vendor lock-in, the parallels between AI and the cloud revolution, and how AI can help businesses focus on their unique differentiators. Listen now to learn how Akron Innovations is guiding businesses through this transformation.

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