Congratulations to Chief Clinical Officer Kim Meals on her selection to Leadership Akron’s Signature Class 42!

Meals is one of 44 participants in this class, which is comprised of leaders in the business, nonprofit, government, education, health care and arts sectors.

Participants in Leadership Akron’s flagship program embark on a 10-month “curated journey into the heart of Greater Akron” with site visits to Akron institutions, in-depth discussions and immersive education on topics such as justice, education, public health and economic vitality. Participants build collaborative skills, expand their leadership capacity and broaden their community impact.

The selection process is competitive, with an average of two to three applicants for every placement. Applicants are required to show commitment to the greater Akron area through demonstrated community involvement, a personal narrative and short personal video.

Applications are reviewed by the selection committee, which is comprised of Leadership Akron Board of Directors members, and then candidates are interviewed in person by a board member to provide additional details.

Meals holds a Master’s in mental health counseling from Kent State University and a certificate in non-profit management from Case Western Reserve University. A passionate advocate for behavioral health, Meals is actively involved in the Summit County Suicide Coalition and serves as the board chair for Choices, a community social center for individuals with mental illnesses. Meals joined CSS in 1998 and has served in many roles with the organization, assuming her current role as chief clinical officer in 2024. She is eager to join Leadership Akron’s Signature Class 42.

"I’m excited for the opportunity to connect with fellow leaders, learn more about our amazing Akron community, and grow both personally and professionally," she said.