Deputy Mayor for Integrated Development, James Hardy, Named a 2019 Crain’s Cleveland Business “Forty Under 40” Honoree
City of Akron Press Release
From the desk of Ellen Lander Nischt
Published: 11-19-2019
Akron, Ohio, November 19, 2019 – Mayor Dan Horrigan is proud to congratulate Deputy Mayor for Integrated Development, James Hardy, on a well-deserved regional award. James is being honored by Crain’s Cleveland Business “Forty under 40” as an outstanding leader in the field of public service. Crain's Cleveland Business honors 40 of the community's best and brightest under the age of 40 each year. Deputy Mayor Hardy is being recognized for his unwavering commitment to public service and the Akron community.
“As Deputy Mayor for Integrated Development, James has devoted himself to improving the way we do business as a City, by working to integrate functions, streamline operations, and focus on equitable outcomes,” Mayor Dan Horrigan said. “This is a well-deserved recognition of his contributions to Akron and his value as a leader who truly cares about his work and community.”
In his role as the City’s first Deputy Mayor for Integrated Development, James oversees the Office of Integrated Development (OID). OID houses the functions of Planning, Development, Business Retention and Expansion, Development Engineering, and Public Life, including recreation and downtown operations. James brings a long history of public service to the position, including prior work as a Regional Director for Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, an Executive Office Intern for Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, and six years on Akron Public Schools Board of Education. Immediately prior to joining Mayor Horrigan’s administration, Hardy served as Assistant Director of Community Health at Summit County Public Health, where he led the Health Equity and Social Determinants Unit.
Deputy Mayor Hardy holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science-Criminal Justice from the University of Akron, and a Master’s Degree in Public Health from Kent State University with a concentration in Health Policy and Management. A lifelong resident of Akron, he is also involved in various community organizations including service on the board of Community AIDS Network/Akron Pride Initiative (CANAPI) and the Akron Civic Theater. James is a graduate of Leadership Akron Class 34. He is also a proud husband and father of two.
For more information on Deputy Mayor Hardy and the Crain’s Cleveland Business “Forty under 40” award please read: https://www.crainscleveland.com/awards/james-hardy-forty-under-40-2019.
For further information, contact:
Ellen Lander Nischt
Press Secretary
Phone: 330-375-2325
E-mail: [email protected]
