James J. Hardy

James J. Hardy previously served as Assistant Director of Community Health at Summit County Public Health.  There he led the Health Equity and Social Determinants Unit, managing a diverse portfolio of community-based programs and public health services.

Prior to that, he served as Special Assistant to the President and Board of Trustees of Kent State University, as a Regional Director for Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, and as an Executive Office Intern for Former U.S. President Bill Clinton.

In 2005, Hardy was elected to the Akron Public Schools Board of Education.  During his six years on the Board he served as chair of several committees, including the Joint Board of Review and the district’s Finance and Capital Management Committee, which oversees Akron Public School’s $313 million general fund budget.  In 2009, his peers elected him as Board President.

Hardy holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science-Criminal Justice from the University of Akron, and a Master’s in Public Health from Kent State University with a concentration in Health Policy and Management.

A lifelong resident of Akron, he is involved in various community organizations including service on the board of Community AIDS Network/Akron Pride Initiative (CANAPI).  He is a past recipient of the Greater Akron Chamber’s 30 For the Future Award (2011).”