Glass Half Full Award

The Glass Half Full Award was created in 2011 to honor GAR’s former president Rob Briggs. Today, the award annually recognizes a Summit County community leader for inspiring and optimistic leadership of a nonprofit organization.

Qualities of a Glass Half Full Recipient

  • Recognized excellence in nonprofit leadership and management
  • Optimism and warmth
  • Demonstrated collaboration with other key community stakeholders
  • Engaging demeanor and determined approach
  • Innovative and inspirational work style

Past Award Recipients

  • 2011: Rob Briggs, GAR Foundation
  • 2012: Suzie Graham, Downtown Akron Partnership
  • 2013: Noelle Beck, First Glance  
  • 2014: Derran Wimer, Summit Education Initiative
  • 2015: Grady Appleton, East Akron Neighborhood Development Corp. 
  • 2016: Christine Yuhasz, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA) 
  • 2017: David James, Superintendent, Akron Public School
  • 2018: Lynn Budnick, Executive Director, Access, Inc.
  • 2019: G. Kwame Scruggs, Founder, Director of Programs and Training, Alchemy, Inc.
  • 2020: Nicole Mullet, Executive Director, ArtsNow
  • 2021: Teresa R. LeGrair, President & CEO, Akron Urban League
  • 2022: Perry Clark, Founder and President, Truly Reaching You
  • 2023: Yolanda Parker, Founder & Executive Director, L.I.N.K.S. Community & Family Services
  • 2024: Deb Yandala, President & CEO, Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park