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 Recipients
Learn more about our past Glass Half Full Award winners! All recipients are listed with their title and organization at the time the award was presented to them.
2025
David Shimotakahara
Founding Artistic Director
GroundWorks DanceTheater
2024
Deb Yandala
President & CEO
Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park
2023
Yolanda Parker
Founder & Executive Director
L.I.N.K.S. Community & Family Services
2022
Perry Clark
Founder and President
Truly Reaching You
2021
Teresa R. LeGrair
President & CEO
Akron Urban League
2020
Nicole Mullet
Executive Director
ArtsNow
2019
G. Kwame Scruggs
Founder, Director of Programs and Training
Alchemy, Inc.
2018
Lynn Budnick
Executive Director
Access, Inc.
2017
David James
Superintendent
Akron Public Schools
2016
Christine Yuhasz
Director of Strategic Engagement
Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority (AMHA)
2015
Grady Appleton
President & CFO
East Akron Neighborhood Development Corp.
2014
Derran Wimer
Executive Director
Summit Education Initiative
2013
Noelle Beck
Founder
First Glance
2012
Suzie Graham Moore
Executive Director
Downtown Akron Partnership
2011
Rob Briggs
President
GAR Foundation