Akron City Council’s screening committee has several options to consider as it seeks to fill the at-large seat vacated at the end of March by the retirement of Jeff Fusco.
Signal Akron obtained the resumes and cover letters submitted by all 17 applicants via a public records request — the applications were due by noon on Tuesday, April 16.
Ward 6 Council Member Brad McKitrick withdrew an application for the at-large seat on April 20 — there was no explanation given for the change.
City Council’s screening committee will hold interviews for the candidates Wednesday at 12:45 p.m. in a private executive session. The new at-large representative will be finalized by the full City Council in a vote on April 27 and is expected to be named at Monday evening’s meeting.
Akron City Council at-large candidates’ list, plus letters and resumes
Listed below are the applicants for the open at-large seat, their most recent self-reported job titles, and an excerpt from the “letter of interest” they were required to submit.
We’ve also posted their application letters and resumes together online — go to this folder to access them.
(Editor’s note: Whenever possible, the excerpts reflect the unedited text of the candidates’ submissions.)
N.J. Akbar
Current / most recent occupation:
Administrative lead for the Akron Legacy Building Project, President and senior principal consultant, B4U Services, LLC.
Note: Former Akron Public Schools Board of Education president. Akbar lost to Bruce Bolden for the primary election last Spring for Akron City Council’s War 8 seat.
Letter Excerpt: “For more than 17 years since I moved to the Akron area, I have become deeply involved in Akron’s advancement and committed to recognizing the challenges we face. I am committed and willing to bring the city together to find innovative solutions to move forward. Akron have adopted me and embraced me fully and I love this city.”
Ginger Baylor
Current / most recent occupation: At-large representative, Akron City Council (2020-2023)
Letter excerpt: “I possess a proven track record of trust with the people of Akron, having been elected city-wide in four out of five elections. This history reflects the community’s belief in my ability to deliver results. I am eager for the opportunity to prove this trust is well-placed by immediately getting to work for the city I love.”
Rodney Dennis
Current / most recent occupation: Founder, Levels Barber College.
Letter excerpt: “I am excited to express my interest in this position. I believe that my background in equips me to contribute meaningfully to the council’s efforts in addressing the needs and aspirations of our city. I have attached my resume & I appreciate the opportunity.”
Maria Golden
Current / most recent occupation: Freelance photographer and artist.
Letter excerpt: “I am a long time resident with an extensive history in community-based art and behavioral health, I bring a deep, firsthand understanding o f the needs of Akron’s residents. My work has centered on supporting youth, strengthening families, and building connections across schools, healthcare systems, and community organizations. I am committed to improving access to resources, supporting small businesses and creatives, to strengthen neighborhoods across our city. I would serve with integrity, and be a strong voice for the community.”
Mark Greer
Current / most recent occupation: Chief development and engagement officer, Development Finance Authority of Summit County
Note: Greer served as executive director of Akron 200, Inc., the nonprofit responsible for planning Akron’s bicentennial celebration events.
Letter excerpt: “From my work in both the private and public sectors, to the nonprofit arena, to my experience as an educator, an ordained minister, and one who has previously run for office, I believe my diverse background and experiences uniquely qualify me to successfully serve in this role.
If appointed, I pledge to:
- Listen actively to residents across all wards and bring their voices to the Council chambers.
- Work collaboratively and respectfully with my Council colleagues and the administration to advance our objectives and deliver positive, tangible results.
- Gain the trust of our communities in representing and addressing their concerns.
- Join in our shared mission to improve the lives of all Akronites and uplift the city we call home.”
George Johnson
Current / most recent occupation: Labor and government liaison, Mendenhall Legal Group.
Letter excerpt: “I bring a unique and well diverse understanding of policies and politics through my former union responsibility as an Union Organizer for AFSCME Ohio Council 8, Board Member for AFSCME Ohio Council 8 in Columbus Ohio and Board Member at the Tri-County Regional Labor Council AFL-CIO. I served as the Political Endorsement Chairman for AFSCME Ohio Council 8 covering nine (9) Counties within northeastern Ohio I have earned the respect and a reputation for getting things done and working with diverse groups in adversarial situations at times.”
Maurea Lollar
Current / most recent occupation: Community outreach coordinator, Patricia Ann Cargill Charities.
Letter excerpt: “I want to champion legislation that will generate real, measurable change, enhance the lives of constituents, restore relations between residents and local government officials, and demonstrate qualities of a reliable and motivated leader while fostering and creating relationships through service.”
Charley Nelson
Current / most recent occupation: Akron Public Schools, retired and substitute teacher
Letter excerpt: “My goal in seeking this position is to help foster responsible decision-making, encourage community engagement, and support initiatives that promote sustainable growth and inclusivity. I believe that listening carefully to residents and working constructively with fellow council members are essential to achieving meaningful progress.”
Eric D. Nevins Jr.
Current / most recent occupation: Youth programming coordinator at Red Oak Behavioral Health
Letter excerpt: “I have come to value the importance of thoughtful leadership that understands how policy, budget, and community outcomes intersect. Akron has strong leadership and a committed foundation of public service. I believe there is a meaningful oppo1tunity to continue strengthening how our systems work together so that our investments not only address immediate needs, but also build sustainable pathways for growth, stability, and development across the city.”
Johnny Osby, Jr.
Current / most recent occupation: Prevention specialist, Minority Behavioral Health Group.
Letter excerpt: “My experience as a City of Akron employee, Qualified Behavioral Health Specialist, Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist Assistant, Community Psychiatric Support Treatment, Case manager, and Outreach Specialist at Minority Behavioral Health Group, Entrepreneur of twenty five years, City Council at Large Candidate 2023 and board member of the AROPI (Akron Rites of Passage Institute) in the community has equipped me with the skills to foster collaboration and find innovative solutions. I am committed to working with Mayor Malik’s office and my fellow council members to ensure that the 2026 capital budget and future projects, such as the Innerbelt Master Plan, are executed with transparency and community input.”
Denane Pollard Sr.
Current / most recent occupation: (No resume was supplied.)
Letter excerpt: “I am respectfully applying for the Councilman at Large position because I have devoted my life to change. For too long, we have accepted slow progress as “good enough.” I believe we need real growth – not as one individual, but as a whole community. I am passionate about the people of this great city. I have deep compassion for our children, our elderly, and the overall mental and physical of everyone in Akron. Because in order for us to expand, we must first be healthy mind, body, and soul.”
Acacia Reynolds
Current / most recent occupation: No employment history listed.
Note: Acacia Reynolds ran for Akron City Council’s Ward 1 seat last year, losing to Fran Wilson in the general election in November.
Letter excerpt: “If selected for this At-Large position, I will work to amplify the voices of all Akron residents; especially those who have historically been marginalized or overlooked as evident through my work with the Akron NAACP and the FreedomBloc. I will advocate for policies that promote economic development, strengthen neighborhoods, and ensure fairness in city services and public safety practices. My goal is to help build a more inclusive, transparent, and forward-thinking Akron.”
William James Reynolds Sr.
Current / most recent occupation: Rideshare driver for Uber, Lyft
Letter excerpt: “Since moving to Akron, I have remained deeply involved in community issues. I have gained leadership training through Leadership Akron and Love Akron. I served on the policy council (School Board) of the Community Action Akron Summit Headstart as the vice president and president as well as the board of directors of the mother organization. I have been an active volunteer with Freedom Bloc and have participated in numerous demonstrations advocating for justice, transparency, and accountability. I have also spoken before City Council and Akron Board of Education on multiple occasions, bringing forward concerns from residents who often feel unheard or overlooked.”
Catey Breck Scanlon
Current / most recent occupation: Founder and CEO, The Hall Company; development director, Cleveland Buddhist Vihara.
Note: Scanlon worked in former Mayor Dan Horrigan’s administration, in several positions from 2021-2023.
Letter excerpt: “I graduated from Akron and continued my studies at CSU where I earned my Master’s in Public Administration. When I graduated in 2008, there were no jobs so I lived at home, tended bar, and waited tables. There were times when I wanted to give up, but I kept making contacts and applying, until one day I landed my first job as a Field Representative for Congresswoman Betty Sutton. It was through this experience that I discovered my true passion of serving others. Not just routing them to the right place – but standing in the trenches with them.”
Kevin Thomas
Current / most recent occupation: Regional president, AAA Auto Club Associates, Wilmington, DE (retired in 2025).
Letter excerpt: “My career of over 43 years representing members, motorists, and the general public in Akron and Summit County has provided me with extensive experience in addressing the needs of diverse groups. Throughout my tenure, I have maintained close professional relationships with Akron’s leaders and resources, and I am proud of my organization ‘s active civic engagement under my leadership.”
Tara Mosley Weems
Current / most recent occupation: City of Akron Municipal Court, court navigator (housing focus); Executive director, B&V Family Community Resource House
Editor’s note: Ward 5 council representative from 2013 to 2023.
Letter excerpt: “From the beginning of my tenure, I prioritized transparency and community protection. My first pieces of legislation included sponsoring the implementation of live streaming for City Council meetings—expanding public access and trust in local government—and introducing legislation to protect poll workers during election periods, ensuring safety and integrity in our democratic process.
“Throughout my service, I have led and supported initiatives focused on public safety reform, government accountability, housing stability, youth and community investment, and equitable access to resources across Akron. I have also supported the implementation of public safety technologies and policies that strengthen both community trust and effective service delivery.”
Sarah Wilson
Current / most recent occupation: Media & Sponsorship Associate, BF Empowerment Center
Letter excerpt: “My professional and community experiences have prepared me well for this role. I currently serve as a Media and Sponsorship Associate at the BF Empowerment Center, where I focus on community outreach, partnership development, and connecting resources to those in need. In addition, I am actively engaged in service work through the LeBron James Family Foundation, where I lead the Parent Advisory Board. In this role, I work closely with families to strengthen engagement, improve communication, and ensure that parents have a voice in decisions impacting their children’s education and well-being.“
