2025 Pillar Award for Community Service – Northeast Ohio

 

The Pillar Award for Community Service was developed by Smart Business to honor businesses and individuals dedicated to making Northeast Ohio a better place to live. The program is designed to demonstrate the tie between the for-profit and nonprofit worlds, and showcase best practices.

Here are the honorees we recognized this year:

 

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Pillar Award Honorees

 

With the support of Johanna Maas, Director of Business Development and Community Impact, Apex Skin has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to community service through impactful partnerships and initiatives. One of its most visible contributions is serving as the local presenting sponsor for the Miles for Melanoma Cleveland event, benefiting the Melanoma Research Foundation. This year, the community raised a record-breaking $162,971, surpassing the original goal by nearly $28,000. Apex Skin’s sponsorship, combined with staff, patient and family participation, underscored its mission to fight melanoma by funding research, raising awareness and supporting those affected. Additionally, Apex Skin donates a portion of its sunscreen sales to the Foundation, directly connecting everyday health choices to life-saving research.

Apex Skin proudly serves as the presenting sponsor of the Towpath Freedom 5K, hosted by the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition. This event supports community wellness while honoring service and sacrifice, aligning perfectly with Apex Skin’s values of health, resilience and community connection. Led by Founder and President Dr. Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga, a U.S. military veteran, Apex Skin’s sponsorship carries special meaning, reflecting a professional and personal commitment to honoring those who have served. By sponsoring the Freedom 5K, Apex Skin extends its reach beyond dermatology, promoting overall wellness and fostering active, engaged communities. ●

 

Brennan, Manna & Diamond LLC (BMD) is a full-service law firm that serves entrepreneurs and businesses across various industries. Recently, Justin Alaburda was appointed President and Managing Partner. He practices in the firm’s Construction, Litigation, Real Estate, Business and Environmental groups, emphasizing the importance of quickly understanding each client’s needs and business culture to tailor an approach that fits specific objectives.

BMD’s workplace culture is a key factor that sets the firm apart and contributes to its success. One important aspect of this culture is a commitment to inclusion and valuing the uniqueness of team members and clients. BMD appreciates all forms of diversity and recognizes the importance of giving talented attorneys from various backgrounds the opportunity to serve clients.

and provide pro bono work, to many organizations in the communities they serve. In partnership with Community Legal Aid, the firm has hosted pro bono clinics in downtown Akron. This unique partnership began in 2018, offering half-day Saturday clinics at a local elementary school. The clinic has served hundreds of residents who might not have otherwise had access to legal advice. ●

 

Led by CEO Brian Zimmerman, Cleveland Metroparks continues to foster a culture of volunteerism, which is essential to the park’s daily operations. Volunteers are an official extension of the organization and critical to operations. More than 7,100 volunteers each year take on key roles, including trail and zoo ambassadors, guest services and various projects throughout the park district. In the last three years alone, Cleveland Metroparks volunteers contributed over 370,000 service hours.

With such a robust external volunteer program, Cleveland Metroparks also launched an employee volunteer program, Cleveland Metroparks Cares, to encourage employees to stay connected and involved in the communities they serve. Since its inception in 2022, Cleveland Metroparks Cares has continued to grow, with 471 employees donating 1,382 hours to organizations throughout Northeast Ohio. Employees dedicate their time to programs and causes that improve the quality of life in these communities.

Cleveland Metroparks Cares offers employees paid time during work hours to participate in various community initiatives. These activities included maintaining Food Strong’s gardens and nearby areas, organizing and boxing new donations for Shoes & Clothes for Kids, and packing food donations for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. ●

 

Flynn Applebee’s mission is to become the world’s premier franchise operator. With guidance from Market President Jeff Lingel, the company is committed to leaning into the communities in which it does business while caring for its employees. For example, Flynn Applebee’s takes care of its own through The Flynn Family Fund. All funds raised go directly to employees in need when the unexpected happens, such as natural disasters or devastating illnesses.

The fund also provides a philanthropic platform for local charities and groups doing good in the community, helping them gain public awareness and raise funds by opening its doors to these organizations for fundraising events. Along with A Kid Again, a local organization that serves families raising critically ill children, Flynn Applebee’s understands that childhood should be about more than just treatments. Hospital stays and medical routines can take away from family time and steal the simple joys of childhood. A Kid Again gives that joy back through free family outings, like trips to amusement parks, sporting events or zoos, where families laugh, connect and feel “normal” again. For the past 10 years, Flynn Applebee’s has supported this program with a deep understanding and appreciation of what families go through when facing a critical diagnosis. ●

 

Higley Construction is a Cleveland-based general contracting and construction management firm that has constructed many notable structures throughout Northeast Ohio. As Chairman and CEO, Gareth Vaughan has driven the company’s substantial growth — doubling its employee numbers, office locations and revenues — and has prioritized embedding diversity, equity and inclusion into its core values.

Vaughan spearheaded a scholarship initiative with the University of Akron to recruit diverse interns and offer pathways to full-time employment. He also serves as Chair of the MetroHealth Foundation Board, and has been instrumental in advancing public health initiatives and philanthropic support for one of the region’s most vital health care systems. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to improving quality of life for the greater Cleveland community.

In 2022, Vaughan received the People of Vision Award from Prevent Blindness Ohio, honoring his advocacy and support for vision health — an issue close to his heart as a parent of children with vision challenges. His civic engagement over the years has demonstrated his extensive commitment to education, environmental stewardship, economic inclusion and child welfare.

Vaughan’s board service has impacted numerous local organizations, including the American Red Cross (Greater Cleveland Chapter), Providence House and the Burning River Foundation. ●

 

Led by President and CEO Patti Conti, HMT Associates, Inc. is a results-driven marketing agency specializing in brand engagement and corporate events. HMT is committed to supporting causes that matter to its employees and clients. The firm regularly contributes to a variety of requests and is always willing to step in and lend support when there is a community need.

For the past 15 years, HMT has sponsored a room and provided volunteer hours at the Cleveland Ronald McDonald House (RMH). Families staying at RMH’s 53-family house experience a sense of comfort, camaraderie and compassion that helps them stay strong for their children. Spacious private rooms, beautiful common areas, daily meals and other amenities ease their stress and financial burdens, allowing families to focus on their children’s care. HMT’s involvement with RMH includes annual Thanksgiving pie donations, an RMH Giving Tree drive, quarterly meal preparations and spring garden cleanup.

HMT also engages with the community by sponsoring classrooms for Life Act, a suicide prevention program for middle and high schools, directly supporting lifesaving education and early intervention for youth. HMT team members also take part in Letters of Love, sending thoughtful, anonymous handwritten notes and videos to senior communities worldwide. ●

 

Leaf Home, led by CEO Jenilee Common, believes that serving the communities in which its team members live and work is just as important as serving customers, offering the same commitment, care and high standards the company brings to each home improvement project.

As a reflection of the company’s commitment to community involvement and the value of a “Neighborly Attitude,” employees recently connected with Yvette, the daughter of one of Leaf Home’s very first customers. Twenty years ago, Yvette’s late mother was one of the earliest homeowners to invest in the LeafFilter gutter guard system. Today, Yvette lives in that same house, where she has built a life centered around serving others. She runs a daycare from her childhood home, filling a need for many parents in her neighborhood who work long shifts. Recognizing her remarkable impact and her mother’s support of Leaf Home, the company was proud to give Yvette a makeover by donating three core products to her home/home daycare. The donation included a full gutter replacement with protection, a bathroom shower remodel and a reverse osmosis water system. These upgrades create a safer, healthier and more reliable home for Yvette as she continues to serve children and families. ●

 

Rocket Mortgage Senior Site Leader John Wargo has played a key role in shaping a culture that attracts talented team members and creates engaging client and community experiences. Wargo believes in prioritizing teamwork, which in turn prioritizes community service and team members. The emphasis is on treating people with empathy and care, always recognizing their efforts. Most importantly, he teaches team members not be afraid to add a “dash of the ridiculous” to each day and enjoy some fun.

The leadership team in Cleveland has had a greater impact on the lives of its team members this year than ever before, dedicating more time and effort to help them succeed. Rocket Mortgage consistently partners with programs and organizations in Cleveland, including The Ronald McDonald House, Empower Sports, Habitat for Humanity, Cleveland Public Theatre and the YMCA. Every team member has taken part in some form of volunteer or contribution effort hosted by the Cleveland Web Center this year. Additionally, with Wargo’s emphasis on culture, the Web Center has flourished, leading the company in Cleveland in community service hours per team member.

Rocket Mortgage’s family of companies includes the Cleveland Cavaliers and Bedrock, the real estate firm leading the charge for downtown Cleveland’s riverfront development project. ●

 

Seaman Corporation is a family-owned business spanning several generations, producing high-quality, innovative fabric solutions for over 75 years. It offers a variety of offerings, including knitting, weaving, compounding, coating, finishing, printing and fabrication.

With the help of Susan Meade, vice president of Human Resources, the company supports numerous charitable initiatives that benefit local economic development funds, school systems, universities, nonprofit organizations and chambers of commerce. Additionally, employees are encouraged to invest their time and money in strengthening local communities.

Seaman Corporation has responded to calls for help during various global humanitarian crises, including the Haiti earthquake, Hurricanes Ike and Katrina, and many others. In 2023, the company shipped over 25,000 yards of products to be made into family houses, shelters, aid distribution tents and tarps to keep medical supplies dry during overseas transport.

All Seaman Corporation employees — from owners and leaders to associates—are encouraged to dedicate their time and resources to strengthening their communities. That is why the company offers paid time off for volunteering and hosts four annual volunteer events. Seaman Corporation is committed to developing leaders within its organization, and sponsoring philanthropic opportunities helps build leadership skills in team members and their communities. ●

 

Since 1970, Union Home Mortgage (UHM) has helped hundreds of thousands of aspiring homebuyers achieve homeownership. Led by CEO Bill Cosgrove’s vision and dedication, the company has built a culture of personalized service that is unmatched in the industry.

The Union Home Foundation was established in 2015 as the charitable arm of UHM with a mission to equip families with the tools and resources they need to achieve economic self-sufficiency. The foundation’s grantmaking process focuses on two pillars — financial literacy and housing — and has awarded over $2 million to nonprofit organizations in more than 23 states. In the third quarter of 2025, 10 organizations received UHM funding totaling $57,500.

In addition to grantmaking, the foundation coordinates charitable giving and volunteer opportunities for UHM employees. UHM partners have access to volunteer time off, a matching gift program, company-wide donation drive initiatives and more unique programming that creates opportunities to impact their communities for the better. Over the past year, groups of UHM volunteers have visited the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, the Kids’ Book Bank, Fostering Hope and several other local organizations. The company also sponsored this year’s Greater Cleveland Food Bank Block Party. ●

 

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Nonprofit Board Executive of the Year Award

 

Since her appointment as Board Chair of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in 2024, Susan Donlan has made a profound and transformative impact on the institution. She assumed this leadership role at a pivotal time, guiding the board and supporting the executive team as the museum’s $150 million transformation culminated in December 2024. This once-in-a-generation project expanded the museum to 375,000 square feet, featuring immersive galleries, interactive science experiences and a unified narrative of human and planetary health.

The transformation has brought the museum unprecedented recognition, including being selected among the Prix Versailles’s 2025 World’s Most Beautiful Museums, named the Ohio Museums Association’s Institution of the Year, and voted “Best Museum to Visit with Your Family” by the Northeast Ohio Parent Choice Awards. Additionally, the museum became the first in the U.S. to achieve the highest LEED Platinum certification, cementing its place as a national and international model for sustainability and innovation.

Since reopening, the museum has welcomed more than 214,000 visitors, representing a 230 percent year-over-year increase and nearly 60 percent above pre-COVID levels. Donlan’s significant impact draws on her professional expertise and personal commitment. As a senior leader at KeyBank, she brings strong financial acumen, strategic oversight experience and robust governance practices. ●

 

Neil Gavin has served on the North Coast Community Homes (NCCH) Board of Trustees since 2016. During his tenure, he chaired the Governance Committee and was honored to be named Chairperson of the Board of Trustees. This held special significance for Gavin, as his father, Michael, was one of NCCH’s original members.

NCCH was incorporated in 1984 as a nonprofit organization to meet the critical need for community-based residential facilities that enable individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges to live with dignity and supported independence. Gavin has played an active role in addressing the many challenges of developing quality housing for individuals with disabilities. His leadership and commitment have strengthened NCCH’s mission and contributed to its long-standing success.

With an understanding of the organization’s history and values, Gavin has guided NCCH’s growth by ensuring its homes remain stable, safe and supportive environments. He exemplifies a passion for serving the housing needs of individuals with intellectual, developmental and mental health challenges. Gavin also takes pride in continuing a legacy his father deeply valued — helping people access opportunities for growth, social connection, and the resources needed to live more independently and actively participate in community life. ●

 

Tom Hablitzel’s impact on the American Heart Association (AHA) has been profound and multifaceted, significantly advancing the organization’s mission both locally and nationwide. As a member of the Greater Cleveland Board of Directors, President-elect beginning his term in 2025, and serving as both Leadership Development Co-Chair and Giving Societies Ambassador, Hablitzel has been instrumental in advancing the AHA’s initiatives, especially during its centennial year in 2024.

Hablitzel’s strategic vision, honed through years of leadership at Sherwin-Williams, has been invaluable. His ability to align the AHA’s mission with the interests of potential donors and partners has substantially expanded the organization’s reach.

For Hablitzel, the work is personal. One of his most significant contributions is his work in memory of his late mother, Jo Ann Hablitzel, who passed away suddenly from heart complications at just 61 years old. Recognizing the importance of research in the fight against cardiovascular disease, he and his wife, Jan, established the Jo Ann Hablitzel Predoctoral Fellowship Research Grant to support early-career investigators pursuing innovative research. This initiative honors his mother’s legacy and helps ensure that the AHA continues to lead in scientific advancement.

Hablitzel’s influence continues to be reflected in the AHA’s enduring culture of care and the dedication he has promoted. ●

 

 

Patty Pophal exemplifies how to turn personal adversity into powerful advocacy. As a dedicated Board Member of the Melanoma Research Foundation and Chair of the Cleveland Miles for Melanoma event, Pophal transformed her family’s journey into a beacon of hope for others.

Pophal’s commitment to the Foundation began in 2016, after her daughter, Grace, was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma. A donation from Pophal’s sister in Grace’s honor sparked the family’s connection to the organization and its mission to eradicate melanoma.

When Grace expressed interest in the Miles for Melanoma 5K in Columbus, Pophal rallied behind her. “Team Grace” became the largest team and top fundraiser at the event. Inspired by Pophal’s energy and leadership, the Foundation invited her to chair the event. She agreed on one condition: the race needed to be held in Cleveland, where she could tap into her personal and professional networks to grow its reach and impact. Under her leadership, the event became the largest in the country by 2023, leading in both attendance and funds raised.

Tragically, Grace lost her battle with melanoma on July 7, 2023. Pophal’s continued dedication to the Foundation is a testament to her love for Grace and her unwavering commitment to helping other families facing this disease. ●

 

 

Ann Conn joined the McGregor Foundation in January 2006 as Chief Financial Officer and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in January 2017. She became President and CEO in January 2020. Conn shares her passion for serving older adults and advancing the McGregor’s mission through her skills in planning and executing residential care and community-based services, as well as her financial acumen and strong community partnerships. Her leadership has driven significant growth at McGregor and established the organization as a respected provider in senior living and aging services in Northeast Ohio.

As CEO, Conn has expanded programs that address housing and health care, creating scalable models for serving diverse populations. She has also championed the integration of innovation (including technology pilots) to improve resident experience and operational efficiency. Through effective community engagement, Conn has advanced McGregor’s role as a regional anchor institution and advocated for policies and initiatives that strengthen aging services at the community and state level.

A “people-first” leader, Conn has fostered a culture of compassion, responsibility and staff development. She emphasizes the well-being of residents and families, ensuring McGregor continues its legacy as a trusted name in care. ●

 

Beth Glas became the Executive Director of Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP) in October 2023, following a nine-month search to replace its previous director. Glas now leads one of Northeast Ohio’s most impactful disability advocacy organizations, serving over 1,500 individuals annually across six counties. Before joining LEAP, she served as Executive Vice President at Maximum Accessible Housing of Ohio, where she worked to make Cleveland more inclusive for people with disabilities.

Glas has been an advocate for Complete and Green Streets legislation in Cleveland, emphasizing the need for safe, accessible infrastructure for the 74,000 Clevelanders living with disabilities. Her public testimony to City Council highlighted how poor sidewalk design and lack of curb cuts limit independence and endanger lives.  Glas regularly engages in public forums, such as the Cleveland Leadership Center’s “Way Forward” series, to educate the public on disability rights, independent living and employment equity. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences and inspire action makes her a true pillar of the community.

Under Glas’ leadership, LEAP continues to be a Center for Independent Living (CIL), where most staff and board members are people with disabilities. This model ensures that services are designed and delivered by those with lived experience, promoting dignity and empowerment. ●

 

Renee Harvey is in her 24th season with the Cleveland Browns and currently serves as Vice President of Community Impact and Foundation, a role she assumed before the start of the 2025 season. She oversees the Cleveland Browns Foundation and Community Relations department, aligning the organization’s commitment to education, youth football, equitable opportunity and the critical community components of the team’s new stadium efforts. Previously named Vice President and Executive Director of the Cleveland Browns Foundation in 2013, Harvey continues to lead its daily operations and long-term strategy.

Harvey’s impact spans nearly every facet of the Browns’ community work. Since joining the organization in 2002, she has advanced the club’s philanthropic reach locally and nationally, led strategic transformations of the foundation and directed numerous programs that connect players and staff to meaningful community engagement throughout Northeast Ohio. Before joining the Browns, Harvey directed community outreach for the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks and managed the Ducks Care Foundation, which distributed several grants and launched major fundraising efforts such as Dux in Tux. She has served on several boards, including University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Foundation, the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. ●

 

 

In just three years, President and CEO Sharon Sobol Jordan has transformed United Way Cleveland into a results-driven, data-powered leader in community solutions. Under her leadership, United Way 211 has become the region’s trusted front door to support and opportunity. Over the past year, 211 answered more than 194,000 calls, connecting neighbors to essential services such as food, housing, utilities, childcare, health care and workforce support. When five tornadoes struck Greater Cleveland, the 211 team was mobilized to coordinate with 80 agencies, update nearly 500 resources and direct relief to the hardest-hit neighborhoods, demonstrating the system’s ability to adapt in crisis.

Jordan’s signature strength is turning data into action. Insights from 211 and the Ohio ALICE Report revealed that over 40 percent of Ohio’s hardworking households struggle to cover basic needs. Jordan leveraged this data to advocate for systemic change, leading public policy efforts to secure $2 million in annual state funding for 211, as well as advocating to expand the Child Tax Credit and publicly funded childcare. Locally, she convened partners to launch innovative housing initiatives, including Tenants’ Resources. Jordan applies private-sector rigor to nonprofit leadership, treating 211 as both a customer service provider and a real-time business intelligence system. ●

 

 

Christine Mayer has made a lasting impact on GAR Foundation by shaping its strategic vision and strengthening its role as a driver of community progress. Since joining the foundation in 2001 and becoming president in 2012, Mayer has guided its grantmaking toward high-impact priorities — especially in education and economic development, which are vital to Akron’s future.

Founded in 1967, GAR Foundation was established by the Roush family to support the local community. Under Mayer’s leadership, GAR has greatly enhanced its partnerships with Akron Public Schools, the City of Akron, Summit County, the Greater Akron Chamber and numerous nonprofits, helping coordinate resources and strategies to improve Akron’s educational outcomes and encourage inclusive economic development.

Mayer has championed innovative community initiatives designed to leverage GAR’s funding and create broader ownership of important work. She played a central role in launching “Elevate Greater Akron,” a collaborative approach to economic growth that brings together the City of Akron, Summit County, the Greater Akron Chamber and many nonprofit partners to align on strategic economic development priorities. Elevate Greater Akron created a nationally recognized collaborative model for business retention and expansion that provides insights into what local businesses need and helps reduce barriers that could slow growth. ●

 

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Philanthropist of the Year Award

 

Marc Byrnes’ dedication to philanthropy and community impact has been truly transformative for Northeast Ohio. Over the years, he has demonstrated a profound commitment to making a difference in the lives of individuals and families. His work, both through his professional role at Oswald Companies/Unison Risk Advisors and his extensive volunteer efforts, has earned him widespread recognition for his leadership in corporate social responsibility, diversity and community outreach.

Byrnes has shown an unwavering passion for volunteerism, dedicating countless hours to local organizations such as United Way, Bellefaire JCB, Cleveland Leadership Center and many others. He has chaired many boards, led numerous capital campaigns and improved each organization he has supported. Byrnes has also made significant financial contributions to these institutions and many additional charitable causes.

Byrnes is a master networker who seems to know everyone in Cleveland. His enthusiasm for the organizations he supports is both sincere and infectious. Byrnes has used his skills to recruit others to contribute their time and money, not only for the causes he personally supports but also to other organizations in need of dedicated volunteers. His leadership and ability to bring people together are testaments to his enduring belief in the power of collaboration to achieve remarkable results. In addition to his direct philanthropic efforts, Byrnes consistently used his role at Oswald Companies/Unison Risk Advisors to inspire his colleagues to get involved in their communities. ●