Our Team

John M. Williams is best described as a servant leader who uses education and advocacy to ameliorate social inequity. A graduate of Morehouse College with a B.A. in Business Administration and a concentration in Banking and Finance, his career spans corporate leadership, nonprofit transformation, and community advocacy. His professional experience includes serving as President and CEO of the Akron Urban League; President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Michigan; Interim Executive Director with Summit Education Initiative; Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Alpha Phi Alpha Homes; and roles with Ford Motor Company and Nissan North America. At Nissan, he created the Minority Dealer Development Initiative, significantly increasing minority dealer representation.

At Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, John launched a CDFI offering small-dollar loans to keep residents out of the payday lending system and secured a $10 million State of Michigan grant for the organization. He is a highly regarded leader with deep expertise in board development, parliamentary procedure, organizational development, strategic planning, and large-scale system change. His experience extends to organizational transformation, fiscal management, and governance, strengthened by a strong foundation in corporate and Christian leadership. Despite his many leadership roles, John is often found reading to kindergartners, registering voters, or mentoring teens to become community leaders.

John is also an Executive Producer of the Emmy Award-winning PBS documentary An Answer From Akron, chronicling the history of Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc. His board service includes Board Chair, Fair Lending Services; Board Member, Affiliate Mortgage Services; Former President, Akron Summit Community Redevelopment Coalition; Former Board Chair, Akron-Canton Airport Authority; Leadership Akron graduate and former Board Secretary; Former Chair, Diversity on Board; Former Board Chair, Summit County ADM Board; Former President, Akron Roundtable; Former Board Vice-Chair, Summit Education Initiative; Secretary, Western Reserve Community Fund; and Former Board Member, Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio.

Larry D. Chadwick, MBA, MHA, FACHE is a seasoned executive leader with extensive experience spanning healthcare administration, organizational leadership, workforce development, education strategy, community engagement, marketing, information technology, and operational management. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for developing high-performing teams, leading transformational initiatives, and creating sustainable programs that strengthen organizations while improving outcomes for individuals and the communities they serve.

As Vice President of Workforce Development, Education, Marketing & IT at the Akron Urban League, Larry provides strategic leadership for initiatives focused on workforce development, educational advancement, community partnerships, and organizational growth. He plays a critical role in advancing programs designed to expand economic opportunity, empower underserved populations, and strengthen community impact. Prior to his current role, Larry served the organization as Chairman of the Board of Directors and later as Interim President & CEO, helping guide the organization through key periods of leadership and growth.

Before joining the Akron Urban League in an executive capacity, Larry built an accomplished career in healthcare leadership. As a board-certified healthcare executive, he held senior leadership roles overseeing hospital operations, clinical service lines, nursing operations, ambulatory care, and large-scale operational strategy. His healthcare leadership experience includes executive roles with organizations such as Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Ascension Health, and MetroHealth System.

Larry is widely recognized for his strategic leadership, operational expertise, and commitment to developing people and organizations. He is passionate about expanding equitable access to opportunity, fostering innovation, and helping mission-driven organizations achieve sustainable growth while remaining grounded in service and community impact. His leadership style combines long-term vision with disciplined execution, allowing organizations to successfully navigate growth, transformation, and continuous improvement.

Larry completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, and Rutgers University. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) — a distinguished credential earned by only a small percentage of healthcare executives nationwide.

Lynn Puryear is the Regional Director of the State of Ohio’s Minority Business Assistance Center – Akron (MBAC – Akron), hosted by the Akron Urban League, where she leads strategy and service delivery across a nine-county region serving Summit, Stark, Wayne, Richland, Ashland, Holmes, Tuscarawas, Carroll, and Harrison counties. Through business advising, access to capital, certification assistance, procurement support, and entrepreneurial programming, she helps entrepreneurs and small businesses start, grow, and thrive while strengthening business ecosystems and creating pathways to economic opportunity.

Lynn’s career spans leadership roles in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors, giving her a unique perspective on business growth, workforce development, and economic mobility. At the Akron Urban League, she has served in executive leadership positions including Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Operations and Vice President of Workforce Development, leading initiatives that expanded access to business resources, employment opportunities, and community-based support services.

Prior to joining the Akron Urban League, Lynn held leadership roles with ZipRecruiter, Advance Local, Monster.com, and Knight Ridder Newspapers, where she drove revenue growth, built strategic partnerships, and led teams across business development, operations, and client services.

Christine R. Curry is the Akron Urban League’s Vice President of Fund Development, leading the organization in creating and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program strategy. One of her key priorities is to work in tandem with the President and CEO, Leadership Team, and Staff to tell the Akron Urban League story, along with current stories of success, to encourage philanthropy and engagement across Summit County and beyond. She brings her experience and passion for community collaboration, along with her diverse experience in fundraising, donor engagement, grant writing, and project management. Before joining the Akron Urban League, Christine served as Director of Development for Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine. Before that, she served as the Chief Executive Officer at OPEN M® for nearly three years. She also spent nearly 20 years serving her alma mater, The University of Akron, in the areas of public relations, alumni relations, and fund development.

Christine is a member of Leadership Akron Signature Class 24. She currently serves on the LeBron James Family Foundation LAB Community Board. Christine previously served on the Akron Roundtable, Our Lady of the Elms, and Village of St. Edward’s Board of Trustees.

Candace Love is a Business Advisor with the Akron Urban League’s Minority Business Assistance Center, where she helps entrepreneurs and small business owners access the resources, knowledge, and opportunities needed to start, grow, and sustain successful businesses. Her work focuses on business planning, certifications, access to capital, operational improvement, and strategic growth.

Known for her collaborative approach and passion for entrepreneurship, Candace works closely with business owners to identify challenges, develop practical solutions, and create actionable plans for success. She believes that thriving businesses are essential to thriving communities and is committed to helping entrepreneurs build businesses that create lasting economic impact.

Through her work, Candace strives to make business support approachable, actionable, and empowering, ensuring that entrepreneurs have both the confidence and the tools needed to move forward successfully.

Preston J. Clark is a dynamic figure whose journey seamlessly blends artistry, entrepreneurship, and community building. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Time-Based Media Studies and a minor in Graphic Design from the Columbus College of Art and Design, Preston turned his creative ambitions into reality by founding 7th Floor Clothing, a brand that gained national attention when NBA superstar and Akron native LeBron James showcased its “Kiss the Trophy” hat on Instagram.

His work with 7th Floor Clothing has been featured in major publications including The New York Times, USA Today, Forbes, and Crain’s Cleveland Business. He also graced the cover of the Akron Beacon Journal for his entrepreneurial achievements and received a proclamation from the Secretary of State of Ohio recognizing his contributions to business and community.

Now serving as the Marketing and Communications Manager at the Akron Urban League, Preston continues to invest in the city that raised him—using his platform to empower others through creativity, storytelling, and strategic communication. Through his ventures and leadership, he remains a visionary force in both the artistic and business worlds.

Charlotte Gibson is a Case Manager for the Summit County NEXT Initiative at the Akron Urban League. She holds an Associate of Applied Business in Office Administration from the University of Akron and a Cosmetology degree from Gerber’s Beauty School. Charlotte is the founder of STEP Seminars (Seek Transformation to Envision Purpose), a platform to conduct informative seminars that equip women with essential tools for victory in everyday life circumstances.

Always strive to be better than the day before; that’s her motto. Her life’s mission is to equip and inspire women and girls to reach their full potential. She willingly pulls back the “shade of her life” and wants women to know that regardless of their daily challenges, they still have a purpose. Charlotte has worked as a cosmetologist, receptionist, and administrative assistant but has always felt a strong desire to serve the community and help others live their aspirations. As a case manager at the AUL, she operates in this passion of hers by assisting people in transitioning from one level to the NEXT.

Away from work, she is currently a member of The House of The Lord church and has been honored to speak and teach the Bible in various churches. She is a faithful wife and loving mother of one daughter.

Karen Kennedy is a Success Coach for the Akron Urban League. She joined the organization in 2023 and is responsible for delivering quality services, including comprehensive assessment, individualized success plans, intensive case management, tracking participant achievement and outcomes, referrals, program exit, and follow-up services.

She enjoys working in the community, advocating for a marginalized population or people who may not otherwise have a voice, and changing the trajectory of someone’s life. She has worked in Health and Human Services for over ten years at non-profit and government agencies. Karen has an Associate’s and a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science in Criminal Justice from Youngtown State University. She also enjoys spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter, reading, listening to music, and being outside working in her yard and garden.

Mallary McHenry: A Journey of Service and Dedication

Mallary McHenry serves as a Business Counselor at the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) within the Akron Urban League, where he supports minority-owned businesses by guiding them through funding processes, regulatory challenges, and fostering economic growth.
Previously, Mallary led the Center of Homeownership at East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation (EANDC), helping families achieve affordable homeownership through education, financial counseling, and access to housing, thereby stabilizing communities.
Mallary’s commitment to service is rooted in his 16-year career in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer. He served in seven U.S. locations and internationally, gaining extensive experience in security operations, troop leadership, and emergency services management. He also taught military science and leadership at Kent State University.

Academically, Mallary holds a Bachelor’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a Minor in Speech Communications and a Master’s in Business and Organizational Security Management. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Administration and Policy, reflecting his dedication to continuous learning and public policy contribution.

A devoted father of five, Mallary is passionate about learning, literature, and spoken word performance, using these as outlets for personal expression. His career and personal pursuits are driven by a commitment to community empowerment and growth.

Becki Moorer is an Administrative Assistant at the Akron Urban League. She relocated from Sandusky, Ohio to Akron, Ohio with her husband and daughters in 2014. Before relocating, she worked for over 13 years for the Sandusky City School System. During her tenure with the Sandusky City School System, she served as a teacher’s aide and advanced to Administrative Assistant II.

Outside of the Akron Urban League, Becki serves as a member of the ministerial staff and oversees the Women’s Ministry. In addition, she leads a prayer call every Saturday and a Women’s Book Club bi-weekly.

One of her greatest accomplishments was being licensed and ordained as an Elder in her home church in Sandusky, Ohio.

Since moving to Akron, she has worked for several diverse companies and the experiences have enhanced her knowledge and skills. However, none of those positions have impacted her life as much as being employed at the Akron Urban League. Every day her life is impacted by those that are being served in Akron and Summit County. It blesses her daily to see how vital and crucial the overall efforts, care, and hard work are that the Akron Urban League Family puts into serving the community.

She enjoys reading books, journaling, and spending time with her family and friends.

Becki is married, has three wonderful children, and four absolutely beautiful grandchildren.

DeWayne Richardson is Director of Workforce Success Center at the Akron Urban League. A native of Akron, he fell in love with non-profit organizations when he was only a teenager. He was inspired after participating in a summer camp led by the Akron Urban League. DeWayne has a deep passion for youth and marginalized populations in Summit County. He is an experienced mentor, coach, and advocate.

DeWayne has over five years of experience at the Akron Urban League and has worked in multiple roles. He previously served as a Financial Literacy Instructor and Employment Specialist for the CCMEP (BOSS) program. In his current role, Dwayne hopes to eliminate barriers for individuals seeking employment and ensure they have opportunities to upscale their skills to close the opportunity gap.

DeWayne holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Walsh University and is an active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. When he is not working, he spends his time coaching youth basketball.

Jason Samuels is an IT Consultant at the Akron Urban League. He is a native of Akron, OH, and calls himself a self-proclaimed nerd. He has always had a passion for Jesus, numbers, technology, and helping others. He began taking his electronic toys apart as a child because was intrigued with how they worked and took his first computer class in second grade.

Jason knew at 5 years old that he wanted to go into the engineering field, particularly electrical engineering, based on his fascination with electronics. He attended John R. Buchtel High School in Akron, OH, and did internships at The University of Akron Science/Chemistry Department where he worked with doctoral physicist and chemist candidates on various science projects, including one of the world’s first NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) machines. He completed an Electrical Engineering internship at N.A.S.A. Lewis Research Center in Brookpark, OH, where he designed a test bed that was used in the Space Project TROPIX and launched into space. Upon high school graduation, Jason attended Tennessee State University and The University of Akron for Electrical Engineering. Jason completed an engineering Co-op at Motorola in Hunstville, AL, and two Electrical Engineering Internships at Ameritech (currently AT&T).

Jason began his service with Akron Urban League in 2010, as a CYC (Connect Your Community) Instructor for the organization. His position allowed him to educate people of all skill levels on basic mouse functions, including the use of Microsoft Office. Jason taught and impacted over 400 students in the Summit County Community from 2010 to 2012.

In 2015, Jason launched his consulting firm, Franchise Society, LLC, which focuses on helping others start businesses (Online/Offline), Technology (IT), Finance, and Energy. Jason returned to join the Akron Urban League Staff in 2016 as the head IT/Systems Administrator. He is responsible for maintaining the technology infrastructure throughout the agency and making sure the agency stays on the cutting edge of technology. He is also tasked with networking with outside IT companies and ensuring the products/services they provide to the Akron Urban League are beneficial to the agency’s mission of staying up to date with their technology needs.

Jason has received various honors for his outstanding work in technology and the community, including his most recent award, an Achievement of Merit from Ohio State Senator Vernon Sykes, and the Ohio State Senate for his development of a criminal justice app and database. Jason also received the 2019 prestigious Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Award for exemplary community service, as a result of the development of his criminal justice app and database. Other awards include receiving the N.S.B.E. (National Society of Black Engineers) member of the month award, and Outstanding Achievement for Science.

Jason is active in his church, takes pride in mentoring young men, serves as a member of I.E.E.E. (Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers), and Co Vice-President at the Maple Valley Library. Jason is the proud son of Emerson and Alice Samuels and the loving brother of Jeff Samuels.

Zulekha Sharp is Chief of Staff and Director of Operations & Engagement at Akron Urban League. She has extensive administrative, project coordinating, and relationship management skills. She is responsible for providing comprehensive support to the CEO and Board of Directors. Before joining the Akron Urban League, in addition to providing Executive-level support, Zulekha worked in call center supervisory and corporate event management roles. She also manages Z-Suite, LLC., a small event equipment rental business, in her spare time.

An Akron, Ohio native, Zulekha has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass-Media Communication from The University of Akron. Zulekha’s civic engagement includes mentoring Akron-area high school students through the iCARE mentoring program, helping to coordinate and volunteer in community events and serving at St. Ashworth Temple, COGIC—where she has been a member since a child, as Assistant to the Secretary. Zulekha is passionate about policy reform efforts surrounding the criminal legal system and helping to amplify the voices of those directly impacted by it. She also received a certificate through JustLeadershipUSA’s Emerging Leaders Program.

Zulekha is the mother of three sons and the proud Nana to one grandson, which she regards as her most gratifying life assignment thus far.

Davidcia Stubbs is the Director of Human Resources & Learning. She has extensive experience in the Human Resources field, as well as in non-profit management. She previously served as Manager of HR, Payroll, and Benefits with ARECO Golf, LLC and she was promoted several times over ten years into increasingly responsible HR roles with Walsh University. Davidcia also spent 15 as Director of Youth and Family Services with the East Akron Community House. She holds her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership and Master of Science in Human Resource Management. Her professional experience includes process planning, analysis and improvement, development and implementation of policies and procedures, development of data collection tools, performance evaluation and improvement, as well as benefits, and payroll management.

George Vinson, a proud Akron, OH native, earned his Bachelor’s degree from The University of Akron, laying the foundation for a thriving career in business. With a keen and innovative mindset, he navigates the professional landscape with creativity and insight. Beyond the business realm, George finds fulfillment in exploring new destinations, cherishing moments with his family, and giving back by coaching youth football and basketball. Rooted in a foundation of love and unwavering support, George places God at the forefront of his life, embodying the principle of prioritizing faith and family above all else.

Ambria Ware is a Case Manager for the Summit County NEXT Initiative at the Akron Urban League. She began working with the organization in April 2019 serving as the Summer Youth Coordinator. She later transferred to the Workforce Success Center Department as Case Manager for Comprehensive Case Management Employment Plan (CCMEP), in partnership with Job and Family Services.

Ambria currently works with Summit County NEXT Initiative participants, helping them overcome barriers that keep them from employment, with an end goal of providing them with employability skills, which will lead to long-term substantial employment. She also works with participants who are employed by helping them prevent barriers that may cause termination of employment.

Ambria is a 2011 University of Akron graduate with a BA in Business Organizational Communications and a minor in Fashion Merchandising. Before assisting AUL with serving the community, She was the Lead Teacher for two different Early Childhood Education (ECE) Centers in Summit County for over five years. In 2016 Ambria briefly established her business, Dream Shoppers, where she was a Consultant and Personal Shopper. Her dedication to helping her CCMEP participants achieve certification goals led to her earning a ServeSafe certification in the summer of 2020, as a means to help active participants through the certification process. Ambria also served on the AUL scholarship committee in 2021. Her most recent achievements include completing and earning certifications with The Ohio State University (whose College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is housed at AUL) course of study in Nutrition and Physical Activity 2021 and with the ONLC Training Center for their Microsoft Office 365-Teams and One Note program certification 2021.

Gail Wilson is the Minority Contractor Capital Access Program (MCCAP) Director for the Akron Urban League. She has a comprehensive background in the financial services industry. Before her role at the Akron Urban League, she held the Field Vice President position at One America in the Retirement Services Division. She was also Vice President and Director of Client Services at Allegiant/National City Bank and Regional Manager/Director for CIGNA Retirement & Investment Services. Since retiring from the financial services industry, Gail has worked and provided voluntary services at Sandi Care, Coleman Professional Services, and United Way of Summit County.

Gail has a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Central Michigan University, a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education, and a graduate of Leadership Akron N.E.X.T. program class V.

Gail is committed and equally excited to be the Director of the MCCAP program.

Perrin Morgan serves as a Transition Specialist at the Akron Urban League, where she supports individuals navigating key life and career changes. A proud alumna of Archbishop Hoban High School and The University of Akron, Perrin holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Pre-Law Philosophy. Her passion for service is rooted in a deep commitment to community engagement, and she enjoys connecting with others through various outreach and empowerment efforts across the Akron area.

Mattison Davis was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. She is a proud graduate of Walsh University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a minor in Marketing. Her background includes extensive experience in the marketing field, having previously worked with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival and planning special events in Canton, Ohio.

Passionate about community and volunteerism, Mattison is an active member of her community and dedicates much of her time to volunteering and supporting her church. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending church, shopping, and traveling the world.

We’re excited to welcome Mattison as our new Certification Specialist, where she will be assisting businesses in achieving their certification goals.

Antoinea DeGraffenried is the MBAC Program Specialist at the Akron Urban League. Previous to the Program Specialist role she has worked as a HR Recruiter for 4 years. She has a passion for connecting individuals to opportunities, she brings warmth and dedication to her work. Outside of the office, she enjoys traveling and cherishes her role as a proud mom to her daughter.