AKRON — Unify Akron has named Carla Chapman, a former Akron Public Schools administrator, as its first managing director, the organization announced Thursday, Oct. 15, putting an experienced community-relations leader in charge of its next phase of resident-led work in the city.
Chapman retired from Akron Public Schools after serving in several senior roles, including chief diversity officer and chief of community relations and strategic engagement. In those jobs she worked at the intersection of the school district and the wider community, a background Unify Akron says matches the listening and bridge-building work the group was created to do.
Unify Akron is the organization behind Akron’s first Civic Assembly, which brought together residents from different backgrounds to work through the city’s housing issues together. Rather than leaving major questions only to elected officials and experts, the assembly model gives everyday residents a structured seat at the table.
In the Oct. 15 announcement, Chapman said Akron is filled with people who care deeply about its future, and that what excites her is bringing those voices together in meaningful ways. When people feel heard, respected and empowered to contribute, she said, stronger connections and lasting change become possible, and she described herself as honored to help lead the work.
Chapman’s training reflects that focus. An Akron resident, she holds a doctorate in interprofessional leadership from Kent State University and has completed advanced training in deliberative dialogue, emotional intelligence, community mediation and culturally responsive educational practices, according to the organization.
During her schools career, Unify Akron said, she advocated for initiatives aimed at educational inequality, stronger community relations and removing roadblocks to student success. Supporters say that record inside a large public institution should help the young organization work credibly with both residents and city partners.
Morgan Lasher, chief of U.S. Democracy Leagues at Unify America, praised the appointment in the announcement, saying Chapman has spent her career bringing people together, building trust and creating lasting change, and that her leadership and deep connection to Akron make her the ideal person to guide this next chapter.
What happens next is the practical work of turning a successful first assembly into an ongoing civic habit. With a first managing director now in place, Unify Akron will be expected to show how resident recommendations on housing and future topics move from discussion into decisions that Akron families can actually see.
