Colantone resigning as head of Greater Akron Chamber

Dan Colantone, who has led the Greater Akron Chamber for the last 17 years, is resigning effective the end of May.
Colantone’s upcoming departure provides an opportunity for the chamber to move in a new direction that focuses more on regional collaboration and economic development, said Marc Merklin, an Akron lawyer who will become the chamber’s board chairman next year.
“Dan decided he wanted to resign and the board will look for a new kind of leader,” said Merklin, managing partner at Brouse McDowell.
The chamber on Wednesday announced that Colantone, its president and chief executive officer, is leaving effective May 31. Colantone has led the business organization since Feb. 1, 2000.
“I have been privileged to serve the members of this great organization and to have worked with the city of Akron and Summit, Medina and Portage counties to help promote regional economic development and to help build a stronger Greater Akron region,” Colantone said in a statement. “I’m proud of what we have accomplished but feel it is time for a change. I look forward to the new opportunities and challenges that are in front of me but will always have the best interests of the people and businesses of this great community in mind.”
The board and Colantone have been having discussions on how to move the chamber forward, Merklin said.
“I think Dan’s done a great job but think of this as a good opportunity for new direction,” Merklin said. “Sometimes you just need change. Sometimes it’s an opportunity.”
The board is happy with the chamber staff and how the organization provides services to its members but sees challenges on how the organization approaches economic development and how to do things better, Merklin said. That includes working with other regional business and economic development organizations, he said.
“I think the opportunities will be to be more collaborative and more forward thinking,” Merklin said. “I think it’s clear the board wanted a change in direction and focus.”
The chamber will immediately start looking for a new CEO, said Donzell Taylor, the chamber’s current board chairman. Taylor is head of Welty Building Co. and is the husband of Ohio Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor.
“We appreciate and thank Dan for his efforts on behalf of the our members, the city of Akron and the Tri-County area,” Taylor said in a statement. “He led the chamber during a time of challenge and unprecedented change. Our search will begin immediately for a CEO who possesses the leadership skills and the ability to build the kind of relationships that will help us succeed in an ever-changing environment and drive economic development and prosperity for the people of the Greater Akron region.”
The chamber board has not yet decided if it will need an interim CEO or if the organization can continue to operate with current staff until a new CEO is hired, Merklin said.
He noted that Colantone will still be CEO for a couple more months.
Chamber members include global manufacturers, universities, local medium-sized and small businesses and non-profit organizations.
The chamber traces its roots to the Akron Chamber of Commerce in 1907; the Area Development Committee in 1954; Area Progress Board, 1968; and the Akron Regional Development Board, or ARDB, in 1975.