James Hardy has been a staunch advocate for the residents of Akron throughout his 16 years of leadership experience across a wide variety of civic roles.
Hardy has spent his career focusing on launching high-impact initiatives that build strong, equitable communities. His background includes extensive public health experience in addition to oversight of numerous governmental departments, each with its own unique needs and functions, grant administration and fundraising, City planning and revitalization, vendor management, contract negotiation, coalition building, media relations, and economic development project management.
Hardy is a lifelong resident of West Akron and a proud product of the Akron Public Schools. He earned a bachelor of science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Akron and a master’s in public health from Kent State University. He previously served Akron as a member and president of the Akron Public Schools Board of Education, and as Chief of Staff and Deputy Mayor to Mayor Daniel Horrigan. He and his wife, Chrissy, live and raise their two kids in Ward 8.
He serves on the Budget & Finance, Public Service, and Parks & Recreation Committees.
He holds the Ward 8 meeting on the last Saturday of every month from 9:00 am-10:30am at Acme #1 Community Room, 1835 W Market St, Akron, 44313.