John F. Garofalo

President & CEO, Akron Community Foundation

Education: Master’s degree in education and bachelor’s degree, Kent State University

What I Look for in a Leader: I value leaders who are transparent, dependable and genuinely invested in both their team and the community. 

If I Could Trade Places With Anyone: Fred Rogers. He created a sense of community.

What Would Surprise Someone to Learn About Me: I’m naturally shy and introverted, but professionally I’m very outgoing, engaged and comfortable leading conversations and working with a wide range of people.

Outside of Work You’ll Find Me: Enjoying a Buckeyes, Golden Flashes, Cavaliers, Browns or Guardians game or spending time with friends at Playhouse Square or Blossom Music Center. When not doing those, spending time with family and friends here locally as well as traveling on vacation.

A Cleveland Spot I Recommend: Little Italy. Being almost 100% Italian, we spent lots of time there growing up, so it is like a second home.

If I Could Star in a TV Show or Movie: A host on a game show like The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, 25 Words or Less or Jeopardy!