After years of devoted service, Tina Boyes will pass the torch to a new leader.
For most people within the Kenmore community, Tina Boyes hasn’t just been the executive director of Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance (KNA) for the majority of the organization’s existence – she’s been synonymous with the organization itself. Working tirelessly to transform Kenmore Boulevard from a tattered and worn business district whose glory days seemed like distant memories into Akron’s vibrant and emerging music row that’s welcomed sixteen new businesses in the past two years alone.
In late 2022, Boyes decided she wanted to begin serving the Kenmore community in a new way and informed the KNA Board that she would be transitioning out of the executive director role in order to run for the city’s Ward 9 council seat – a seat once held by her father Don Brode, and her grandfather George Brode.
Upon learning of Boyes’ intentions, the KNA board began working to identify the organization’s next leader. After an extensive search process and with significant consideration given to the skills, experiences and expertise needed to successfully guide KNA in its next phase of growth the board named Josh Gippin as executive director, effective February 20, 2023. Boyes will remain on board as outgoing executive director to aid with the transition through the end of March.
“Five years ago, the KNA board hired me to help revitalize Kenmore Boulevard at a time when most people considered it to be a net negative.” Boyes said. “Since then, we’ve cleaned up the space, filled vacant buildings with neighborhood-serving businesses and resources, and reignited a sense of community that has been missing for a long time. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and I can’t wait to support Josh as he takes KNA to the next level.”
Gippin brings an impressive skillset to the position. He has a wealth of experience in the real estate arena, has been active within Akron’s Highland Square neighborhood, understands the value of networking and fundraising, and has operated his own video production company for nearly 20 years, producing independent documentaries, along with promotional and brand videos.
“Josh brings the right amount of confidence and inquisitiveness to the role, not to mention a great energy and a willingness to jump right in and offer up fresh ideas,” KNA Board Chair Eric Cooper explained. “Leading up to the hire, Josh answered the interview questions thoughtfully and thoroughly and it was obvious in our conversations that Josh brought a high level of passion and compassion to the job, both of which are key components of nonprofit work.”
Under Gippin’s leadership, KNA will continue building upon the strong foundation laid by Boyes and will remain dedicated to attracting businesses, visitors, musicians, creatives, families, and residents to The BLVD through hard work, collaboration, and events.
“My family and I are so excited to become a part of the Kenmore community. Long before accepting this position, we had invested in Kenmore real estate, so we too are stakeholders. Tina has nurtured KNA from its very inception, and it has come so far. I am honored to be entrusted with carrying KNA and The BLVD into the future, together with you all.”
Please join KNA in welcoming Josh Gippin as executive director and be sure to say hello when you see him on The BLVD!