Two Members of Mayor Horrigan's Cabinet Honored for Contributions to the Akron Community Marco S
Akron, Ohio, October 10, 2017—Two members of Mayor Horrigan's cabinet were recently honored for their valued service to the Akron community. Deputy Mayor for Intergovernmental Relations and Senior Advisor Marco S. Sommerville received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Project GRAD, and Director of Finance Diane Miller-Dawson was inducted into the Women in STEAM Leadership Academy by the Akron Urban League. Marco S. Sommerville has served the City of Akron for more than three decades. He was first appointed to the position of Ward 3 Councilman in 1987, and was re-elected to that position 12 times. Marco served City Council as President from 2001 until 2013, when he accepted the position of Director of Planning and Urban Development within the City administration. In 2016, Marco assumed his current role as Deputy Mayor for Intergovernmental Relations and Senior Advisor to Mayor Horrigan. Throughout his tenure with the City of Akron, Marco has brought his immense
experience, insight, and knowledge to every role he has undertaken. Project GRAD honored Marco for his vast contributions to the community and his commitment to building up the youth of Akron. Marco was recognized as a respected advocate for the African-American community, and an admired member of Akron's business and governmental leadership. "I can think of no one more deserving of this honor," Mayor Horrigan said of the Lifetime Achievement Award. "Over the course of more than 35 years, Marco has worked tirelessly to advance inclusion, equity, and opportunity for the underserved and historically disadvantaged in our community. He has earned the trust and respect of his neighbors and his peers—not only in Akron—but across the world, as he represents our community and works to bring new jobs and vitality to our City. I thank Marco for his service to our neighborhoods and my administration."
Diane Miller-Dawson began her career with the City of Akron while pursuing her college education. Working her way up from an entry-level position, Diane consistently demonstrated her immense knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to the serving the residents of Akron. Diane has served as Director of Finance since 2004. In this role, she has worked endlessly to protect and manage the City's finances through the economic downturn and in the face of crippling state and federal budget cuts. "I cannot overstate Diane's value to this City," Mayor Horrigan remarked. "Diane has led Akron through some very difficult financial challenges with unparalleled skill and efficiency. Her poise, leadership and expertise have been invaluable to my administration. Diane is truly an inspiration to young women in our community, particularly young women of color, who are interested in pursuing a career in a STEAM field. I am incredibly proud to call Diane a part of my team." Both Marco Sommerville and Diane Miller-Dawson are lifelong Akron residents and graduates of Buchtel High School.
