About Ann Amer Brennan:

Ann Amer Brennan's name is synonymous with community involvement in the Akron area. Her list of civic activities is long indeed and continues to grow.

An Akron native, Ann Amer graduated from Our Lady of the Elms High School in 1951. She earned a degree in political science from Catholic University in Washington, DC, and she pursued a degree in education from The University of Akron in 1956. She began her career as a social studies teacher at Thornton Junior High School. After rearing her children, she returned to the University and received her law degree in 1982. She then worked as an associate for the law firm of Amer, Cunningham & Brennan.

Brennan is best known, however, for her participation in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations that improve the quality of life in the Akron area. Her interests range from healthcare to children's cultural activities to business initiatives. Currently, she is Vice Chair of the Board of the University of Akron. She is a member of the System Board of Summa Health System, past Chair of that Board of Directors and Chair of the Summa Foundation Board. She chairs the OPEN M Foundation and is co-chair of the Urban League's capital campaign. She is chairing a Health sub committee for Imagine Akron dealing with the issue of the uninsured.

Brennan has received a number of significant awards, including the Polsky Humanitarian Award, the Harold Stubbs Foundation Award, the United Way Distinguished Service Award, Women's History Project's Woman of the Year Award and the National Society of Fundraisers Award. Brennan shares with her husband, David, the Project Love Humanitarian Award and the Ohio Ballet's Bravo Award. In 2001, she was named an Outstanding Alumna of The University of Akron School of Law and in 2003 was recognized as a Distinguished Alumna.

The media also has recognized her achievements. In 2000, Inside Business named her “Businesswoman of the Year,” and Crain's Cleveland Business listed her among its Women of Influence. In 2002, she was named a Rainmaker by Northern Ohio Live.

Brennan has four adult children and 10 grandchildren.