Governor Mike DeWine names Michael Saxon and Thomas Waltermire to UA Board of Trustees

The University of Akron News

07/20/2022

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has appointed two individuals to serve on The University of Akron Board of Trustees, effective July 15, 2022.

Michael Saxon ’83 of Copley begins a nine-year term on the Board, ending July 1, 2031. He will replace Trustee Al Ciraldo whose term ended on July 1, 2022.

Thomas Waltermire of Green will fill the unexpired term of the position vacated by Trustee Cindy Crotty. His term will end July 1, 2026.

“UA is honored to have two experienced individuals join the Board and share their expertise with our leadership team,” said Joseph M. Gingo, Board chair. “We are especially pleased that they are both from the Greater Akron area and have a keen understanding of the community in which we live and learn.”

Man in stripes standing outside.

Michael Saxon

Saxon is currently enjoying retirement after serving as acting vice chairman for AmTrust Financial. He also served AmTrust as president of U.S. Commercial lines, the largest business segment within AmTrust’s portfolio and as global COO where he was responsible for overall global strategy, expansion and integration of national and international acquisitions. Prior to that he was president of AmTrust North America, a start-up insurance group with a focus on writing small workers compensation business.

Saxon earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance from UA.

"I am honored and excited about becoming a member of the Board of Trustees and working together with an incredibly talented group of people committed to moving the University of Akron forward,” said Saxon. “The University has been a very large part of our life for many years and is a cornerstone in Akron and Northeast Ohio. Being able to help to continue the success Dr. Miller has brought to Akron will be both challenging and rewarding."

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Thomas Waltermire

Waltermire is the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Avient Corporation (formerly PolyOne), a global manufacturer of specialized polymer formulations, which traces its roots to the chemical operations of The BFGoodrich Company. He held a series of executive positions with BFGoodrich, The Geon Company and PolyOne for over 31 years. He later served as CEO of Team Northeast Ohio (TeamNEO), the private­ sector led economic development organization for the 18-county region encompassing the cities of Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Lorain and Mansfield.

Waltermire earned his bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Harvard University. He was named an Honorary Alumnus of the University of Akron in June 2001. He also received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Baldwin Wallace University in May 2009.

“It is exciting to join the Board to help the University build on the momentum already underway,” Waltermire remarked. “My dearest family members are UA graduates and I know how vital the University is to elevating Greater Akron. It is an honor to serve.”