Russell M. Pry was sworn in as the County of Summit Executive on July 13, 2007, bringing a wealth of experience and community involvement to the position. Pry immediately made economic development and jobs his number one priority.
Working with the State of Ohio, City of Akron, the Summit County Port Authority and County Council, Executive Pry was personally involved at the highest level of negotiations with Goodyear officials. Pry and the County of Summit played a pivotal role in securing Goodyear’s commitment to remain in Summit County. Keeping Goodyear in the area will keep over 400 businesses, 2,900 employees and 378 million dollars in income in our community.
Executive Pry also created a new “Economic Development Task Force” within his Department of Community and Economic Development to assist all local businesses with everything from job retention and job creation to low interest loans. The new Executive office has hosted two “Economic Development Forums” where local businesses have been invited to meet with federal, state and local government leaders to discuss ways to partner, assist and create new opportunities for job growth.
As the new County Executive, Russ Pry used his leadership skills to reach a long awaited agreement with the Summit County Agricultural Society. Last month, the Summit County Agricultural Society signed a new Lease and Operating Agreement for the Summit County Fairgrounds resolving lingering issues that involve the operation of the County of Summit owned land located at the county Fairgrounds. County Council voted to approve the Lease and Operating Agreement.
Working with the Summit County Veterans Administration and County Council, Russ Pry led the way for a much needed new Veteran’s facility. The County recently purchased land for the site, and the new building is under design. The new facility is scheduled for construction in late 2008.
“Summit County is a sterling example of cooperation and partnership for job creation,” Pry said. “I want to continue to make our community the best place to do business, and that will bring jobs.”
Executive Pry was a managing partner at the law office of Cassetty, Muse and Pry from 1990-2007. He has also served as Law Director of the Village of Boston Heights, Counsel for Mogadore School District, Attorney to the City of Green Local Firefighters, Board Member of the Summit County Board of Elections, and Member of the Akron-Summit County Library Board of Trustees.
Russ began his public service career early by working for Congressman John Seiberling from 1980 through 1984. Pry served as Village of Mogadore Councilman from 1978-1979, and then again from 1992-1999. He is a Life Member and past Treasurer of the Mogadore Historical Society and was the Chair of the Village of Mogadore Charter Review Commission in 1990. Executive Pry served as Secretary and later as Treasurer of the Summit County Democratic Party and is currently Chair.
Executive Russ Pry has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Kent State University and obtained a Juris Doctorate from The University of Akron School of Law in 1984.
Russ is a lifelong resident of Summit County and resides in Akron.
Visit www.russpry.com to learn more!
This myspace page was created and is maintained by volunteers, not by Executive Russ Pry or his staff. If you would like to contact the Executive, please visit http://www.co.summit.oh.us/ .
