Jim Mahon Recognized by Crain's Business Cleveland

Crain’s Cleveland Business is celebrating the professionals who have an impact on Northeast Ohio in their business and in advocacy work in the LGBTQ community — as members, allies and supporters. One of those, Jim Mahon, is the Vice President of Marketing & Brand Management at the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau.

The magazine’s profiles of 21 professionals, written based on nomination forms submitted to Crain’s, honor their business, civic and philanthropic achievements while highlighting their work on LGBTQ equality and inclusion.

Jim Mahon’s information is as follows:

Throughout his robust career in hospitality and tourism, Jim Mahon has recognized the importance of acknowledging our differences. 

In his work for the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau and his other affiliations, he’s highlighted a need to better serve Ohio’s LGBTQ community.
Mahon joined the Akron/Summit CVB in 1999, took on his current role in 2014 and today he and his team lead a staff of 24 across the bureau and its three other units: the John S. Knight Center, Greystone Hall and Sports Alliance of Greater Akron.

“Jim’s strong work ethic, commitment to excellence and respect for others have enabled him to become a highly regarded local and state tourism industry leader,” said Gregg M. Mervis, President & CEO of the Akron/Summit CVB. “Having worked side by side with him for more than two decades, I appreciate his openness, integrity and compassion towards others.”

Mahon convinced the organizers of the 2019 LGBTQ Travel Forum to host a panel discussion on transgender tourism marketing in which he premiered a new marketing campaign called “TransAkron: Engage. Inspire. Embrace.” He also played a role in attracting Gay Games IX to Northeast Ohio in 2014.

According to the nomination, Mahon easily shares some of his personal story to highlight the importance of equality and respect in the workplace and in the community. Mahon volunteers at the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, Family Promise, Akron Rotary Camp, Summit Artspace and High Arts Festival. He regularly engages area high school and college students via presentations, internships and other programs.

Education also plays a major role in the mission of the Ohio Travel Association, where Mahon serves as president of the board of directors. He also created the annual Zenith Awards and Hospitality Scholarship Golf Tournament and created the bureau’s LGBTQ outreach initiatives.