JIM MAHON

Akron/Summit CVB & John S. Knight Center

Director of Marketing & Communications

Jim Mahon began his hospitality career at the Avalon Inn & Resort in Warren, Ohio, first hired as a Sales Manager later promoted to Operations Manager where he was responsible for the oversight of the Resort’s sales, food service and front desk departments.

In 1992, he assumed the position of Convention Sales Coordinator for the Trumbull County Convention & Visitors Bureau.  In 1995, Jim was promoted to Director of Sales & Communications and served in that position until his departure in 1999 to accept a position with the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau and the John S. Knight Center as the Marketing & Promotions Manager. In January of 2002, Jim was promoted to Director of Marketing & Communications, where he continues to manage the daily marketing and communication functions of the Bureau and Center.

Jim has served on the boards and committees of several professional organizations, including: the Ohio Society of Association Executives, the Society of Government Meeting Professionals and the Ohio Travel Association.

Jim completed his undergraduate studies at Hiram College, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in English and received his Master of Arts in Communication from Michigan State University.

PAT KUNKLIER

hfa  (Hitchcock Fleming & Associates Inc.)

Director of Public Relations

With more than 20 years overseeing public relations for the agency’s clients, Pat has directed campaigns for clients such as Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, Papa John’s Pizza, Summa Health System, Nexa Autocolor and the Red Cross. He directed the press launch of America’s first aluminum-intensive vehicle, the Panoz AIV Roadster, and has also lent his PR expertise to events involving world leaders such as Colin Powell and Margaret Thatcher.

Pat’s PR focus is helping clients create opportunities from challenges, in addition to communicating the benefits of clients’ products and services. To accomplish this effectively with press and communication leaders, hfa provides newsworthy information to gain clients an all-valuable third-party endorsement that helps build brands and sell more products.

Pat serves on the boards of various organizations and helps promote community programs, such as an annual race to benefit homeless families. He is a longtime Cleveland Indians fan and lives in Bath, Ohio.