Pamela Ferrell

As the executive officer of the Board of Trustees and head of staff at the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of Summit County, Pamela Ferrell is responsible for the administration of a $2.3-million budget and management of three facilities, including 50 full-time employees and 100 part-time staffers.

She also stays busy with volunteer work that includes the Summit County Welfare Planning Committee, Summit County Leadership Exchange Steering Committee and United Way Planning and Allocation Committee. She is chairperson of the United Way Outcomes Advisory Committee and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Coming Together Project. She is a certified trainer for the YWCA. of the U.S.A. in the areas of program evaluation, needs assessment, program development and cultural competency.

Ferrell was employed by the YWCA of Cleveland, Ohio, from 1980 to 1994 prior to her appointment with the YWCA of Summit County in November 1994. She held several positions with the YWCA of Cleveland, including branch director, Association Program coordinator and interim executive director. She was employed by Sagamore Hills Psychiatric Hospital as an activity therapist from 1975 to 1980.

Ferrell graduated from Firestone High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Kent State University. She is also a graduate of the Leadership Akron program, class XV. Ferrell resides in Akron and enjoys horseback riding, gardening and hiking. She has a great interest in supporting issues to protect our environment and the humane treatment of animals.

Photo courtesy of the YWCA of Summit County.

--Zachary Jackson