Former Akron 200 Director Mark Greer Joins DFA in New Role

Greer to lead development, community engagement, and partnership building at the Development Finance Authority of Summit County

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:03am

Mark Greer, the former executive director of Akron 200, has taken on a newly created senior management role as the chief development and engagement officer at the Development Finance Authority of Summit County (DFA). In this position, Greer will head up development efforts, engage with community members and stakeholders, and build relationships with partners and policymakers across the state and region.

Why it matters

Greer's move from Akron 200 to DFA represents a significant shift in his career trajectory, as he transitions from leading a local community organization to taking on a senior leadership role at a county-level economic development agency. This change highlights Greer's expertise in community and economic development, as well as DFA's efforts to bolster its engagement and partnership-building capabilities.

The details

Greer joined DFA on March 11, 2026, according to DFA President Rachel Bridenstine. Prior to this new role, Greer served as the executive director of Akron 200 and previously worked as the small business manager and Great Streets administrator for the city of Akron. He also ran for mayor of Akron in the 2023 Democratic primary election, which was won by Shammas Malik.

  • Greer joined DFA in the new role on March 11, 2026.
  • Greer previously served as the executive director of Akron 200.

The players

Mark Greer

The new chief development and engagement officer at the Development Finance Authority of Summit County, with over 10 years of experience in community and economic development.

Rachel Bridenstine

The president of the Development Finance Authority of Summit County, who announced Greer's new role.

Shammas Malik

The mayor of Akron, who won the 2023 Democratic primary election that Greer had also participated in.

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What they’re saying

“This is a new senior management position that will be integral to our sustainability and growth, and we are thrilled to have Mark join us as we foster broader engagement to further advance our service to our community.”

— Rachel Bridenstine, President, Development Finance Authority of Summit County

The takeaway

Greer's move from leading a local community organization to taking on a senior leadership role at a county-level economic development agency demonstrates his expertise in community and economic development, as well as DFA's efforts to strengthen its engagement and partnership-building capabilities to better serve the Summit County community.