Akron committee confirms three appointments to Commission on Aging

The City of Akron Health & Social Services Committee on Wednesday approved a resolution appointing Dr. Teresa Albanese, Clarissa Holly Calhoun and Gaynell Stiff to the Commission on Aging and moved the measure forward under suspension of the rules.

Lauren (staff counselor) introduced the nominees as part of an effort to ensure the commission has the expertise to advise city leaders on services for older residents. Lauren said the Commission on Aging plays “a very important” role in creating a sustainable future for Akron’s aging population and described each nominee’s experience in community work and city service.

Gaynell Stiff, described as a lifelong Akron resident and retired customer care specialist with decades of volunteer work at local food pantries and senior clubs, told committee members her goal is to “help the seniors here in Akron to do more.” Clarissa Holly Calhoun, community engagement liaison at East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation (EANDC), said she intends to bring EANDC resources and knowledge from regular participation with the commission into an official role. Dr. Teresa Albanese said she was “excited and grateful” to return to public service and cited prior work in the mayor’s office and age‑friendly community initiatives.

Rochelle Wardell, who has worked with the commission and relayed its recent recommendation to better resource the REACH program through the fire department, said the new appointments will fill vacancies and strengthen the commission’s capacity to advise on city services for older residents. Council members voiced broad support before moving to suspend the rules and give a favorable report; the committee approved the measure by voice vote.

The committee adjourned after approving the appointments. The resolution will be forwarded according to the council’s procedures for confirmation.