NEWS PROVIDED BY
Legatus International
May 8, 2024
 
ANN ARBOR, Mich., May 8, 2024 /Standard Newswire/ -- Legatus International has seated Cincinnati businessman and member, Jim Akers, to its 11-member international Board of Governors. The peer group of choice among Catholic executives, Legatus has over 5000 members among nearly 100 chapters. It offers the unique blend of Catholic spiritual guidance, business best-practices, and cultural wisdom for business leaders.

Akers is chairman of Akers Packaging Service Group in Middletown, OH, a leading independent corrugated packaging manufacturer in the U.S. A native of Middletown, he was raised with a strong Catholic education, and ascended through a variety of positions in the family business beginning at 16. He was named CEO in 2002, before his most recent appointment as Chairman.

Legatus Vice Chairman, Berni Neal, says, "It is a privilege to welcome Jim to our Board. His deep understanding of a family business model goes hand in hand with the challenges we face as a membership organization. We are built on deep internal relationships with an outward focus to share Christ with others."

"Indeed, I am honored and excited to serve on the Board of Governors," Akers said, "to help Legatus grow, reach more Catholic business leaders, and work with members on spreading the faith in all facets of their lives."
 
Since joining Legatus in 2019, he and his wife, Jody, have done a 'deep dive.' "I served as the Cincinnati Chapter Membership Chair for two years; then Chapter President for two. And Jody was Cincinnati Chapter Programs Co-Chair for three years. In that time, our chapter grew from a 'Covid low' of 28 to a peak of 45 members (88, including spouses)." He currently works with the chapter's new-member welcoming/engagement effort.

Jim has likewise been recognized with Legatus' Membership Chair Award (2021), President of the Year Award (2022), and Great Lakes Ace of the Year Award (2022).
 
The Akers met some of their best friends through Legatus, and say it has helped them grow into true ambassadors for Catholicism, and be a "light of Christ to the world" – even in evangelizing their grandchildren.

Having served on numerous corporate boards, Jim also has a strong record of public service – serving on boards for the Cincinnati Archdiocese, several Catholic secondary schools, colleges (including his alma mater, Duke University), the Middletown Symphony, healthcare systems, and others.
 
He and Jody will be married 49 years in June 2024, and have six adult children and 15 grandchildren.
 
For more information or an interview, please contact: Christine V. Owsik, Communications Director at Legatus International. COwsik@legatus.org or 215-230-8095.
 
Legatus International is the singular peer group organization for Catholic CEOs and business leaders, founded in 1987 by Thomas S. Monaghan, former owner of Domino's Pizza and the Detroit Tigers. Legatus – which means "ambassador" in Latin – helps executives become exemplary Catholics in their business, community, and personal spheres of influence. With nearly 100 chapters and 5000+ members throughout the U.S. and Canada, Legatus offers members regional, national, and international networking meetings, retreats, and inspiring travel – along with the award-winning Legatus Magazine. Headquartered in Ann Arbor, MI. www.legatus.org

SOURCE Legatus International

CONTACT: Christine V. Owsik, Communications Director, 215-230-8095, COwsik@legatus.org