TRAILHEAD

Senior, people and coach for fitness outdoor of mobility training, funny discussion and morning routine. Below, elderly community and laugh with conversation, exercise joke and cardio workout at park.

Akron, Ohio, USA downtown skyline at dusk.

Elderly couple riding electric bicycles in outdoor park surrounded by greenery Promotes healthy lifestyle and community engagement

Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron is an independent nonprofit dedicated to improving community health across the Greater Akron area through strategic grants, collaborative partnerships, and targeted initiatives.

Communities We Serve

As one of the largest grant-making foundations in Northeast Ohio, Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron will invest in expanding access to healthcare and driving long-term improvements in Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark, and Wayne counties.

Group of multigenerational people having fun together outdoor - Multiracial friends enjoy day at city park

Protecting Public Interest

Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron safeguards the public interest by monitoring and enforcing commitments made in the transaction between Summa Health and Health Assurance Transformation LLC (HATCo), ensuring the new for-profit Summa Health System fulfills its obligations to the community.

Our Board of Directors

Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron is guided by a board of directors with deep connections to the Greater Akron community.

Marty Hauser,

Board Chair

Retired President and Chief Executive Officer of SummaCare

Lashawrida L. Fellows, MHRM,

Vice Chair

Deputy Director of Human Resources at the City of Akron, Ohio

Naomi D. Ganoe,

Treasurer

Managing Director and Private Client Services Practice Leader at CBIZ

Steven Cox,

Secretary

Attorney and Shareholder at Roetzel & Andress

Julia Rea Bianchi

Marketing Consultant and Chief Operating Officer at Blue Chip Kids

Brenda Cummins

Director of Philanthropic Services at the Cleveland Foundation

Mary Jo Goss

Retired Registered Nurse at Barberton Citizens Hospital and Summa Health

Wakita Johnson

Regional Vice President and Ohio Medicaid Chief Operations Officer at Humana

Allen E. Loomis

Retired Executive Vice President at National City Bank

Steven P. Schmidt, PhD

Professor of Graduate Studies and Retired Vice President for Research and Dean of the College of Graduate Studies at Northeast Ohio Medical University

Demond Scott, MD, MPH

Medical Director at Axess Family Services, Inc.

News

Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron Announces Appointment of Inaugural President and CEO

November 20, 2025

AKRON, OH — Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron (“Trailhead”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracy Carter as its inaugural President and Chief Executive Officer.

Trailhead was established to advance health and wellness across Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, and Wayne Counties. As the Foundation’s first President and CEO, Carter will lead the organization through its developmental years, building the infrastructure, partnerships, and strategies necessary to position Trailhead as a transformative force for community health in the Greater Akron region. “We are thrilled to welcome Tracy to Trailhead,” said Marty Hauser, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Her leadership, experience, and deep commitment to community health make her the ideal candidate to steer this new and valuable asset for our region. We look forward to working with her to create a lasting impact on the well-being of the residents we serve.”

In this role, Carter will oversee all aspects of Trailhead’s operations, grantmaking, fundraising and donor relations, and community engagement efforts. She will also work closely with the Board of Directors and community stakeholders to shape the Foundation’s strategic direction and ensure that its initiatives meaningfully enhance community health and well-being.

“I am grateful to the Trailhead trustees for selecting me to serve as the inaugural President and CEO of the Foundation,” Carter said. “I am committed to leveraging my expertise, passion, and relationships to build and manage an organization that will bring additional investment to nonprofit entities focused on helping individuals lead healthier lives.”

Carter has more than 36 years of experience in healthcare administration, public health planning, and external affairs. Throughout the course of her career, she has built a distinguished record of leading complex organizations, fostering collaboration, and advancing community-focused initiatives. Her extensive background reflects both strategic leadership and a deep commitment to service, qualities that align closely with Trailhead’s mission to build stronger, healthier communities across the Greater Akron region.

She currently serves as System Director of Government Affairs and Health Policy at Summa Health, where she leads strategy and engagement on public policy and funding issues affecting healthcare access, services, and community well-being. In addition, she has provided volunteer leadership to numerous civic organizations, including the Akron Community Foundation, where she has served as president of an affiliate fund advisory board from 2009 to 2013. In 2023, she co-founded a new affiliate fund and is serving as president of its inaugural advisory board.

As a native of Akron, Ohio, Carter is widely respected throughout the community and remains deeply committed to improving the health and vitality of her hometown and the broader region. Carter earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Ohio University and a Master of Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

For additional information about Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron, please visit Trailheadhealthfoundation.org.

About the Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron

What is the primary mission of Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron?
Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron is an independent nonprofit dedicated to improving community health through strategic grants, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives. The foundation also protects the public interest through monitoring and enforcement to ensure the new, for-profit Summa Health System honors the commitments made by Health Assurance Transformation LLC (HATCo) during the transaction.
Why was the name “Trailhead” chosen?
The name reflects both Greater Akron’s natural heritage and the foundation’s role as a starting point for healthier futures. Just as trailheads mark new journeys, Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron signals a new path forward for community wellbeing in Greater Akron.
What geographic area does Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron serve?
Trailhead Community Health Foundation serves Greater Akron, which includes Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark, and Wayne counties.
Why do we need another foundation in Greater Akron?
Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron brings a distinct focus on community health. It expands the region’s philanthropic landscape by dedicating resources specifically to improving health outcomes and addressing unmet needs in meaningful, measurable ways. Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron complements the work of other local foundations.
How was Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron established?
Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron is funded with the net proceeds of the transaction between Summa Health System and Health Assurance Transformation LLC (HATCo). As a part of its review of the transaction, the Ohio Attorney General reviewed and approved the foundation and board structure.
When will Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron be operational?
The Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron is operational and will release details about identified community funding priorities and grant applications in 2026. Donations to the Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron are welcome and being accepted.
What will be the immediate focus of the foundation?
In this early stage, Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron is focused on hiring leadership and staff and establishing best practices in structure, policies and operations.
Have you hired a CEO?
Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron is pleased to announce that Tracy L. Carter, MHSA will be assuming the role of President & CEO effective January 1, 2026.

Funding and Governance

Where is the funding for the Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron coming from?
Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron’s initial funding comes from the net proceeds from the sale of Summa Health System’s assets to Health Assurance Transformation LLC (HATCo), combined with restricted assets held by Summa Foundation before the sale.
What is the size of Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron?
Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron is one of the largest grantmaking foundations in Northeast Ohio. While the sale of Summa Health System to Health Assurance Transformation LLC (HATCo) has closed, there is still work to be done to determine the final dollar amount for the foundation. We look forward to sharing the size of the foundation in the future.
Will Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron solicit donations?
The Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron is a non-profit entity and is soliciting support to advance its mission.
Who served on the committee that created the mission and structure?
The Summa Health System Board of Directors created a working group of community members to lead this effort, including Julia Rea Bianchi, Thomas Harnden, Ramona Hood, Dave Lieberth, and Allen Loomis. They were supported by a team of legal counsel, business advisors, and communications consultants.
How was the board of directors selected for Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron?
Interested individuals applied and were vetted through a rigorous process. Recommended candidates were reviewed and approved by the Governance Committee of the Summa Health System Board and then the Summa Health System Board.
Will donations be tax deductible?
Yes. Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron is a registered 501(c)(3) and donations are tax-deductible.
Will Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron support the new, for-profit Summa Health System?
Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron is prohibited from using the proceeds of the transaction to make direct payments to the hospital system owned and operated by Health Assurance Transformation LLC (HATCo).

Grantmaking and Community Involvement

How will the Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron use its endowment?
Funds will support strategic grants, partnerships, and initiatives that improve community health. Grantmaking guidelines will be set by the board.
How can my organization apply for funding?
Details about funding priorities and the grant application process will likely be released in 2026.
When will Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron begin distributing grants?
We anticipate that the first grants will be distributed at the end of 2026.
What specific programs or initiatives does Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron prioritize?
The Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron focuses on initiatives and partnerships that enhance health and wellness for Greater Akron residents. Specific guidelines and programs will be developed and publicized in 2026.
How will decisions be made about which programs or initiatives Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron will fund? Will these decisions be made transparently and with community input?
Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron will support programs that align with its mission. Details about the decision-making process and community engagement opportunities are in the process of being developed.
How can community members get involved with the Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron?
Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron is discussing and making plans for opportunities for individuals, businesses, and organizations to participate in its mission.

Donor and Legacy Questions

What happens to those who have included Summa Health System in their estate plans?
Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron’s board and staff is working with legacy donors to ensure their intent is honored. Donors are receiving updates as opportunities are created to support community health through the foundation.
What happens to Summa Health System’s giving societies?
The Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron board and staff is working with those societies and their donors to ensure their intent and legacy are honored. Donors are being kept informed as opportunities are created to support community health through the foundation.

Relationship with Summa Health System/Health Assurance Transformation LLC (HATCo)

What is Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron’s relationship with the new Summa Health System/Health Assurance Transformation LLC (HATCo)?
Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron is fully independent from the new Summa Health System/Health Assurance Transformation LLC (HATCo). The foundation is prohibited from using the proceeds of the transaction to make direct payments to the hospital system owned and operated by HATCo.
Does Health Assurance Transformation LLC (HATCo) have a say in how Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron is run or its grantmaking decisions?
No. Health Assurance Transformation LLC (HATCo) has no governance or influence over Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron.
How is Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron ensuring Summa Health System/Health Assurance Transformation LLC (HATCo) fulfills its sale commitments?
Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron protects the public interest through monitoring and enforcement to ensure the new, for-profit Summa Health System honors the commitments made by Health Assurance Transformation LLC (HATCo) during the transaction.
How does Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron ensure decisions about our health remain rooted in the community?
Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron is governed by a board comprised of individuals with deep roots in Greater Akron. The foundation improves community health in the five counties of Greater Akron (Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark, and Wayne) through strategic grants, partnerships, and initiatives.

Transparency, Accountability, and Updates

How does Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron ensure transparency and accountability?
Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron and its affiliates will be tax-exempt nonprofits registered with the IRS and the Ohio Attorney General. They will file annual Form 990s and will make reports available to the public.
How can we be sure funds raised by Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron benefit the local community?
Trailhead Community Health Foundation of Greater Akron is permanently chartered for charitable purposes. Governed by a board comprised of individuals with deep roots in Greater Akron, its assets will serve Greater Akron communities. Public reports and oversight will ensure transparency.
Where will updates be posted?
Updates will be posted on trailheadhealthfoundation.org.

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