Janis Rhea Worley
Specialty 2025

Janis Rhea Worley

Junior League of Akron, OH

Janis Worley is an accomplished finance, marketing, and nonprofit professional with diverse experience across corporate and nonprofit sectors. Her expertise spans financial management, marketing, community engagement, public relations, and event planning. Janis currently serves as Finance and Communications Manager at First Congregational Church of Akron, Ohio, where she oversees all business and financial operations. Her role includes grant writing, marketing, advertising, social media, and building operations. 

Janis has made significant contributions to nonprofit organizations, most notably during her tenure as Ronald McDonald House of Akron Board President. She led a $12 million campaign to build a 42-room expansion, doubling current house capacity. From 2016-2020, while President, she co-led efforts to merge four regional Ronald McDonald House entities, forming Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio, now a $11 million organization serving 23 counties. 

A highlight of Janis' career is her involvement with the Junior League of Akron. As President of the Junior League, Janis demonstrated exceptional leadership, overseeing strategic planning and community outreach efforts. She was instrumental in organizing the League's signature fundraising event, Designer ShowHouse, which raised significant funds for the League and its community initiatives. Her role as Chair of the Focus Project Search Committee helped identify key community needs and select impactful projects for League involvement. Janis was recognized with the inaugural Rookie of the Year award by the Junior League of Akron for her outstanding performance as a new member. 

In the corporate sector, Janis held leadership roles at Sherwin Williams, where she managed multiple private label brands and spearheaded strategic marketing initiatives. As Director of New Product Development, she created and launched the nationally broadcast home improvement show "Room by Room" on HGTV, which became a hallmark of her ability to blend marketing with media production and public relations. 

Janis' outstanding contributions to both her professional and volunteer work have earned her numerous awards, including a local Emmy nomination and a National Gracie Allen Award. She has been recognized with the Servant Leader award by Wittenberg University, and the Woman of the Year award for Integrity by the Summit County Historical Society Women’s History Project. Her commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by her ongoing involvement in community organizations, such as the Gay Community Endowment Fund. With an MBA from Pennsylvania State University and advanced certifications in nonprofit leadership, Janis Worley remains committed to driving positive change through strategic leadership, financial acumen, and community service.