Brian Bidlingmyer named Akron Children’s first Community Hero Award recipient

Brian Bidlingmyer (right), chief development officer at the Akron Area YMCA, pictured with Akron Children’s CEO Chris Gessner.

When it comes to protecting kids, few efforts are as impactful and lifesaving as teaching children how to be safe around water. That commitment is why Brian Bidlingmyer of the Akron Area YMCA was named the recipient of Akron Children’s very first Community Hero Award.

The Community Hero Award is part of Akron Children’s More childhood, please.™ Awards campaign. The campaign celebrates and honors those dedicated to improving and advancing childhood.

A lifesaving commitment to water safety

A passionate advocate for youth development and community health, Brian spearheaded the YMCA’s Safety Around Water (SAW) program. The program provides children across northeast Ohio with free, critical water safety education and foundational swim skills. Since its creation in 2016, more than 10,000 children across Summit, Medina and Portage counties have participated through partnerships with schools, churches and community groups. This outreach is especially important within the Black community, where drowning remains a leading cause of death among children.

Brian said Akron Children’s recognition represents far more than an individual achievement.

“I’m deeply honored and humbled to receive the Hero Award from Akron Children’s,” he said. “While the recognition is meaningful to me personally, I’m most proud of our aquatics team. It’s their dedication, compassion and commitment to safety that made this impact possible.”

The award also celebrates the thousands of children and families who benefited from the SAW program. At the heart of Brian’s work is a belief in opportunity, access and the power of community-driven solutions.

Brian was recognized for his work with the YMCA’s Safety Around Water (SAW) program which provides children across northeast Ohio with free, critical water safety education and foundational swim skills. Since its creation in 2016, more than 10,000 children across Summit, Medina and Portage counties have participated.

Connecting people to create lasting change

“What inspires me the most about the work at the YMCA is the opportunity to make tangible, lasting differences in people’s lives every single day,” he said.

As chief development officer, Brian sees his role as a connector. He brings together people, ideas and resources to create lasting impact.

“Connecting volunteers, donors, staff and community partners around a shared cause is one of the most meaningful parts of my job,” he said. “Coaching staff, building confidence and engaging with mission-driven individuals makes that work especially rewarding.”

A model for community collaboration

The Akron Children’s Community Hero Award stirred a mix of emotions for Brian. Many of those feelings were rooted in the lives changed through the SAW program.

“I feel gratitude for the donors, volunteers, staff and community partners who make it possible,” he said. “I also feel fulfillment in knowing the work truly changes lives.”

While the honor came as a surprise, Brian said his goal was never recognition. His focus has always been on protecting children and addressing a critical safety need. Looking ahead, he hopes the SAW program continues to serve as a model for what’s possible when organizations unite around a shared purpose.

“I hope that the program demonstrates what’s possible when a community chooses to lead with purpose, compassion and collaboration,” he said. “The goal is to show that meaningful change happens when everyday people decide that no child’s potential should be limited by access, resources or circumstance.”