Akron Children’s names new VP of marketing, communications

02-26-2024 (Ohio)

Roderick (Rod) L. Ingram Sr. has been named vice president for Marketing and Communications at Akron Children’s, effective Feb. 26.

Ingram most recently served as vice president for communications and chief marketing officer at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). In this role, he served as the strategic marketing and communications adviser to the president, university board, and members of the leadership team, while developing programs to enhance the University’s reputation and strengthening internal and external communications. Responsibilities included media relations, crisis communications, speech writing, marketing strategy, and branding. He also led the development of all marketing and communications initiatives with partners, including the creation of new co-brands and joint ventures with University Hospitals and Bounce Innovation Hub.

Prior to joining NEOMED, Ingram was an executive at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, the Ohio Lottery and WEWS TV (NewsChannel 5).

He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance and MBA from Cleveland State University.  

“Rod brings a unique set of marketing leadership skills and experiences that will complement and enhance our strong marketing and communications team,” said Chris Gessner, president and CEO. “We are excited for him to begin a new chapter of his successful career at Akron Children’s.”  

A graduate of Leadership Cleveland’s Class of 2021, Ingram has served on several boards, including the Better Health Partnership, Team NEO Marketing Advisory Council, the Press Club of Cleveland, the United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland. He recently completed his term as chair of the United Way of Portage County, and currently serves on the Cleveland Arts Prize and Thrive Scholars boards.

Ingram resides in Orange Village with his wife, Angela. They have three adult children.