Don Padgett III joins Akron Children’s Foundation as senior director of strategy

12-11-2025 (Akron, Mahoning Valley, Ohio)

Don Padgett III has joined the Akron Children’s Foundation as senior director of foundation strategy. Padgett’s role will include collaborating with the Foundation team on existing and new donor engagement. 

For the past 25 years, he held various executive roles with the PGA Tour. He led the last 19 professional golf tournaments at Firestone Country Club, and helped raise over $20 million for charitable causes throughout Northeast Ohio from golf tournament proceeds.

Throughout his career Padgett received numerous accolades including being named to Crain’s Cleveland Business “Forty under 40” list and the Greater Akron Chamber’s “Thirty for the Future.”

“Don is a seasoned professional at leading teams, building relationships and executing extraordinary events,” said Shelly Brown, chief development officer for the Foundation. “His extensive experience and deep knowledge of the communities we serve are invaluable assets to our robust fundraising efforts.”

Brown added that Padgett’s reputation will further enhance Akron Children’s connections with donors and community partners.

“His knack for fostering relationships and his impressive track record in event management will contribute to our overall growth and fundraising goals,” she said.

Padgett received his bachelor’s degree in business from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and his MBA from John Carroll University. He is a graduate of Leadership Akron’s Signature Program (Class 29).

He currently serves on the board of the Akron/Summit County Convention & Visitors Bureau and the John S. Knight Center. He also served as an advisory board member for the First Tee chapters of Akron, Cleveland and Canton and is a past board member of Susan G. Komen of Northeast Ohio.

Don and his wife, Kellie, live in Green and have 3 children.