Elizabeth Bartz is the President and CEO of State and Federal Communications, Inc., a company she founded in 1993. As a woman-owned, small business, Elizabeth directs the operations of her 43-person firm, from managing a team of lawyers and research experts to overseeing its marketing and sales function to its stakeholder outreach and corporate social responsibility activities, including DEI initiatives. Elizabeth participates with more than twenty-five stakeholder groups in support of the government relations profession and the company’s many clients. As a seasoned leader, Elizabeth has served as President of both the State Government Affairs Council (SGAC) and the Washington Area State Relations Group (WASRG). She has served on the Board of Directors for the Washington-based Public Affairs Council, is active with the Greater Akron Chamber, the Akron Press Club, the Akron Roundtable and the United Way of Summit & Medina. She is a graduate of Kent State University, where she received a Master of Arts Degree in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism/Public Relations. She resides in West Akron with her husband, John Chames, and visits frequently with her two grandsons, James and Judah, and their parents in Columbus.

What types of arts and cultural activities do you enjoy the most (e.g., theatre, music, dance, visual arts, literature)?

My family appreciates and is grateful for all Summit County art events and frequently attends live theatre at the Akron Civic Theatre, the Knight Stage, EJ Thomas Performing Arts Hall, and many of the venues in Cleveland’s theater district. In addition to my support of local arts organizations, I patronize arts organizations in Washington, DC — the location of State and Federal Communication’s auxiliary office — as an Inner Circle patron of the Kennedy Center and Signature Theatre, as a Sondheim Gala donor. As time permits, I enjoy Broadway productions in New York City and have tickets for Hugh Jackman’s one-man show at Radio City Music Hall later this year. In addition to live theatre, John and I enjoy taking our grandchildren to the Akron Children’s Museum, for an outing at the Akron Zoo, riding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, and visiting the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens.

As an avid music lover, I enjoy many musical genres – such as songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Another memorable arts experience was attending The Moondog Coronation Ball concert held at the Cleveland Arena. I find that my love of music leads me to enjoy the soundtracks of the shows I’ve already seen or to listen to them in advance, so I’m fully prepared to enjoy the piece and each new song of the musical production I am attending.

How do you stay informed about upcoming arts and cultural events in Summit County?

My need to know what is upcoming in the arts scene is a top priority. As a subscriber and donor to a number of Akron’s arts organizations, I am kept abreast of coming attractions via email, social media and through Signal Akron and the Akron Beacon Journal. As a result, theatre reservations are sprinkled throughout my calendar, as I eagerly anticipate attending another show, movie, or concert. As a member of the Akron Art Museum, I encourage and offer passes to my staff to attend its many high-quality shows or events.

As a business owner located on Main Street in downtown Akron and a longtime Akron resident, sponsorship opportunities come my way on a frequent basis. Most recently, we have sponsored the Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza, the United Way of Summit & Medina, Akron Roundtable, the Akron Rubber Ducks, Project Grad Akron, the Annunciation Akron Philoptochos, the Annunciation Greek Festival, the St. Paul Greek Festival, the Angel Auction in honor of Andrea Rose Teodosio, the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio, the Akron Children’s Hospital, Bosom Buddies Benefit Auction, the Rubber Ducks Hot Stove banquet, and the American Hellenic Institute in Washington, DC.