Kemp A. Boyd, married to his incredible wife, Stacy, and blessed with a family of six children, is a dedicated family man and community leader. He serves as the Executive Director of Love Akron and is also a Co-Pastor at Garden City Church. Additionally, Kemp emphasizes mentorship and community engagement as the Head Football Coach at Garfield High School.

Kemp earned his bachelor’s degree from The University of Akron in 2004 and a master’s degree in organizational management with a concentration in business leadership from Ashford University in 2010. Boyd is a certified instructor of Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid, helping raise awareness of mental health challenges while reducing the stigma associated with mental health disorders.

Kemp serves as the Chair of the Akron Citizens’ Police Oversight Board and is a member of other local boards including Leadership Akron, Summit County Children Services, Chapel Hill Christian School, First Tee, and is Co-Chair of County of Summit ADM Board’s Change Direction. He is also an active member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, contributing to various community service initiatives, and fostering brotherhood among members. Kemp brings a wealth of leadership experience to his role, embodying a relentless commitment to motivating others and empowering those around him to reach their full potential. Kemp is a firm believer that relationships are our greatest intervention and whether it’s within the church, on the football field, or across Greater Akron, he strives to influence individuals to be change-makers and make a collective impact.

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

We have a household of readers! We love a good book, whether it’s sitting on our front porch reading or listening as we are driving our children back and forth to their activities/sports. Our son Majer also loves visual arts. He enjoys taking classes locally as well as my daughter Ashlynn honing in on her acting skills at Weathervane Playhouse.

Share a memorable experience or moment you’ve had while attending an arts and cultural event in Summit County.

Attending a hip-hop concert at the Akron Art Museum…to see and hear the art and heart of hip-hop in that setting was magical.

How has your involvement in arts and culture shaped your perspective and understanding of different cultures and communities?

There’s always something to learn when you can observe a person doing or sharing something they love.

How do arts and culture provide a means of escapism or respite from the challenges of everyday life?

Art in any form is something you can lose yourself in…everything that you feel and love can be put into an outlet that frees you up to feel and love even more day after day.