Lakisha Miller-Barclay named new Rubber Division executive director

AKRON—Lakisha Miller-Barclay has been named the ACS Rubber Division's executive director, succeeding Ed Miller who has served at the helm of the division for almost two decades.

Miller, who long has planned for his Jan. 15 retirement, is the only person to have held the executive director title.

Miller-Barclay will step into the role Jan. 1.

"I am very pleased with the Steering Committee's selection of Lakisha to succeed me as executive director," Miller said in a statement."She is professional, personable and extremely knowledgeable in Rubber Division operations and future focus."

The Rubber Division in a statement noted that Miller-Barclay is no stranger to the organization, having joined as director of finance and administration in 2007. In that role, she manages the day-to-day finances of the organization as well as long-term planning and reporting. She also took on additional responsibilities, overseeing I.T. and human resources, according to Rubber Division.

Miller-Barclay expects to receive Certified Association Executive certification in December.

Her professional background includes Summit County Children Services, the U.S. Air Force and owning and operating her own tax and accounting service where she specialized in non-profit work. She sits on the boards of Harmony House Inc. and Greenleaf Financial Services and serves as the president of Leadership Akron's Diversity on Board Class Three.

"Lakisha is well-liked by the Rubber Division team and I am fully confident in her ability to lead the Division into the next evolution of services and programs for our members and the rubber industry," Miller said.

Mike Morrow, 2019 Rubber Division chair, praised the selection, noting that Miller-Barclay has demonstrated her leadership abilities throughout the years.

"In addition to being well-liked by the staff, she has been wonderful to work with," Morrow said. "Lakisha possesses a multitude of skills, a consummate knowledge and history of Rubber Division, and a wealth of experience that will allow her to continue to build our foundation and grow our existing and new programs into the next generation."

Miller-Barclay said she is ready to take on the challenges that executive director role will bring. Moreover, she is proud to follow in Miller's footsteps.

"I thank the Steering Committee for this incredible opportunity, and I look forward to working with the board and the dynamic team within Rubber Division, ACS as we continue to evolve into the future," said Miller-Barclay. "I am also grateful to Ed for providing a foundation and framework under his 19 years of executive leadership. His willingness to teach and mentor me has been invaluable as well."