James J. Hardy is deputy mayor for integrated development for Akron, Ohio, and a former assistant director of community health at Summit County Public Health. Previously, he served as special assistant to the president and board of trustees of Kent State University, as a regional director for Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, and as an executive-office intern for President Bill Clinton.
In 2005, Hardy was elected to the Akron Public Schools Board of Education. He served on the board for six years and in 2009 was elected by his peers as its president.
Hardy holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and criminal justice from the University of Akron and a master's degree in public health from Kent State University.
