Anthony A. Akins, Sr. was elected to the Board in 2021 and humbly began his service as a board member in January 2022.
     Mr. Akins has deep roots in the community and has long been dedicated to serving it. He is a product of the Bedford school district, as he attended Carylwood Intermediate School, Heskett Middle School and graduated from Bedford High School, Class of 1996.  Mr. Akins is also graduate of University of Phoenix, obtaining a Bachelors degree in Health Care Administration and an MBA.
     Mr. Akins is a former councilman for Oakwood Village City, serving for 10 years, 2009-2019.  In addition, he has been a member of the Bedford City Schools Parent Ambassadors, is a member of the Bedford Band and Orchestra Parents (BBOP) and has been a member of the Superintendent's Advisory Council since its inception. Mr. Akins was also appointed as liaison of the school board for the Bedford City Schools Foundation at the first Organizational meeting after being sworn in in January 2022.
     During his time in public office, Mr. Akins has helped establish the Hawthorne Valley Youth Council, a youth group focusing on volunteerism and civic leadership through hands-on experience. He has served on the Executive Board of the Northeast Ohio City Council Association ( NOCCA) as a member at-large, treasurer and vice president. Anthony is also a board member for Progress with Chess Cleveland and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Delta Alpha Lambda (Cleveland Chapter). Among his many commitments, Mr. Akins is actively involved with several other volunteer/community organizations in the Cleveland area.
     Anthony Akins, Sr. has always been a mover and a shaker; from being a product of the school system to serving his country in the United States Navy as a 3rd Class Petty Officer.  Anthony is married to Janeen and has/had five children currently in the Bedford school district and all excelling in their class level.  For 2021 he had a BHS 2021 graduate. With five children in the district, and an alumnus, Mr. Akins is deeply invested in the future of Bedford City School students and the community.