Theresa Carter President OMNOVA Foundation

Theresa Carter has been with OMNOVA Solutions 24 years, providing leadership and strategic direction in managing the operation of its $30 million Foundation. She is accountable for community relations in each of OMNOVA’s ten company site locations by approving budgets and working with field representatives to administer allocations effectively to non-profit organizations in those communities.

Theresa serves on six non-profit community boards and several advisory councils and committees, including the United Way of Summit County (she lead the ‘08/’09 fundraising campaign), the Greater Akron Chamber, the Community Health Center, Tri-County Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates, the University of Akron Foundation, and the NAACP Akron Chapter. She also serves on committees with the American Heart Association (chair – 2010 "Go Red Luncheon"); the Akron Public Schools Business Advisory Council, the American Red Cross of Summit and Portage Counties, 91.3 FM- "The Summit," and Copley High School Guidance Advisory. She is a strong, committed volunteer.

In 2007, Theresa received the Athena award, recognized for helping women reach leadership potential; and improving the quality of life for others in the community. Other recognitions throughout her career include the Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service to Youth Award; H. Peter Burg Volunteer of the Year Award and Helen E. Arnold Humanitarian Award from the Akron Public School System; Community Health Center President’s Award for outstanding commitment and service; Peter Bommarito Community Award for volunteerism and service to the Akron area presented by the AFL/CIO and Summit County United Way; Harold K. Stubbs Humanitarian Award in Business and the YWCA Woman of Achievement, among many others.

A native of Demopolis, AL, Theresa graduated with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Communications from the University of Alabama. She moved to Akron after college and now resides in Copley, Ohio, with her husband, Garvin, and daughters, Erin and Cesily.