BMF Partner to Receive FirstMerit Nonprofit Board Executive of the Year at Pillar Award for Community Service

AKRON, OH – October 31, 2011 – Bober Markey Fedorovich (BMF), a regional audit, tax and business advisory firm with offices in Akron and Cleveland announces that James E. Merklin, partner in charge of Assurance and Advisory Services, has been named a FirstMerit Nonprofit Board Executive of the Year. The award will be presented at the annual Pillar Award for Community Service on Wed., Dec. 7, 5-8 p.m. at LaCentre Conference and Banquet Facility in Westlake.

The Pillar Award for Community Service, presented by Medical Mutual of Ohio and Smart Business magazine, honors businesses and individuals from all over Northeast Ohio that make outstanding contributions to their community. Its purpose is to encourage a charitable environment, recognize creative efforts that make a difference and demonstrate the ties between the for-profit and nonprofit worlds.

Merklin is being honored for his work with the United Way of Summit County as a member of their board of directors, executive committee and as chair of the organization’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society, a leadership giving program that fosters, promotes and recognizes personal giving of $10,000 or more. “Since joining the board and agreeing to chair the society in 2010, Jim has had a significant impact, in a very short time, on the organization’s ability to raise much-needed funds,” said Bob Kulinski, president and CEO, United Way of Summit County. “Jim energized our staff to find new ways to recruit new major donors. As a result, in 2010, the Tocqueville Society welcomed 35 new members, a 25 percent increase, and raised $2,234,000. This was more than they had ever raised before in their 22-year history and was an 18.5 percent increase over the previous year.”

Merklin has been with BMF since 1997 and was named partner in 2003. Other community and philanthropic activities include:

  • President-elect, Northeast Ohio Medical University Foundation board
  • Board member, Leadership Akron
  • Member, Akron General Health Systems Community Health Committee
  • Member and past treasurer, Rotary Club of Akron
  • Past chair, Community Support Services, Inc.
  • Past chair, Goodwill Industries of Akron
  • Graduate and class vice president, Leadership Akron, Class of 2003

Full profile

For more information about the event

Founded in 1959, Bober Markey Fedorovich is one of the largest independent CPA and business advisory firms in northeast Ohio with national and international reach, primarily serving greater Akron, Cleveland and surrounding regions. Its clients span a variety of industries, many with multi-state and global operations. The firm specializes in accounting, audit, tax services, litigation support, valuation and transaction advisory, with focus on privately held business and SEC companies.

###

For more information:
Karyn Sullivan
Director, Business Development and Marketing
330.255.2468
Email