New Democratic mayor of Akron, Ohio, announces DEI and climate change team in first moves

Newly sworn-in mayor of Akron, Ohio, Shammas Malik, designated three new Cabinet officials including a director of diversity, equity, and inclusion and a newly-created director of sustainability and resiliency.

According to his office, Esther Thomas will serve as Malik’s director of DEI, Casey Shevlin will be the director of the new climate-focused office, and Stephanie Marsh will join as Malik’s director of communications. The group joins chief of staff Brittany Grimes Zaehringer and chief of strategy Nanette Pitt, both of whom were appointed in mid-December, in Malik’s Cabinet.

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The 32-year-old, Akron’s first millennial mayor, made the announcement before taking the oath of office on New Year’s Day.

Malik secured the Democratic primary victory in May 2023 and was elected in November.

An Akron native, Malik previously served on the Akron City Council, and he told Cleveland Magazine in September his election is proof that “voters are looking for someone who’s offering something different, and offering a positive and affirmative vision” for the future.

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“I think the most important thing for me is that I have a strong vision for where the city is going,” he said. “And without a vision for where the city’s going to go, even the best manager, even the most experienced person, is going to be stuck with what has happened over the last several decades — my entire lifetime — which is managing decline.”

“That work does not happen in four years, and it’s only started in eight years,” Malik continued. “Like anyone, I want to make the greatest impact that I can in my career. But I’m focused on doing the job that I’m incredibly honored to hopefully, presumptively have.”