Name: Brittany Grimes Zaehringer, Esq.

Occupation: Chief of Staff for the Mayor

Employer:  City of Akron

Name of High School: John R. Buchtel High School

Location (City/State): Akron, Ohio

Name of College (1):  The University of Michigan, Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology

Location (City/State):  Ann Arbor, Michigan

Name of College (2): Case Western Reserve University,

Master of Science in Social Administration (nka Master of Social Work)

Location (City/State):  Cleveland, Ohio

Name of College (3): Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Location (City/State): Cleveland, Ohio

Please state the reason(s) you are supporting Project GRAD Akron and raising funds for the scholarship fund. 

As a proud graduate of Akron Public Schools—especially the Buchtel Cluster—I’m honored to support the incredible work of Project GRAD Akron. This organization, with its award-winning programs and passionate leadership, truly transforms lives. What I love most is that they stay grounded in their mission: walking alongside students and families to support APS learning goals, offer enriching extracurricular opportunities, and help students imagine and achieve bright, fulfilling futures. This kind of impact doesn’t come for free. Supporting Project GRAD Akron is more than a donation—it’s an investment in students, in families, and in building a stronger, more engaged community.

Name of your favorite teacher and what made the person special to you:  (any grade level, including college)

Does saying my mom, Deborah Grimes, count? She taught in Barberton for over 35 years. While she was never technically my classroom teacher, she and my dad, Raymond Grimes, made it crystal clear that education came first—for me and my sister. If I had to name a teacher from school, I’d say my kindergarten teacher, Ms. Hess. She was so fun and encouraging—and always had a special treat each week for students who followed the rules. Let’s just say, I made it my mission to earn that treat every single week!

What were some of your most enjoyable times in school?  (pre-school through college):

I was lucky enough to be at John R. Buchtel High School during the years we won our first two state football championships. What a time to be a Griffin! The energy in the school and support from the entire West Akron community was electric. From epic pep rallies to road trips for playoff games—it was unforgettable. As a student-athlete myself (basketball, volleyball, and track), I saw firsthand the discipline and heart it takes to succeed both on the field and in the classroom.

Looking back over the years, what advice would you give to your high school self or college self?

I’d tell young Brittany: start learning about money sooner! Be smart with student loans and think twice before signing up for that campus credit card just to get a free t-shirt or slice of pizza. Those quick decisions at 17 or 18 can follow you for a long time—and can really limit your freedom to chase your dreams and build savings later on. Get financially wise early and give yourself more options down the road.

Favorite quote:

Focused, but not Finished

Brief Bio:

She is admitted to the practice of law in Ohio and did her initial legal training at Buckingham, Doolittle and Burroughs. Prior to joining the City of Akron, Zaehringer was the senior associate vice president for operations and strategic initiatives at Syracuse University. In her role, she was responsible for overseeing the functional areas of budget, human resources, strategic facilities, and IT for the Student Experience Division, which include Campus Safety and Emergency Management (CSEM). During her nearly five years in this role, Zaehringer oversaw $100 million+ in construction projects, a nearly $70 million budget portfolio, human resources for 1400+ staff members, and project management for the University’s Smart Campus and digital transformation efforts. Prior to this role, Zaehringer served as a senior human resource business partner at Syracuse University where she advised the Offices of the Chancellor, the Provost, and the Board of Trustees. She has also held several leadership positions in philanthropy, human resources, operations, and law spanning public, private, and non-profit agencies in Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., and Wisconsin, and she is a graduate of Leadership Akron’s Signature Program Class 26.

As Chief of Staff, Zaehringer is responsible for innovative and effective planning, organizing, managing, directing and overseeing of the day-to-day operations of the Mayor's office and director level staff, while also providing strategic counsel to the Mayor and other city leaders.