Gutowski named chief government relations and business development officer

10-04-2024 (Akron, Mahoning Valley, Ohio)

Akron Children’s has recently named Anthony Gutowski its chief government relations and business development officer.

In this role, Gutowski will continue to lead and advance Akron Children's government advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal level and be responsible for identifying partnerships and pursuing new business opportunities to complement existing Akron Children’s services. Prior to accepting this new expanded role, Gutowski was the director of government relations at the hospital for the past five years.

“Tony has been invaluable to the hospital’s advocacy efforts,” said Chris Gessner, Akron Children’s president and CEO. “He is a systems thinker and as we work to increase the presence of the hospital in the region, Tony’s experiences and ability to build relationships and identify partnership opportunities will be a real asset in executing the hospital’s growth strategy moving forward.”

A Cleveland native, Gutowski began his career working with various community organizations before entering health care. While an undergraduate at Cleveland State University, he worked at a local community development corporation to improve one of Cleveland’s most underserved neighborhoods. Later, during graduate school, he worked at Cleveland Clinic, laying the foundation for a career in healthcare. Gutowski then accepted a post-graduate fellowship with the Ohio Legislative Service Commission. After leaving the Statehouse, Gutowski served as the Northern Ohio political director for a U.S. senatorial campaign, and later, as public policy manager and director of government relations at a regional hospital association serving over thirty hospital members.

Gutowski currently serves as a board member of the Salvation Army of Summit County. In 2021, he was recognized by the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce as a recipient of the 30 for the Future award. Additionally, he serves on the Ohio Hospital Association Hospital Finance Workgroup, the Ohio Children's Hospital Association Government Relations Workgroup, and the Greater Akron Chamber's Government Relations Committee. Gutowski earned his Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from Cleveland State University, where he also earned his graduate degree in Urban Studies with a concentration in public policy and law.

 

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