Longtime Community Action Council leader David Shea retires; John Kennedy appointed

David Shea, executive director of Community Action Council of Portage County for 26 years, is stepping down Oct. 22. Taking the lead role is former county treasurer John Kennedy.

Shea, whose CAC affiliation in Portage and Trumbull counties totals 45 years, will remain as a consultant ready to guide Kennedy with his new duties.

CAC administers utility assistance, energy and housing, and after-school programs. With the goal of empowering low-income individuals and families, the programs improve housing stability, early childhood education, energy assistance and workforce development.

“David’s leadership has been transformative,” said Mike DeLuke, chairperson of CAC’s board of directors. “His vision and dedication have touched countless lives and strengthened the fabric of our community. We are deeply grateful for his service and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”

Kennedy started as Portage County’s treasurer in October 2023 but lost his bid for re-election in the November 2024 general election. Before becoming treasurer, he served as IT director for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. 

Kennedy is active with a number of local organizations, including the King Kennedy advisory board, Independence of Portage County and Portage County NAACP. 

Kennedy, who has diabetes himself, is also set to join the board of Geauga County’s Camp Ho Mita Koda, the world’s first camp dedicated to providing recreation and independent coping skills for children with Type-1 diabetes.

At least initially, Kennedy said his intent will be to build on Shea’s work “and continue to find funding for these programs that help lower the cost of household utilities and free up money for folks in need to spend on other pressing priorities.”

As federal and state funding sources disappear, he said he anticipates more people turning to CAC, which he characterized as providing “stopgap” funding that helps people get through difficult times.