Susan Hamo was Akron’s “most passionate advocate.”
Those words from Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic described Mrs. Hamo, 63, the longtime president and CEO of the Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau, who died Monday morning at the Cleveland Clinic after a three-month illness.
Mrs. Hamo “was a valued leader of the Greater Akron community. More than any other person, she elevated our hospitality industry and was its most passionate advocate,” Plusquellic said.
He said her work allowed the John S. Knight Center “to realize its potential as one of Akron’s most important assets.”
Gregory Bean, volunteer chairman of the board of directors of the convention and visitors bureau, said in an email announcing Mrs. Hamo’s death that she “was a dear friend to each of us. I so admired her enthusiasm and zest for life.”
He said Mrs. Hamo, whom he had known for three decades, “so richly blessed our lives. May we also rejoice in our faith with the knowledge that suffering is no more and that Susan is now in God’s tender and eternal care.”
Hamo was well-respected around the state and “was a pioneer in the Ohio tourism industry,” Bean said.
Gregg Mervis, vice president and chief operating officer of the convention organization, said Mrs. Hamo “was one of those people you know by one name.” By just saying “Susan,” most people in Akron knew you were referring to her.
“She was a tireless leader, a great friend and she taught us all how to be not only great spokespersons for the community, but how to be great people,” Mervis said.
Mrs. Hamo grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to Akron after she was married. She began working for the convention and visitors bureau as a sales manager in 1984, Mervis said.
He said she rose through the ranks to become president and CEO of the convention bureau in 1993 and president and CEO of the entire organization in 1995, when the operations of the John S. Knight Center and the convention bureau were combined.
She volunteered with the American Cancer Society, Weaver Industries, Akron Civic Theatre and the Downtown Akron Partnership. She served as a past president of the Ohio Travel Association, the Ohio Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus and was a board member of the International Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus. She also served as a delegate to the White House Conference on Tourism in 1995.
Plusquellic said Mrs. Hamo received recognition for her work from around the country.
“We will miss her talents, and I will miss her friendship,” the mayor said.
Mrs. Hamo is survived by her husband, Ron, daughter Beth, son R.J. and sister Jackie Conte.
The Hummel Funeral Home, 500 E. Exchange St. in Akron, is handling arrangements.
Jim Carney can be reached at 330-996-3576 or at jcarney@thebeaconjournal.com.