Julia Rea Bianchi elected Chair of Summa Foundation Board of Directors 

Julia Rea Bianchi, a longtime member of the Summa Foundation Board of Directors and a member of the Executive Committee, was elected as Chair of the Summa Foundation Board, effective January 1, 2023. 

“I am honored to serve in this role during this dynamic time of momentum for Summa Health,” said Julia. “The past few years have brought about a great deal of change for Summa and the healthcare industry as a whole. Never before has there been a greater opportunity for the Summa Foundation Board to be ambassadors for the health system and inspire philanthropy in support of its mission.”

As Board Chair, Julia brings a long history of board leadership experience, focused on board development, philanthropy and extensive volunteer service. Her drive to serve the community is well-known at Summa Health and numerous nonprofits in the Northeast Ohio region and beyond. 

“Julia is a valuable asset to Summa Foundation as we seek new ways to inspire philanthropic support for the healthcare of our community,” said Jessica Hudson, President of Summa Foundation and Chief Development Officer at Summa Health. “She has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to our organization through her longtime support and brings extensive professional experience and strategic leadership. We are fortunate to continue working with Julia in her new role as Board Chair.”

Julia is a founding member of multiple nonprofit philanthropic groups in Akron, Ohio, and Miami, Florida. These include The Circle of Women’s Health Philanthropists at Summa Health, the American Red Cross Tiffany Circle Society of Women Leaders, the Kristi House Child Advocacy Center in Miami and the Fisher Island Philanthropic Fund managed by United Way of Miami-Dade.

As the Founding Chair of The Circle of Women's Health Philanthropists at Summa Health, Julia championed the health and wellness of women in Akron and surrounding communities. Since 2014, The Circle has granted nearly $865,000 to fund needs at Summa Health in support of women’s health.

Her extensive volunteer work includes serving as the National Co-chair of the American Red Cross Tiffany Circle and Board Chair of the American Red Cross of Greater Miami and The Keys. She also served as President of the Junior League of Miami and the Junior League of Miami’s Foundation. She was a board member of the Board of Trustees for Frost Science in Miami, where she was the Founding Chair of the Venus Orbit and M.A.R.S. fundraising initiatives. Julia served on the Executive Committee of the National Women's History Museum in Washington, D.C. She also is a dedicated member of Delta Gamma Fraternity.

Julia has chaired several Greater Akron event fundraisers, including the Akron Children’s Hospital Denim and Diamonds event, the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens Mid-Summer Night Gala as well as the Summa Health Sapphire Ball.

Professionally, Julia is the Chief Operating Officer of Blue Chip Kids, Inc., a brand that focuses on promoting financial literary awareness. She also is a professional marketing, special events and communications consultant. 

She earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in English and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication from the Miami University of Ohio.