Bronlynn Thurman

Bronlynn Thurman joined GAR in 2016. As a program officer, she works to advance the Foundation’s strategic priorities through the assessment and review of grant inquiries and applications with a focus on the intersection of education and economic development through the lens of equity.

An Akron native, Bronlynn serves on several area boards and committees, including Countryside; the Ohio Alliance For Arts Education; Akron Civic Commons core team and Communications Committee; Akron Cultural Plan steering committee; City of Akron Planning Commission; Downtown Akron’s Third Thursday committee; and Elevate Greater Akron’s Opportunity Akron steering committee. Her career has been devoted to the nonprofit sector. Prior to joining GAR full-time, she worked at the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation as a Program Associate focusing on public space and civic engagement.

Bronlynn received a Bachelor’s in Advertising from Kent State University and she recently completed her Master’s in User Experience Design at her alma mater. In her free time, Bronlynn enjoys traveling, reading, engaging in artistic pursuits, and writing about a range of topics, including the Akron area; city and public space design; and representation in arts and culture.