ralph n. paulk
president
Ralph, a United States Marine Corps veteran, was an award-winning sports journalist for more than 30 years. The former military correspondent had stints at several major newspapers – including Akron, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Richmond, VA, and Fort Myers, FL. A graduate of Michigan State University, the Florida native is a lifetime member of the NAACP and National Association of Black Journalists. The author and Pulitzer Prize winner, who was first elected as Tiretown Golf Club President in 2017, also served as a speech writer, newspaper guild representative and adjunct professor at Kent State University.
Larry W. Johnson Jr.
vice president
Larry W. Johnson Jr. is the Supervisor of Secondary Schools for Akron Public Schools. As the Supervisor of Secondary Schools, my responsibilities include the development, evaluation, and academic accountability of middle schools and their leaders. Additionally, I facilitate leadership development by designing an aspiring leadership pipeline and onboarding new leaders – assistant and campus principals.
Before my current role, I was the first Executive Principal in Akron Public Schools. As the EP, my primary responsibility was facilitating the development and leadership of the middle school College and Career Academy Transformation in all middle schools. I managed new initiatives, designed professional learning for teachers, led the district kick-off, and supported our first essential experience for all middle school sixth graders.
My building leadership path offered me the distinguished pleasure of leading Firestone Community Learning Center, where I devoted a commitment to collaboration, showcasing this school’s diversity and infusing a focus on equity into our school’s DNA. Firestone CLC is the largest school in the Akron Public School system, serving close to 1300 students. Culminating with a Bronze medal recognition by News Week and earning the school’s highest rank in the district and state for the past seven years. My administrative experience spans a variety of schools as well as comprehensive high schools. I have a knack for challenging the status quo and finding unique solutions to benefit ALL students. Recently, I began serving on the nationally recognized AI Forum, an advisory board designing a high school course and curriculum focusing on innovation and artificial intelligence. This new course will give students the creative outlet to think critically and solve real issues impacting their community.
My professional 25-year career with the Akron Public Schools is highlighted by my time as the founding Instructional Leader of Akron Public School’s newest high school, the National Inventors Hall of Fame S.T.E.M. High School, recognized as a School of Promise by the state of Ohio two years in a row and a Bronze medalist by News Week’s top schools in the nation. I channeled my passion for building community partnerships, fostering innovative instructional practices, and empowering a diverse learning environment. Now in its 10th year, the National Inventors Hall of Fame S.T.E.M. High School remains a designated STEM school by the Ohio Department of Education. It continues to provide students with 21st Century Skills embedded in the school’s instructional practices, problem-based learning design, and overall educational philosophy.
I have been fortunate to maintain my connection to STEM learning/pedagogy through collaboration, design, and facilitation of the Innovative Leaders Institute, which provides a year-long professional development to cohorts of future STEM leaders across the state of Ohio. Sponsored by Battelle, this collaboration helps new STEM leaders and communities to design a unique learning experience that incorporates all of the components of STEM learning. As a member of this training team for the last eight years, I have provided training to more than 25 new STEM schools across Ohio. Our most recent collaboration includes merging ideas and practices with the Tennessee STEM Hub.
I am a committed member of his community and am a speaker, facilitator, and motivational speaker at several functions across Ohio. Most recently, I facilitated a session for young males at the University of Akron’s Black Male Summit, where I designed workshops to inspire and empower young male participants ranging from middle school-aged students to college students. I have been a dedicated founding member of the Advisory Board for the LeBron James Family Foundation. As a product of Akron Public Schools and a proud member of this community, my passion for family, leadership development, and equity is balanced by my four children and wonderful wife, LaShonna Johnson.
Glynis E. Miller Mitchell
secretary
Glynis E. Miller Mitchell was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1965. When I was 5 years old my family moved to Warrensville Heights, Ohio, where she was raised and attended the Warrensville Heights School system, graduating in 1984.
In 1990 she decided to attend the Academy of Court Reporting located in downtown Cleveland, graduating in 1994 with an associate degree in Court Reporting. Glynis was a freelance court reporter in the Cleveland/Akron area, along with teaching court reporting on and off for several years, until 2007 when she was hired as an Official Court Reporter for the Akron Municipal Court where she is currently employed. Glynis is an active member in court reporting associations; NCRA, National Court Reporters Association and OCRA, Ohio Court Reporters Association.
Glynis is married to Clarence D. Mitchell, Jr., Tiretown Golf Club’s present Tournament Director. Together they have three adult children and five grandchildren.
Glynis’ hobbies include, among many things, traveling, riding her motorcycle, and spending time with family and friends.
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Clarence Mitchell iii
treasurer
Clarence Mitchell III, an avid golfer, was born and raised in Cleveland Heights where he graduated from high school. He lettered in several varsity sports, including golf. Clarence received the prestigious, Wendy’s high school Heisman award in 2004 for his academic and sports achievements while in high school. He continued his academic studies at North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University where he studied electrical engineering. Clarence, a member of Omega Psi Phi, interned at several Fortune 500 companies such as General Electric and Caterpillar. Clarence began his career at GE, then later earned his a Supply Chain Management Degree from Penn State University. He spent nearly eight years at GE before returning to Ohio to work in Wooster Ohio at LuK USA LLC, now known as Schaeffler. Clarence, now at BWXT in Barberton, Ohio (formerly Babcock and Wilcox). Clarence, who is also a valued member of the scholarship committee, brings his professional expertise to assist as Treasurer. He replaces long-time treasurer Les Carter, who held the position for nearly three decades. Clarence and his wife, Saada, are residents of Cuyahoga Falls.
Clarence Mitchell, Jr.
Director of Golf Activities
Clarence joined Tiretown Golf Club in 2015, was elected in November to a two-year term as director of golf activities. A native of Talladega, Alabama, Mitchell served on the tournament committee the past three years and was instrumental helping Tiretown staged successful scholarship tournaments.
Mitchell, a licensed plumber, and his wife live in Cleveland. His wife, Glynis, is a court reporter at Akron Municipal Court. And his son, Clarence Mitchell III, was recently elected to serve as Tiretown’s treasurer.
The 68-year-old Mitchell is used to challenges. As a pipe fitter, he traveled from Columbus to New Orleans to Atlanta to Las Vegas. He spent 10 months in New Orleans to help repair a system’s broken infrastructure following Hurricane Katrina.
Mitchell is a member of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Cleveland. He is the father of three (Clarence III, Karlicia Dawson and William Miller) and the grandfather of five.
Larry Thomas
Historian
Larry Thomas was born and raised in Akron, Ohio and was a 1970 Archbishop Hoban High School graduate. Larry was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. through Alpha Tau Chapter at the University of Akron on June 26, 1971. He majored in Mechanical Engineering Technology in which he received his Associate and Bachelor of Science degrees. Larry became a member of Eta Tau Lambda Chapter in 1988 and has since maintained his membership in the chapter.
Larry lives in Barberton with his wife Barbara. His church home is The House of the Lord. His interests are computers, website development, woodworking, home improvement projects, golfing, and amateur radio among many other activities.
Marilyn Miller Paulk
Social committee
Marilyn Miller Paulk was appointed Social Committee chairperson in January 2024. A selfless, dependable and a tireless advocate for Tiretown Golf Club and Tiretown Golf Charities, Marilyn plays a significant role in the growth of our organization.
Marilyn, who spent 31 years as a reporter with the Akron Beacon Journal, also serves on the Tiretown Golf Charities Board of Directors. And has served as co-chair of the Fund Development Committee for the past four years.
The committee quickly altered its fundraising goals and engineered a game plan that set in motion the most ambitious fundraising growth in the club’s history. While Tiretown devised a plan to net more than $10,000 to $15,000 with its scholarship tournament each year, the fund development matched or exceeded those numbers under her guidance with several events – including the Tiretown Junior Golf Club Fundraiser and the Tiretown Scholarship Banquet.
“It’s a very rewarding position,” said Marilyn, who joined Tiretown Golf Club in 2016. “It’s important that Tiretown has a genuine interest in the community.
“There is something extraordinary about making a difference in the community in which you live.”
More importantly, Marilyn has been an inspiration to other members. She has been the embodiment of a dedicated member who leads by example and hard work. She inspires others – including non-members – to dedicate time and effort in assisting Tiretown to meet many of its fundraising targets.
Marilyn helps with strategic planning for the scholarship banquet, the junior tournament and partnership development.
Marilyn, a graduate of Our Lady of the Elms, serves as recording secretary for the Akron Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., assistant treasurer for the Summit County Women’s Board of Juvenile Court, member of the Akron Urban League Guild and lifetime member of the NAACP.
Marilyn earned a B.A. in communications from the University of Akron and M.A. from Kent State University. Yet, many of her lessons came from her father, George C. Miller, who in 1964 became the first Black principal of Akron Public Schools.
Cynthia D. Blake
financial secretary
Cynthia Blake has been a candidate for City of Akron at-large council, and is actively involved in organizations throughout the community,
such as Council of Negro Women, Akron Pee Wee Executive Committee, special interest for Autism Policies,
Political Analysts and Board member of Pride thru Empowerment.
OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
The officers and committees serve specific functions of the organization. Here you will find the names of each officer and committee leader.
TIRETOWN GOLF CLUB LEADERSHIP TEAM
Executive Board/Officers
Ralph N. Paulk, President
Larry W. Johnson Jr., Vice President
Glynis E. Miller Mitchell, Secretary
Clarence Mitchell III, Treasurer
Cynthia D. Blake, Financial Secretary
Larry Thomas, Historian
Clarence Mitchell Jr., Director of Golf Activities
Marilyn Miller Paulk, Social Committee
Christopher Mitchell, Sargent-at-Arms
Arthur Green, Chaplain
TIRETOWN GOLF CHARITIES LEADERSHIP TEAM
Executive Board/Officers
Jay Curry, Chairperson
Marilyn Miller Paulk
Denise Moss
Judi Hill
Jay Curry
Steve Tyson, First Vice Chairperson
Bambi Miller
Dr. Sheldon Wrice
Ralph N. Paulk, Tiretown Golf Club, President
Tournament Committee – assists the director in all golf activities
Clarence Mitchell Jr., Chair
Willie McCall
Chris Mitchell
Michael W. Robinson
Les Carter
Bill Alford
Art Green
Tiretown Junior Golf Club Committee – assists the director in all Junior golf activities and events.
Michael Goode, Co-Chairperson
Cynthia Blake, Co-Chairperson
Francine Blake
Martin Latson
Jules Dunlap, Junior Leader/Advisor
Ricky Smith, Coach/Advisor
Roland Pennington, First Tee of Greater Akron coach/advisor
Michael Robinson, First Tee of Greater Akron Executive Board/TGC Vice President
Fundraising Committee is responsible for all fundraising events/activities.
Marilyn Miller Paulk, Chair
Gwen Bryant, Vice Chair
Joe Patterson
Janice McClain
Steve Tyson
Roland Pennington
Joe Simmons
Chris Mitchell
Les Carter
Angela Williams
Les Carney, Tiretown Raffle Coordinator
Membership Committee is responsible for membership outreach, approval, and retention.
Terry Felton, Chair
Elmore Banton, Vice Chair
Karen Smith
Jim Sauter
Joe Patterson
Diahnna Curtis
Tony Bishop
Scholarship Committee – coordinates scholarship candidates and other scholarship efforts.
Dave Brown, Chair
Joe Simmons
Jay Curry
Elmore Banton
Troy Denefield
Rules Committee – responsible for keeping membership informed of all USGA rules.
Rev. Arthur Green, Chair
Terry Felton
Bill Alford
Social Committee – plans and coordinates all social activities for the club.
Marilyn Miller Paulk, Chair
Ted DuBose
Angela Williams
Terry Williams
T.J. Pryor
Willie McCall
Constitution Committee – reviews the constitution periodically and provides recommendations for revision.
John Williams, Chair
Johnnie Player
Woody Williams, Emeritus
Judge Randy Baxter, Retired
Rosalyn Harris
Sick and Welfare Committee – notifies membership of disability or death of members and family members.
Johnnie Player, Chair
Community Outreach Committee – seeks to increase interaction with club members and the communities in which they live.
Kevin Tinsley
Media/Social Media/Marketing Coordinators – shares club events, multi-media, and participation through social media platforms.
Larry Thomas
Ralph N. Paulk
Clarence Mitchell III
Media/Social Media/Marketing Coordinators – shares club events, multi-media, and participation through social media platforms.
Dwayne Jackson, Chairman
Edna Borders