Fran Wilson (D) (they/them) was elected in 2025 to represent Akron Ward 1 after Council appointed Councilman Samuel DeShazior to the vacancy left by Councilwoman Nancy Holland. Fran will serve the rest of the vacancy until December 31, 2027. Elections for the full 4-year term will take place in May (Primary) and November (General) 2027.
Ward 1 is home to 18,000 residents, and includes parts of the following neighborhoods: University, Downtown, West Hill, Highland Square, Merriman Hills, Merriman Valley, Timber Top, and High Hampton. Ward 1 is home to some of Akron’s most active social and economic hubs, and hosts festivals like PorchRockr and Akron Pride. (Find your ward here.)
Fran is a fourth generation Akronite, a community organizer, a cat-parent, and a resident of the historic West Hill neighborhood. Fran is a graduate of St. Vincent - St. Mary High School and a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Parish LGBTQIA+ Community Group. Fran has also served as a Board member of the West Hill Neighborhood Organization, as well as Secretary and Commissioner of the Akron Civil Rights Commission, which investigates cases of discrimination. Before taking office, Fran spent over five years observing and sitting in on Council meetings, advocating on local issues. Fran is proud and honored to represent their neighbors on Council.
Fran uses they/them pronouns, and can be addressed as “Councilperson,” “Council Representative,” or just “Fran!” (Learn about personal pronouns here.)
Fran’s Ward 1 announcements and newsletter sign-up form can be found at AkronWardOne.com.
Contacting Fran
To best reach Fran, please consider the following:
- Fran prefers to receive emails and texts over calls.
- When reaching out to Fran, please leave your Full Name, Address, and a detailed description of why you are reaching out.
- Fran works other jobs outside of Council. If Fran doesn’t answer immediately, leave a message or send an email.
- Fran takes responsiveness seriously, and residents should not feel bad about sending an email/text to “check-in.”
Council Mailing Address
166 S High Street #301 Akron, OH 44308
Please be advised that records pertaining to official business may be subject to public record releases.