Andy Hillier

Commission Chair

Ward 6

Andy’s background in the public arts and in the arts sector of The City of Akron includes both volunteer work and mentorship in the local community. Mentorship and consulting experience includes helping local businesses to create consignment programs with recognition of artist rights and protections granted by Ohio consignment laws, and through gallery commission programs and setting commission rates based on level of involvement in the sales and marketing process. Andy also helps local artists and local business owners to cost and price art, budget, and plan finances for their business, diversify cash flows, write up business contracts, and find gallery and consignment opportunities on a pro-bono basis.

Andy has helped throughout high school and college with public art initiatives in the city through the Lock 3 Summer Arts Experience (spacesuit and tire worker mural across from the metro station, mural at Luigi’s (now removed/relocated), administration and setup/teardown), volunteering with the League of Creative Interventionists, volunteering with the North Hill and Middlebury Better Block initiatives, and volunteering with Crafty Mart as an educator to create and provide business education, as well as providing time as a board member.

In their day-to-day job as a Technical Solution Consultant, Andy provides capability excellence through the design, development, and delivery of solutions, services, capabilities, and offerings – especially supporting initiatives in innovation and digital transformation. They are also an Adjunct Faculty member of Management & Information Systems at the College of Business - The University of Akron, where they educate and develop curriculum for the undergraduate program in information systems management.

Andy is currently pursuing their PhD in Systems Engineering at Colorado State University, where they aim to apply innovative methodologies, technologies, and solutions to help solve the world's most challenging issues. Previous education includes a Master of Science Degree in Accountancy, A Master of Science Degree in Management of Business Analytics and Information Systems, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology, all from the University of Akron.

Previously, Andy has worked in the national Data & Intelligence Delivery (DID) Center of Excellence at EY, has assisted with financial statement audits of the DoD, construction, and non-profit companies at EY and Sikich, has worked as a soil mechanics laboratory manager and project geologist/manager, and has worked in service industries as a barista and wine steward. Andy also has worked as a freelance graphic designer, apparel designer, full-stack web developer, illustrator, and business consultant