Scott Haws, ’99, MBA, 2023 Distinguished Citizen Award Recipient
“I could sense from the first time I met Scott in 2009 that he had a genuine passion to serve and lead in a way that few can. He has absolutely lived up to that initial impression and surpassed it many times over, and this country needs more leaders like Scott who have a servant's heart and mindset.”
Scott Haws, ’99, MBA, is a caring, invested and respected philanthropist influencing positive change as an elected official and volunteer with local nonprofits like the YMCA and Serving Area Military – SAM Center. He donates his time and efforts to important causes and has a service-oriented mindset. Scott is known for his impeccable reputation and commitment to serving others with the highest integrity and moral and ethical character.
“I could sense from the first time I met Scott in 2009 that he had a genuine passion to serve and lead in a way that few can,” said Dr. Don Bartlette in his nomination. “He has absolutely lived up to that initial impression and surpassed it many times over, and this country needs more leaders like Scott who have a servant's heart and mindset.”
As a Plain Township Trustee, a role he has served in since 2010, Scott has been active in identifying, securing and implementing economic development and infrastructure initiatives and creating jobs. This included securing a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) designation and attracting premier residential development through advanced and mixed land use management planning techniques.
Scott’s leadership and contributions through his work have made meaningful impact. For the last 13 years, he has supported advanced education efforts by providing scholarships to 24 graduating high school seniors through the Haws Leadership Scholarship. He has helped raise funds to support the YMCA and fundraised for other nonprofits that provide educational training needs with at-risk youth and mental health and drug addiction recovery services. Scott is also dedicated to helping provide therapy services and essentials for the veterans in Stark County and Northeast Ohio as well as preserving the area’s green space.
“Through all of Scott's work civically, politically and in private industry, he has never shied away from making the tough decisions,” said Dr. Bartlette. “His level of resolve, consistency and willingness to explain his rationale have earned him significant respect and credibility.”
He is a founding member of the Stark County Land Reutilization Corporation and has played a role in securing county, state and federal funding for new highway and road infrastructure projects. He has also helped secure significant funding for Stark County through the One Ohio Opioid Settlement to be used for programs supporting drug addiction, recovery and mental health treatment. Scott’s vision and support have resulted in improvements to community parks and playgrounds as well as funding for fire and EMS equipment.
Scott routinely demonstrates collaboration, bridging the needs of the communities he serves with the priorities of its organizations to create substantial and impactful change. He has been a recipient of the 30 Faces of Leadership Stark County award, selected as an inaugural member of Stark County’s 20 under 40 and recognized as a Red Cross Clara Barton Society honoree and Walsh University Outstanding Achievement Award recipient. These awards and achievements complement his lifelong commitment to his community and demonstrate his dedication, compassion and motivated leadership to help others.
“Scott is the ultimate example of someone who puts his money where his mouth is,” said Dr. Bartlette. “If he is not reinvesting in the community, he is donating his time and efforts to important causes.”
Since graduating from Kent State in 1999, he has spent many hours engaging, working, mentoring and collaborating with students at both the Stark and Kent campuses. His best memories from his time as a Kent State student include meeting his best friend Natalie Broucker Cardinale, ’99, winter tray sledding down the hill next to the architecture building, playing intramurals and spending time with friends.
Scott is engaged to fellow Golden Flash Pamela Sayers, ’06, and his family includes two soon-to-be stepsons, two dogs and a cat. The family enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, biking, boating and kayaking and, when he has the chance to sneak away, he enjoys riding his Harley Davidson Street Glide.
