Executive Director for the Center for Adult and Veterans Services Joshua Rider has been named the Committee Member of the Year by Main Street Kent (MSK).
Rider, who serves as the chair of the Business Enhancement Committee, was honored for his excellent work and leadership and for creating connections with the university and downtown businesses. He also volunteers at events including Oktoberfest, Wizardly World, Adopt-A-Spot, and many more throughout the year.
“I am honored,” he said of receiving the award. “There are so many folks that give so much of their time, [and] for me to be recognized for this honor means quite a bit personally and professionally.
“I got involved as a volunteer and Business Enhancement team member [in 2016] after connecting with Eric Decker during our Leadership Portage County experience,” said Rider. “It is a great organization that is responsible for quite a bit in the community.”
Rider and others were honored at a ceremony on October 7 at the Kent Historical Society Museum. Many local dignitaries attended the ceremony, including the city of Kent and Kent State partners and business owners. MSK currently has two full-time staff members, so the many hours of volunteer work are a significant contributor to the organization's success.
Executive Director for Main Street Kent Heather Malarcik said Rider is not only a valuable member of the committee, but his energy keeps things running smoothly.
“Josh brings an unmatched level of enthusiasm and organization to the table,” she said. “He keeps meetings on schedule and people on task and is always willing to help, delegate, and make sure we achieve the goals we set for ourselves.”
Rider believes being a member of MSK helps provide a more enjoyable experience for those in the city of Kent by way of quality programming throughout the year.
“It [really] enhances the city of Kent experience,” said Rider of all MSK offers. “This is through marketing events, historic preservation, enhancing businesses, and assisting in attracting new ones to the community.”
Malarcik said having someone who also works at Kent State is a major plus when it comes to the overall mission of MSK.
“Josh has helped link our downtown and campus leaders so we can work better together,” she said. “I look forward to continuing to build on those opportunities in the years to come.”
To learn more about Main Street Kent, visit