Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Carneal.
Hi Julie , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
OPEN M began in 1968 during a time when Akron, like much of the country, was grappling with poverty, civil unrest and deep community need. In the midst of all that, four local churches came together with a shared vision: to be a beacon of hope. They launched the Opportunity Parish Ecumenical Neighborhood Ministry, OPEN M, right out of a house on Princeton Street, ministering to neighbors on front porches and in backyards. That grassroots spirit still fuels our work today.
Over the last 50 plus years, OPEN M has grown into a vital community hub serving more than 67,000 individuals annually. We still call Princeton Street home but now operate from a much larger multipurpose campus. With the help of thousands of volunteers, partner churches and community supporters, we offer wraparound services through three core areas: Food Services, Health Services and Employment Services.
While the way we serve has evolved, our mission has not changed. We exist to feed the hungry, care for the sick and strengthen the community. Every program we offer is built to respond to real needs in Akron and Summit County, just like those early porch conversations back in 1968.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like many nonprofit organizations, our road has had its fair share of bumps, but what has kept us moving forward is the unwavering support of our community. This year, for example, we experienced some significant challenges. We lost a major contract that previously helped sustain one of our cornerstone programs, and we’ve been facing steep increases in the costs of food and medicine—25 percent and 30 percent, respectively. At the start of the year, we also endured a devastating power outage that led to the loss of vital food and medication. It was a hard hit for our staff and the families we serve.
Still, OPEN M is built on resilience. We are powered by a small but deeply dedicated team and more than 2,000 volunteers who step up year after year. Our mission continues because of them and because of the churches, businesses, and community partners who believe in the work we do. We’ve had to pivot, yes, but every pivot has only sharpened our purpose.
Read more about how we turned the lights back on, literally and figuratively, openm.org/blog/when-the-lights-went-out.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Julie Carneal is the CEO of OPEN M, a role she stepped into after nearly two decades of dedicated service to the organization. Her journey is a testament to her heart for people and her commitment to mission-driven leadership. Julie started as a volunteer in the food pantry, eventually becoming Food Services Manager, then Chief Operating Officer and now CEO. That deep hands-on experience gives her a unique perspective and an unshakable connection to every part of the organization.
Throughout her career, Julie has consistently been placed in leadership roles thanks to her strong work ethic, natural charisma and commitment to teamwork. She’s known for being a self-starter—someone who is professional, loyal and always willing to lend a hand to achieve a common goal. Her leadership style is rooted in service and she’s driven by a deep belief in helping others succeed not just for the moment but for a lifetime.
What truly sets Julie apart is her ability to transform vision into action. Under her leadership, OPEN M’s food services were reimagined to better serve seniors, shut-ins and individuals without transportation. She helped launch a community garden, added delivery services and pivoted hot meals to a Grab & Go model to meet evolving needs. She now leads the organization with that same spirit of adaptability, love and purpose.
Julie’s proudest work lies in empowering people—staff, volunteers and clients alike. She often says, “When you invest in the life of another they become like family,” and that belief guides her every day. Her vision for OPEN M includes expanding career training, developing sustainable programs and most importantly listening to the community before taking action.
In short, Julie Carneal is known not only for her leadership but for the way she leads with faith, humility and a heart full of service.
Any big plans?
Julie Carneal is focused on building a future at OPEN M that is sustainable, responsive and rooted in the needs of the community. She is looking forward to expanding the organization’s impact by investing in programs that go beyond meeting immediate needs and transform lives long term.
One of her key goals is to develop more educational opportunities that give individuals the tools to succeed. She believes real change happens when people are equipped not only with food or medical care but with skills, support and confidence. That means continuing to strengthen OPEN M’s all-encompassing services and exploring partnerships that open new doors for growth and stability.
Julie is also passionate about listening first—meeting with the community, learning from their experiences and then working with her team to create thoughtful action plans. She sees the future of OPEN M as one where people are not only served but truly empowered.
Big changes may be ahead, but every decision will be guided by OPEN M’s founding values of faith, love and hope. Julie’s vision is clear—build on the strong foundation already in place and keep evolving to meet the needs of tomorrow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.openm.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/openmministry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OPENMMinistry
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/open-m
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@openm1356
- Other: https://www.bonfire.com/store/open-m/
