Leadership Geauga is proud to announce Ann Blair, a graduate of the Signature Adult Program Class of 2013, as the 2026 Emerald Leader. Ann will be honored at the 2026 Emerald Ball for her longstanding commitment to service, leadership, and community enhancement throughout Geauga County.
The Emerald Leader recognition is awarded to individuals or organizations whose leadership has significantly enhanced the quality of life in Geauga County. Recipients exemplify service beyond job requirements and demonstrate meaningful contributions through volunteerism, community involvement, innovation, and the fostering of positive community relationships. Ann Blair’s decades-long dedication to the region makes her a fitting and inspiring choice for this honor.
Ann is the local Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Rising, with her office based in Burton, where she has built a successful business rooted in integrity, community connection, and service. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ann is widely recognized for her tireless volunteer work and involvement in numerous community organizations and events.
Her service history includes a long-standing commitment to The Great Geauga County Fair, Metzenbaum Center, Special Olympics, Chardon Rotary, Burton Chamber of Commerce, Maple Leaf Community Residences, Destination Geauga, and the Geauga Growth Partnership. Ann is also a member of the Geauga Historical Society and generously donated the tethered balloon rides during Balloon Fest this past fall. She has played a hands-on role in numerous local fundraising activities and beloved community traditions, including the Burton Holiday Christmas Parade, holiday decorating initiatives, Santa’s Mailbox (where every child receives a letter back from Santa), Easter Egg Hunts, Maple Splash, the 5K Ugly Sweater Run, and the Rotary Harvest Auction—to name a few.
Ann’s leadership extends well beyond the local level. She is actively involved with the Lake and Geauga Area Association of Realtors and will serve as its president in 2026. She also contributes her expertise at the state and national levels through the Ohio Realtors, where she has served on numerous committees and as a member of the Board of Directors, as well as with the National Association of Realtors, serving on committees and as a Board member. Additionally, Ann is a representative with the National Association of Women Business Owners of Northeast Ohio and was a long-time member of the former Red Key Network.
Known for her creativity and ability to bring positive attention to the community, Ann once turned an unexpected mishap at the Geauga County Fair – when a raccoon got into the Best of Show baked goods – into a feel-good story that gained national attention. The incident was picked up by the Associated Press and featured on the television show Inside Edition, shining a light on Geauga County in a uniquely memorable way.
Through her volunteer service, leadership roles, innovative thinking, and unwavering dedication to community improvement, Ann Blair embodies the spirit of the Emerald Leader award. Her work has strengthened community connections, enhanced local traditions, and positively impacted countless lives across Geauga County.
Leadership Geauga looks forward to celebrating Ann Blair as the 2026 Emerald Leader at the Emerald Ball and honoring the legacy of service and leadership she continues to build throughout the community.
Watch the video of the Leadership Geauga team surprising Ann in December 2025!