Meet Chris Reymann. He’s one solid guy, in every sense. Chris, son of Barbara and Thomas Reymann, was recruited to the board by Chair Steve Reymann, which further proves that the Reymann Foundation knows how to tap talent within the family tree!
Chris and his brothers grew up in Mayfield, Kentucky, and became affectionately dubbed as the Reymann ‘Kentucky Cousins’. Many stories have been told about their rural upbringing, from the obvious southern drawl and mispronunciation of words (so claimed by the cousins in the north), to the high school track shenanigans with tractors, and the town-wide wedding receptions. Boys will be boys, yet somehow Chris’ great parents, along with the fresh Kentucky air, raised four remarkable young men.
In 1977, Chris entered the Air Force Academy Preparatory School, and after one year, he assumed an appointment to the Air Force Academy, majoring in Operations Research. He also played top-level football all four years during college, and will admit that balancing the grueling game schedule with practices and travel, along with 21-22 credit hours, made for an extremely demanding college experience. In fact, Chris will say that he “pretty much survived the Air Force Academy!” Upon graduation in 1982, Chris tackled pilot training and flew the C-130 Hercules in special operations for the Air Force. He committed to eight years of military service to the United States, ultimately separating from active duty in 1990. Thank you for your service to our country, Chris!
Chris loved flying, and states that it “was almost a spiritual experience.” He continued in this profession as a commercial pilot for UPS, and as a reservist in the Kentucky Air National guard. After 30 years behind the controls of many large transport planes, Chris made the decision to retire. He sought a more balanced home life with his wife and children. “My father was an extremely hard worker, a good businessman and a dedicated family man. My brothers and I were raised to be very proud of our Reymann heritage, and were aware of the many contributions that the family made to the Akron area, especially the Atlantic Foundry and San Hygene. I believe I have inherited a huge sense of pride in work from Dad and the Reymanns.”
It wasn’t always work for Chris, because sometime during his busy career, Chris met Christine, a native Clevelander. At the time, Chris was living in Louisville, and Christine attended the Kentucky Derby at the invitation of a few mutual friends. They were off to the races, and married in 1998. The couple’s first child, Nathan, was born in 2002, and their daughter, Leah, was born five years later. After living out-of-state for many years, Chris and Christine decided to relocate to Shaker Heights, Ohio, placing them much closer to family members. “Growing up in Kentucky, our visits to Akron were always very special. So, it was good to come back home.” And Chris continues, “The kids have flourished in the area, Christine’s family is nearby, as well as my mother, Barbara.” Christine has directed her passions towards renovation efforts of their Tudor-style classic home, Nathan is at Clemson University studying history, and Leah is student class president at Shaker Heights High School. Following his father’s interests in nature, Chris purchased a 64-acre farm where he can fish, work the land and go bow hunting. As a couple, Chris and Christine share free time playing tennis, golfing, being Cleveland sports fans and traveling.
When asked to become involved with The Charles and Salome Reymann Foundation Board of Directors, Chris says he was hesitant because it felt a bit daunting, but he has since found his place. He quickly made an impact when he aptly named the Foundation’s annual appeal in honor of our grandmother, Salome. “I remember witnessing the reverence family members had towards our grandmother, and I always thought her name was beautiful. So, it is fitting to create ‘Salome’s Heart’ to honor her in such a meaningful way.” Chris also believes his participation with the Foundation is an impetus to grow relationships, both within the Reymann family and more broadly in the community. “It’s an honor to be involved with the Foundation. I really like watching the evolution of our Foundation, I enjoy being involved with our peer organizations and I can see our impact in our community.” Chris serves on the Foundation’s Development & Community Engagement Committee, which has provided opportunities for him to support legacy partnerships and also forge new relationships in the area. For example, Chris is involved with our Transition-to-Work programs, Scholarships & Awards and our sponsorship of ArtSparks’ Dynamite Duos program in the Akron Public Schools. “It’s nice to have the time, and live adjacent to both Akron and Cleveland, which enables my presence in local Foundation meetings and events.”
Chris, you’re a hard act to follow, and you clearly are a proven leader among the Reymanns. We’re honored to serve with you, but we just hope we can keep up!