About the Board

Anthony Akins is a proud graduate of Bedford City Schools, Class of 1996, and a U.S. Navy veteran, having served four years following high school. His connection to the district continues as the father of Bedford graduates and a longtime member of the Bearcat community.

Mr. Akins currently works as a Lead Virtual Producer for an accounting firm, where he produces webcasts and LinkedIn Live events. He holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

His commitment to public and community service includes 10 years as an Oakwood Village Councilman, as well as service as a youth council advisor. Mr. Akins is also a Bedford Band & Orchestra Parent and a former Bedford High School band member. He enjoys volunteering, traveling, Marvel and DC comic movies, and collecting comic books and action figures.

Mr. Akins was first elected to the Bedford City School District Board of Education in November 2021 and was re-elected in November 2025. He currently serves as Board President and is a member of both the Communication/Community Engagement Committee and Finance Committee. His current term runs through December 31, 2030.

With over 25 years of experience Mr. Callender has cultivated a rich and diverse skill set that has enabled him to thrive. His career journey began with a strong foundation in athletics and education , where he developed a passion for helping young people. 

He has served in several administrative roles within various school districts throughout his career. Mr. Callender has successfully led multiple key projects or initiatives that have significantly impacted organizational growth and efficiency. His commitment to athletics and education drives him to not only achieve his goals but also mentor and inspire those around him. 

Mr. Callender currently serves as the Principal at Redeemer School in Cuyahoga Falls. Mr. Callender is also an adjunct professor, where he has taught several courses in sports management, education and business management. 

Mr. Callender holds Bachelor degrees in Sports Management from Baldwin Wallace University Masters of Education degree from Cleveland State University and a Masters of Business Administration from Devry University  

He currently serves as Vice President of the Bedford School Board, the Board of Advisors for Villa Angela Saint Joseph High School  and the Board of Directors for the YES Foundation. Mr. Callender has also served as an Oakwood city councilman.   

Outside of his professional life, he has a passion for volunteering, mentoring young professionals and helping promote healthy lifestyles. He finds that these activities not only enrich his personal life but also enhance his professional perspective, allowing him to bring fresh ideas and insights to his work. 

As Mr. Callender looks to the future, he is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and is eager to continue making a positive impact in the community.

Aligned with his board duties, Mr. Callender serves on the Human Resources Committee and the Communications/Community Engagement Committee.

Michelle Benjamin is a master’s prepared Nurse Manager at the Cleveland Clinic, with over 19 years of clinical experience in inpatient critical care, medical-surgical and ambulatory nursing. She has fifteen years of Nurse Management experience.

In her current role as a General Surgery Nurse Manager, she manages the practice of professional nursing and delivery of nurse care on her assigned units. Establishing clinical direction for nursing care delivery, providing clinical supervision, and maintaining quality outcomes. She has also served as an Ambulatory Nurse Manager where she managed the delivery of nursing care and practice of professional nursing for non-hospitalized patients (ambulatory population) within the Urology and Nephrology department.

Michelle graduated with her associate's degree in nursing in 2007 from the Borough of Manhattan Community College. She received her undergraduate degree from Ohio University, and her graduate degree from Walden University. She enjoys giving back to the community and volunteers her time at the Cleveland Foodbank, and as a Tru2You mentor to 7th and 8th graders in the CMSD. 

Michelle was elected by Judge Russo to the school Board on June 10th, 2026. Her current term on the school board is set to conclude in 2028.

Eva Boyington is a dedicated educator and community leader, currently serving her second term on the school board after being reelected in 2023.

She holds a Master of Education in Curriculum Instruction from Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio, and brings valuable insights from her experience as an elementary educator. Eva is passionate about fostering academic growth and well-being within the district and serves on the Finance Committee and the Policy Committee for the Bedford City School District, as well as the Student Achievement committee through the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA).

In her personal life, Eva finds joy in spending quality time with her family, indulging in her love for reading, attending church, and enjoying dramatic films.

Committed to creating a positive impact in the community, Eva’s current term on the school board is set to conclude in 2028, where she continues to advocate for the educational needs of all students.

Biography coming soon.

Mr. Morton serves on both the Policy Committee and Buildings & Grounds Committee.