Tiffini Simon, MAS
Tiffany Simon is a marketing leader whose career has been shaped by resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to community impact. With a specialized business degree in marketing, she began her career in retail before stepping into a marketing director role at a large gym, where she embraced a “figure it out” mindset and quickly grew into leadership. Her path took on new meaning after her son—born with serious cardiac challenges—was saved multiple times by Akron Children’s Hospital. Driven to give back, Tiffany became a speaker and top fundraiser for the hospital, helping lead efforts that ranked among the highest for two consecutive years while discovering her passion for purpose-driven marketing and community engagement.
For more than a decade, Tiffany built a successful independent career in promotional marketing, events, and fundraising, balancing entrepreneurship with raising her son as a single mother. During this time, she immersed herself in volunteer work and board service, cultivating a powerful network and reputation for getting things done. When she returned to the corporate world, she was recruited to the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, where she managed large-scale, high-profile events, including a two-day hot air balloon festival drawing approximately 140,000 attendees. Her ability to execute complex, large-scale experiences solidified her reputation as an innovative and results-driven leader.
Today, Tiffany serves as Director of Marketing at Walnut Hills Retirement Community, where she is redefining what senior living looks like. Leading marketing for a 70-acre, multi-level campus, she is focused on shifting perception from traditional “nursing home” models to vibrant, generational communities. Through strategic partnerships, creative programming, and community-wide events, she brings people of all ages onto campus—building familiarity, trust, and long-term connection. Known for her out-of-the-box thinking and collaborative approach, Tiffany continues to push boundaries while staying grounded in the values that shaped her journey: service, determination, and a relentless drive to prove what’s possible.
• The Art Institutes
Associate's degree, Marketing
• Highest fundraiser for Akron Children's Hospital for 2 years
• Holmes County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador
• Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Committees
• Akron Children's Hospital - speaking and fundraising
• Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital Auxiliary
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival volunteer committees
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a strong internal drive to prove to myself—and at times to others—that I can rise above expectations. That competitive mindset has pushed me to continuously improve and take on challenges that may have seemed out of reach. Over time, I’ve balanced that drive with a collaborative approach, recognizing that meaningful, lasting success comes from building partnerships rather than viewing others as competition. Being able to combine determination with teamwork has been a key factor in my growth.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My advice is to intentionally place yourself in the environments where you want to grow. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—seek them out. Get involved in hospital auxiliaries, Chamber of Commerce events, and charitable organizations. Volunteer, join boards, attend events, and network with purpose. Being physically present in those spaces not only builds connections, but also creates visibility and opens doors that might not otherwise be accessible.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Put yourself where you want to be, not where you are. Dress for the job that you want, not the one you have. Put yourself physically within the circles you want to be in. If you want to be in some heavy-hitting circles, join things like your hospital auxiliary, help with Christmas tree festivals, do those events, get involved with all kinds of community work, anything you can. Join the Chamber of Commerce - you don't have to be a business, you can join as an independent, as just a person, there's all different ways to join. Then you can go to those chamber situations, buy tickets and go to some of the charity events, get all dolled up, and put yourself at the tables with those people. That is what has gotten me here. You just have to put yourself where they are. And don't hesitate. Do not hesitate.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is overcoming outdated perceptions of assisted living and skilled nursing communities. Many people still view them through a very limited lens. At the same time, that challenge presents a significant opportunity. We have the ability to reframe these communities as vibrant, multi-level, lifestyle-focused environments. By creating generational programming and engaging younger decision-makers, while also forming strategic partnerships within the community, we can shift the narrative and expand what senior living truly represents.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are community service, family-centered care, collaboration, and a strong work ethic. I believe in creating environments where people feel supported and connected, both professionally and personally. Giving back to the community is incredibly important to me, and I approach my work with a sense of purpose and responsibility. At the same time, I hold myself to a high standard and remain motivated to continually grow and deliver meaningful results.