Larry Sheakley

Term: 2025-2034

Larry Sheakley, C.E.O. of Sheakley, has started or acquired more than 54 businesses. Larry has served as a member of the Ohio Governor’s Task Force on Employment Services and is a past president of the National Association of Unemployment Tax Organizations. He also serves on the Boards of numerous other companies.

His investment company, Lyonshare Investments, holds investments in a diverse group of business, some of which are The Cincinnati Reds, F.C. Cincinnati, and Encore Technology. Mr. Sheakley is Chairman and owner of Pro-Procure, a London, England, based technology business. Mr. Sheakley is an owner and partner in a New Zealand based Golf and land business, which has developed what is now listed by Golf digest as No. 11 on the list of the world’s greatest golf courses. His real estate investment company, Laurel Valley Inc., holds many investments in both commercial and residential properties.

At the age of 20, he went to work in his father’s business and became the third employee. Over the next 10 years, he worked alongside his father in building the company. Then in 1980 he purchased Sheakley. That same year he started his first company and three years later made the first of many acquisitions. Sheakley has evolved to become one of the most respected and trusted providers of time and labor management, HR solutions and services.

He and his wife, Rhonda, have dedicated time and resources to helping those in need in the Greater Cincinnati area in a variety of ways, including the Sheakley Boys and Girls Club in Price Hill. The couple has also helped to establish the Lighthouse/Sheakley Center for Youth, an emergency shelter where homeless young adults learn self-reliance and life skills.

In addition, Larry has served on many civic and nonprofit boards, often in leadership roles, including as President of The Cincinnati Art Museum, Taft Museum Vice-Chair, Chairman Cincinnati Opera, Flying Pig Marathon, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Ballet Building Committee and Board member and Co –Chair of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. His contributions to the University of Cincinnati have benefitted UC athletics and the entire student body. UC projects include a gift in the memory of his father for development of the Sheakley Lawn in the Varsity Village. Further, Larry and Rhonda were the major contributors behind the Sheakley Athletics Center and the new Sheakley Practice Facility and Athletic Performance Center. He is involved in leadership campaigns for both the United Way and the Cincinnati Fine Arts Fund and supports the Jewish National Fund, the Children’s Theater and many others.

A native of Cincinnati, Larry attended Madiera High School and later Ohio University. He has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Cincinnati, Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and shared Philanthropist of the year Award with his wife, Rhonda. In 2018, Larry also received the Carl Lindner Award for Civic and Entrepreneurial Spirit and was elected into the Cincinnati Business Hall of Fame. In 2023 Larry was recognized as a “Great Living Cincinnatian” by the Cincinnati Regional Chamber. He resides in Cincinnati with his wife, Rhonda. Combined, they have eight children and 12 grandchildren.