Susan Hamo, the long-time president and CEO of the Akron-Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau, died this morning at the Cleveland Clinic after a three month illness. She was 63.

The Beacon Journal quotes Mayor Don Plusquellic who called Hamo "a valued leader of the greater Akron community. The mayor praised Hamo for "elevating the region's hospitality industry and of being one of its most passionate advocates."

He said her hard work and dedication helped the John S. Knight Convention Center to realize its potential as one of Akron's most important assets.

Summit County Executive Russ Pry, who also worked closely with Hamo over the years, reflected "Susan was always a great leader here in the community."

"She had a great sense of humor, was a great community activist and was someone who really went out and promoted the Akron-Summit County area everywhere she went," Pry told AkronNewsNow.com. He noted her dedication in particular over the past three months and cited her legacy showed in work at the Knight Center and Convention and Visitor's Bureau not missing a beat despite her illness.

"Susan was always Susan," remembered longtime colleague and the organization's vice-president and COO Gregg Mervis. "The community lost a friend, a passionate leader and a very special lady."

Hamo became president and CEO of the convention bureau in 1993, and took over as CEO of the combined Knight Center convention bureau in 1995. Hamo first started working for the Convention and Visitor's Bureau in 1984.

Hamo also served as past president of the Ohio Travel Association, and volunteered with the American Cancer Society, Weaver Industries, Akron Civic Theater, Akron Downtown Partnership and several other organizations.

The newspaper reports she also served as a delegate to the White House Conference on Tourism in 1995.

Hamo is survived by her husband Ron; daughter Beth, son R.J. and sister Jackie Conte. Funeral arrangements are pending at Hummel Funeral Home in Akron.