Adam Christopher Earnheardt is an American academic and author, sports and communication researcher, and social media critic.

[3][4][5] Earnheardt was a columnist with Mahoning Matters, a news outlet with the Google-McClatchy Compass Project where he wrote about family and parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic.

[6][7] Earnheardt was a weekly columnist for The Vindicator and Tribune Chronicle newspapers from 2014 to 2021, where he focused on the impact of technology and media on relationships and society.

Earnheardt has co-authored several articles and books on the subject of communication, relationships, sports, media and fan behavior.

The award is given to residents in the Youngstown, Ohio area who have excelled in their professions and have demonstrated a commitment to community involvement.