T CAN BE DIFFICULT AT TIMES TO TRACK MEANINGFUL CHANGE
on a day-to-day basis, either in our personal lives or in the business world. While you’re living through the moment, each day seems to fluctuate between incremental growth or decline on one end of the spectrum and stability or even stagnation on the other. One step up, one step back, but rarely more than a step in either direction unless it’s a red-letter day (birthday, new job, closing a sale, losing a client).
This reality is why we embrace milestones like monthly reports, quarterly bonuses, and year-over-year gains or losses. That’s when we get to step back and notice our circumstances have, in fact, changed. Or maybe the data reinforces our feelings of being stuck. Either way, time plus measurement equals perspective—an invaluable tool for leading a company or managing your life.
I enjoy organizing Cincinnati 300 each year because of the perspective it offers of the region’s business community. One measurement of note is that we feature 43 new leaders in this year’s issue compared to last year. This is our sixth annual Cincinnati 300 publication, and we normally see 30 or so new faces from year to year, or about 10 percent. Some are new CEOs at established companies and organizations, and some are individuals and companies emerging into higher-profile positions.
My takeaway, then, is Cincinnati’s top business executives turned over more than usual in the past year. We were introduced to new leaders at two of the region’s largest public companies, Fifth Third Bank and Kroger, and GE Aerospace officially became the region’s eighth Fortune 500 company, adding its CEO to this year’s Cincinnati 300. Procter & Gamble CEO Jon Moeller has announced his retirement, though he remains on this year’s list.
In these pages you’ll get to know a little more about these business leaders and come to understand why this region’s economy and population are growing. They represent the region’s largest public, private, and nonprofit companies, as well as professional service organizations supporting them. We seek broad representation across the business community, so we limit the profiles to one top person per organization, with rare exceptions, and highlight similar numbers of companies in eight broad categories.
I hope they’ll broaden your perspective about Cincinnati.
JOHN FOX EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
221 E. Fourth Street, Suite 130 Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 421-4300
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CEO Stefan Wanczyk
PRESIDENT John Balardo
B A N K I N G & BANKING F I N A N C E FINANCE
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Timothy Ballinger
General Electric Credit Union
Ballinger celebrates a decade in the top job of the region’s largest credit union, which had nearly $5 billion in assets in 2024, 270,000 members, and 13 branches. GECU provided more than $85 million in residential mortgages to almost 240 new customers last year.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate), Xavier University (MBA), University of Delaware (master’s)
John Barrett
CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT, AND CEO Western & Southern Financial Group
Barrett joined Western & Southern in 1987 as its chief financial officer and was named CEO in 1994 and chairman in 2002. The downtown-based Fortune 500 life insurance, commercial real estate, and investment advisory company posted revenue of $7.6 billion in 2024 and net income of $819 million.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We have contact centers at UC and NKU so students can gain sales and customer service experience through paid internships. We have an excellent leadership development program to help the brightest thinkers become extraordinary leaders. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? The continued evolution of technology. Our industry’s adoption of AI is transforming business models, enhancing decision-making, and redefining competitive advantages at an accelerating pace, but it isn’t a substitute for high-quality leadership.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND MARKET MANAGER UBS Financial Services Wealth Management
Bass replaced Jon Ramey in February as leader of the Kentucky and Cincinnati office of the global firm’s operations. UBS has a downtown office in the Scripps Center and a renovated location in its longtime home on Montgomery Road in Kenwood that has the second-highest concentration of employees in the country outside of New York City. Last year, the Cincinnati Southern Railroad Board chose UBS to oversee the $1.6 billion trust from the sale of the cityowned railroad.
Hometown: Louisville Education: University of Louisville (undergraduate)
Ron Bass
PRESIDENT AND CEO
First Financial Bank
Archie Brown
Brown has led the bank since it merged with MainSource Financial in 2018. It is the fourth-largest bank in Cincinnati, with local deposits of $6 billion, and acquired Westfield Bancorp of northeastern Ohio for $325 million in the spring and BankFinancial of Chicago in August.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Georgia (undergraduate), Xavier University (MBA) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Our culture emphasizes personal growth and professional development, encourages active engagement in our company and volunteerism in our communities, and offers competitive compensation and generous benefits. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Our success will begin by attracting, developing, and retaining top talent so we can provide the tailored guidance and service our clients want when making important financial decisions.
CEO Sharefax Credit Union
Todd Cain
Cain, who previously was CEO of Emery Federal Credit Union for nine years, leads the Clermont County-based credit union founded by employees of Ford Motor plants in Sharonville and Fairfax. Sharefax and Emery agreed to merge in April, and the new company will have more than $700 million in total assets, nine branch locations, and 125 employees.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Eastern Kentucky University (undergraduate)
CINCINNATI
Jennifer Damiano
Damiano has led the Cleveland-based company’s local operations since September 2023. She came to Cincinnati in 2012 to work on the Music Hall renovation and joined the Cincinnati Symphony as head of development before moving to PNC in 2014. Key Bank is among the region’s top banks with more than $1.2 billion in local deposits and almost 20 branch locations.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Marquette University (undergraduate)
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REGIONAL PRESIDENT
Fifth Third Bank
Dan Feldmann
Feldmann replaces Tim Elsbrock as president of commercial banking for the Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky region. Feldmann, who joined Fifth Third in 2001, has held a number of leadership roles and will oversee strategic direction and growth of commercial banking, wealth and asset management, and commercial payments businesses.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Ohio State University (undergraduate), Xavier University (MBA) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We focus on finding college students from the Cincinnati region; they know this city, love it, and want to build their careers here. Our interns are paired with mentors who guide them, challenge them, and help them build meaningful relationships across the organization. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Attracting and retaining top talent.
CEO
Bahl & Gaynor
Bob Groenke
Groenke joined the downtown-based investment advisory firm in 2019 and was named CEO in 2022. The employee-owned company is the region’s fourth-largest money management firm, with more than $19 billion in assets. The company introduced two new Exchange Traded Funds that focus on growth investment strategies, giving the firm four ETF options.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Michigan (undergraduate), University of Chicago (MBA) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Our focus on intellectual growth and impact from the very outset of a new graduate’s investing career tends to present attractively on campus. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? For many investors today, risk is the “tails” side of a coin they simply hope won’t come up, so we focus on downside risk and capital preservation.
James Hagerty
CEO Bartlett Wealth Management
Hagerty, who joined Bartlett in 1994, is responsible for the firm’s strategy while President Holly Mazzocca, who joined the firm in 2015, leads daily operations and the company’s managing directors. Bartlett is the ninth-largest money management firm in Cincinnati with more than $6 billion in local assets managed. With offices in Chicago and Louisville, its 80plus employees serve more than 2,200 clients.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Dayton (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We want people who see this as a vocation rather than just a job. We couple this with attractive and transparent merit-based compensation that rewards excellence in client retention and business development. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Attracting and retaining talented professionals who truly embrace our firm’s values.
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Horan Wealth
Terence Horan
The son of company founder Jack Horan joined the firm in 1973 and assumed this role in June 2023 when Horan’s employee benefits division was acquired by Hub International, a global insurance brokerage firm based in Chicago. Horan’s wealth management arm ranks among the region’s largest money management firms with $3 billion in assets under management and more than 3,000 local clients.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Fairfield University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Our internship program is designed to provide hands-on experience and mentorship, allowing students and recent graduates to learn the wealth management business from the ground up. Three of our interns became full-time hires in the past two years. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Recruiting and developing top talent, adapting to new technologies, and continuing to provide personalized, high-touch service.
CO-CEO
Carl H. Lindner III
American Financial Group
Lindner was elected co-chief executive officer in January 2005. He’s served as co-president and a director of American Financial Group since March 1996 and has been principally responsible for the property and casualty insurance operations since 1987. Lindner and his brother, Craig, are co-CEOs of holding company AFG, one of Cincinnati’s largest public companies.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate)
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Andrew Howell
Federal Home Loan Bank
Howell joined led operations since 2012 at the wholesale bank providing services to more than 600 member financial institutions in Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. It’s one of 11 FHLB facilities across the U.S. that offer financial institutions liquidity to fund housing and economic development. It provided a $50 million grant this year to help build more than 2,740 affordable housing units in three states.
Education: University of Kentucky (undergraduate), University of Cincinnati (MBA)
Jason Jackman
CEO Johnson Investment Counsel
Jackman was named president in 2013 when founder Tim Johnson retired and was promoted to the top spot in the Green Township firm in 2023. The company passed the $20 billion mark in assets managed this year, doubling the amount from 2018. It serves clients in 49 states and has locations in Kenwood, Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland-Akron, and Detroit.
Hometown: Howell, New York; Rochester, New Hampshire; Pittsburgh Education: Wittenberg University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We have had a tremendous amount of success with university co-op and internship programs in identifying and recruiting talent. Once here, it’s critical to provide opportunities for personal and professional growth to retain this young talent. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Navigating markets characterized by economic risks, elevated valuations, and heavy index concentration.
CO-CEO
S. Craig Lindner
American Financial Group
Along with his brother, he was elected cochief executive officer in January 2005. He has served as co-president and a director of American Financial Group since March 1996. From 1999 until its sale in 2021 he served as chief executive officer of Great American Financial Resources, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of AFG. He also oversees the investment portfolios of AFG and its affiliated companies.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate)
PRESIDENT AND CEO LCNB Bank
Eric Meilstrup
After the acquisitions of Cincinnati Bancorp and Eagle Financial Bancorp over the past two years, Lebanon-based LCBN has grown to the 10th-largest bank in the region with more than $1.3 billion in local deposits and more than $2.5 billion overall, with 25 locations in Greater Cincinnati. Meilstrup, who joined the bank as a vice president in 1988, has led the institution since 2018.
Hometown: Dexter, Michigan Education: Bowling Green State University (undergraduate), Xavier University (MBA)
Kate Donovan Morgan
OHIO MARKET MANAGER
J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Morgan, a 15-year company veteran and Cincinnati native, was named to lead the company’s operations across Ohio. Patrick Dolle remains executive director of the brokerage and advisory investment firm and reports to Morgan. J.P. Morgan increased its Kenwood office footprint last year to 25,000 square feet in anticipation of adding employees.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Virginia (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? I was lucky enough to start at J.P. Morgan right out of college and personally benefitted from our mentorship and training programs. The firm continues to prioritize hiring highly-motivated young folks who are excited to experience working at a place where you can be challenged. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Helping our clients understand and navigate areas of uncertainty, from geopolitics and the continued AI revolution to the convergence of public and private markets.
CEO Summit Funding Group
The Mason-based equipment financing and leasing company more than $4.5 billion in lease and finance originations and $1 billion in assets under management. Four veterans of the company were promoted to executive vice president last year: Karyn Bendure, Portfolio Management; Dan Hathcoat, Sales; Ricky Ross, Capital Markets; and Jeanette N. Dannenfelser, General Counsel.
REGIONAL LEADER Fidelity Investments
Crystal Morrison
Morrison has been with the Boston-based financial services giant for 18 years and replaced Joel Stockman as leader of the local office, which is the largest financial brokerage firm in Greater Cincinnati with 2,700 brokers and 5,400 total workers. The Covington-based office is also the second-largest employer in Northern Kentucky.
Hometown: Demorest, Georgia Education: Piedmont University and Thomas More University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Fidelity encourages associates to pursue in-role experiences or new role opportunities that align with their interests, aspirations, and business needs in the spirit of career vitality. We also offer a comprehensive suite of benefits for any stage of life. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? The financial industry will keep pushing for more efficiency and quicker time to market, which is a prime opportunity to harness the scale of Fidelity’s technology platforms.
Mark Ryan
PRESIDENT Bank of America Cincinnati
Ryan has led local operations of the Charlotte-based Bank of America since 2021 and oversees the region’s 12th-largest bank, with more than $940 million in local deposits. It broke ground for a new branch in Fairfield this year, its 21st area location. He’s also market leader for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, a subsidiary of BoA, which he’s run since 2016.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Loyola University Chicago (undergraduate).
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Maribeth Rahe
Fort Washington Investment Advisors
Rahe has led the subsidiary of Western & Southern Financial Group since 2003. Fort Washington is by far the largest money management firm in Greater Cincinnati, overseeing $85 billion in assets. As a member of the Equity Collective, the company partners with local universities, high schools, and youth groups to identify and mentor students interested in finance.
Hometown: Evanston, Illinois Education: Bowling Green State University (undergraduate), Thunderbird School of Global Management (MBA) What is your company doing to attract young talent? New associates are encouraged to join our young professional group, the Fresh Network, which offers a structured platform for career development through networking, community activities, and developing innovative ideas. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? First and foremost is being vigilant in ways that didn’t exist in the past because of cybersecurity; protecting our information and our clients’ information is of utmost importance.
Santos has led the local operation of the Charlotte-based company that acquired BB&T and Bank of Kentucky in recent years. He began his career as a teller while attending Northern Kentucky University. Truist is Greater Cincinnati’s seventh-largest bank, with nearly $1.7 billion in local deposits and 13 branches. Santos was named to the Cincinnati Regional Chamber’s Leadership Class 49 in August.
Hometown: Santiago, Dominican Republic Education: Northern Kentucky University (undergraduate)
Rick Ross
Billy Santos
MARKET PRESIDENT Truist Financial Corp.
CEO Cinfed Credit Union
Jay Sigler
Sigler has led the company, which was founded in 1934 to serve members of Local 75 of the Federation of Federal Employees Union, since 2011. It serves 17 counties in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky and has $625 million in assets and nearly 39,000 members. In July, it named Andy Dunn chief experience officer to oversee branch operations, consumer lending, marketing, member development, and the Contact Center.
Hometown: Wooster, Ohio Education: Bowling Green State University (undergraduate and MBA)
Tim Spence
CHAIRMAN, CEO, AND PRESIDENT Fifth Third Bancorp
Spence was named president of the downtown-based bank in 2020, then became chairman and CEO in 2022. Fifth Third is Cincinnati’s second-largest bank, with more than $46 billion in deposits. Susan Zaunbrecher, chief legal officer and head of government affairs and regulatory affairs since 2018, retired in July and was replaced by Christian Gonzalez.
Hometown: Portland, Oregon Education: Colgate University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? The average person has 7-9 careers in their life, and we want every employee to have all those careers at Fifth Third. We offer several early career programs that keep employees engaged, motivated, and learning new skills. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? We’re embracing AI like we would any new technology platform and accelerating adoption to improve everything from business processes to how our engineers work.
CHAIRMAN AND CEO
Heritage Bank
David
Wallace has led the Erlanger-based regional bank, founded by Arnold Caddell in 1990, since 2020. Heritage is the region’s eighth-largest bank with $1.3 billion in deposits across locations in Kentucky and Ohio. Its mortgage portfolio grew more than 11 percent as of March to more than $990 million. It holds the naming rights to downtown’s multipurpose arena, Heritage Bank Center.
Hometown: Princeton, Kentucky Education: University of Kentucky (undergraduate), Northern Kentucky University (J.D.) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We identify young talent through internships and college fairs and find great candidates through referrals from our employees and customers. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? It’s essential to become accustomed to change and to accept that we need to constantly monitor the marketplace, the industry, and technology to anticipate what is coming and how to respond.
MARKET LEADER U.S. Bank
Jill Warman
Jill Warman, who began her career with the Minneapolis-based bank in 1992, is the head of the company’s commercial banking operations. U.S. Bank tops the region in in local deposits with nearly $94 billion, 69 local branches, and a 52 percent market share. Michael Prescott, who led the local operation as regional president since 2011, retired at the end of 2024.
Education: University of Dayton (undergraduate), Xavier University (MBA)
PRESIDENT AND CEO Kemba Credit Union
Daniel Sutton
Sutton has led the region’s second-largest credit union since 2017. Headquartered in West Chester Township since 2021, it has $2.1 billion in assets and more than 130,000 members with branch offices in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Kemba was chartered in 1934 when employees organized the Kroger Employees Mutual Benefit Association.
Hometown: Indianapolis Education: Mount St. Joseph University (undergraduate and master’s) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We offer internships and shadowing experiences that give students real-world exposure to our operations, helping them build practical skills and professional networks. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Staying ahead of rapid technological advancements while competing with organizations that have substantially greater resources dedicated to innovation and digital transformation.
REGIONAL PRESIDENT PNC Bank
Weber has worked in the Cincinnati banking industry for more than 30 years and has led local operations of the Pittsburgh-based bank since 2022, when he succeeded Kay Geiger. PNC is the region’s third-largest bank with more than $8 billion in local deposits and branch locations in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.
Hometown: Louisville Education: Indiana University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We develop deep relationships with our local high schools and universities to identify talent to hire and educate them on career opportunities within financial services industry. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Cincinnati has such a deep talent pool with four major universities all within a close drive. It’s all about hiring, retaining, and developing the right talent.
Wallace
Warren Weber
TIM METTEY MATTHEW 25: MINISTRIES’ CEO
CINCINNATI 300 AWARDEE
Congratulations to Matthew 25: Ministries’ CEO, Tim Mettey, on being recognized among the region’s top 300 business leaders for the fourth consecutive year!
The Cincy 300 highlights the most influential voices shaping Cincinnati’s future. Under Tim’s leadership, Matthew 25: Ministries has continued to flourish—building powerful partnerships and reaching countless more people in need across our city, our nation, and the globe. Tim’s unwavering commitment and forwardlooking vision are helping to bring hope and make a difference that extends far beyond Cincinnati.
Matthew 25: Ministries is committed to serving people in need by providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief resources that help transform lives locally and globally. In 2024, Matthew 25 shipped 29 million pounds of aid, helping 35 million people domestically and worldwide.
C O N S U M E R CONSUMER G O O D S GOODS
PRESIDENT AND
CEO
Clarke Power Services
Kirk Andreae
Clarke F. Andreae, Kirk’s grandfather, started Clarke GM Diesel in 1964, and Kirk has led what is now Clarke Power Services for more than 20 years. The Sharonville-based company operates in 152 countries across multiple divisions, including fire protection products, power generation, and fleet management. The company has more than 800 employees, more than 200 mobile service units, 21 retail locations, two manufacturing plants, and a call center.
Education: Union College (undergraduate)
CEO Rhinegeist
Adam Bankovich
Bankovich was promoted from interim CEO in October 2023 after joining Rhinegeist in October 2022. He previously spent nine years at San Diego’s Stone Brewing. Founded in 2013, Rhinegeist is the largest locally-based brewing operation with more than 110,000 barrels sold in 2023 and more than 235 local employees.
Hometown: Canton, Ohio Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We believe that by continuing to push our business to be part of what’s next and to stay relevant for new generations we’ll continue to attract talented people. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Adapting to the beverage industry’s rapidly changing competitive landscape. We can’t look just one year ahead to be successful but instead are looking out three to five years to ensure we continue to grow and evolve.
CEO Sims-Lohman
John Beiersdorfer
Beiersdorfer was named CEO after more than 25 years as president of the Carthage-based distributor of kitchen cabinetry and maker of granite and quartz countertops. The company reported revenue of more than $215 million in 2023 and acquired two Florida firms in 2024, Legacy Cabinet and Kay’s Prestige Kitchen and Baths, which extend its reach into 12 states. Sims-Lohman now has 38 showrooms, 18 distribution centers, and six countertop manufacturing plants.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate), Xavier University (MBA)
Mike Berg
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Amazon Air
Berg replaced Jess Stewart, who had been director of operations since August 2023. Amazon launched its $1.5-billion CVG airport operations center in 2021 that is the central hub for Amazon Air’s U.S. cargo network.The facility includes an 800,000-square-foot sortation building that sits on a 600-acre campus featuring seven buildings and a new ramp for aircraft parking.
Hometown: Rockford, Illinois Education: Carrol University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Amazon is committed to nurturing the next generation of innovators via cutting-edge MBA partnerships, immersive internships, and specialized pathways for military veterans. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Staying ahead of the explosive growth in business-to-business cargo demand while maintaining our customer-centric focus.
CHAIRMAN AND CEO
Loth Holdings
J.B. Buse
Loth, founded in 1891, serves a diverse range of industries, including corporate, health care, education, hospitality, life science and government providing furniture, design, and technology products from more than 400 manufacturers. Buse has led the Sharonville-based company for more than 30 years.
Hometown: Cincinnati
Jim Bonaminio
CEO Jungle Jim’s International Market
Bonaminio opened Jungle Jim’s in Fairfield 40 years ago and expanded with a store in Eastgate in 2012. The company recently bought 15 acres adjacent to the Fairfield store for expansion or possibly a new business. Products from more than 70 countries are available on more than 500,000 square feet in the combined stores, and the locations employ 600 people.
Hometown: Lorain, Ohio
CEO
School Outfitters
Tom Brennan
In 2022, School Outfitters became an ESOP, or 100 percent employee-owned and operated. Brennan founded the company that provides furniture, supplies, and support to K-12 schools in 1998. The Norwood-based company employs about 500 people, managing purchasing programs, offering co-op programs, and stocking more than 300 products for school districts around the country.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Indiana University (undergraduate)
PRESIDENT AND CEO Busken Bakery
Dan Busken
Dan Busken’s grandfather Joe started the company in 1928, and Dan is the third generation to lead the business since then. Busken has retail locations in Hyde Park, Springdale, Eastgate, and Highland Heights, and many of its products are available in Kroger stores as well as via delivery.
Hometown: Cincinnati
PRESIDENT Mike Castrucci Automotive
Founded in 1953, Castrucci Automotive has been serving the Cincinnati and Dayton areas for more than 50 years, selling multiple vehicle brands, including Chevrolet, Ford, Lincoln, Honda, Mazda, Nissan and Kia. The dealership is one of the largest in the region, posting more than $425 million in revenue and employing almost 400 people.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Xavier University (undergraduate)
Mike Castrucci
PRESIDENT AND CEO Pure Romance
Chris Cicchinelli
Cicchinelli has led the world’s largest inhome party company, founded by his mother, Patty Brisben, since 2007. He founded the Living with Change Foundation to help trans youth and their families. The foundation pledged $2 million to create a Center of Excellence for LGBTQ Health at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and partnered with Greater Cincinnati public schools to train principals and teachers and bring education about transgender youth into classrooms.
Hometown: Milford Education: University of Mount Union (undergraduate)
PRESIDENT Cohen Recycling
Ken Cohen
Founded in 1924, Cohen is a family-owned metal recycling company offering scrap management, retail recycling, electronics recycling, and auto parts. It’s one of the largest metal recycling operations in North America, processing 1.25 million tons of metal and electronics annually. It reported $575 million in revenue in 2023 and employs 320 people at 20 facilities.
Hometown: Middletown Education: University of Pennsylvania (undergraduate)
OWNER Fleet Feet
Frank DeJulius
DeJulius began working in a Fleet Feet store in Cleveland while still in school. He and his wife moved to Ohio in 2012 to take over operations of a company-owned location, and they now own seven of the North Carolina-based chain’s Greater Cincinnati locations: Newport, Oakley, Loveland, Blue Ash, Glendale, West Chester Township, and Columbia Township.
Hometown: Cleveland Education: John Carroll University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We invest in employees’ professional development and as a result many stay on after school to further their career with us and others leave us having leaned key business skills that will benefit them down the road. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? As a specialty retailer, we work best with brands that don’t overdistribute and value high-touch, high-service retail environments. That presents a competitive challenge to remain relevant with running trends.
Michael Dever
CEO Performance Automotive
Performance Automotive is the region’s third-largest automotive dealer with more than 12,730 vehicles sold in 2023, reporting revenue of $2.2 billion. The company was founded by his father Michael in 1971 and now has 18 dealership locations, several collision repair facilities, and a motor sports dealership for motorcycles and ATVs.
PRESIDENT AND CEO altafiber
Leigh Fox
Fox has been president and CEO since May 2017 of the fiber networking company formally known as Cincinnati Bell. He previously served as chief operating officer and chief financial officer and held various finance and operations positions starting in 2001. It’s one of the largest private companies in Cincinnati, with revenue of more than $1.8 billion.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Miami University (undergraduate), University of Cincinnati (MBA)
PRESIDENT Topicz
Adam Greenberg
Operating across Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Indiana, Topicz supplies more than 1,000 convenience stores with products. Greenberg has led the Amberley Village-based company since 2019 after previously serving as business development director and operations manager for 12 years.
Hometown: Highland Park, Illinois Education: University of Denver (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We focus on mentorship, career development, and a collaborative, innovative workplace where new voices are valued. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Keeping pace with changing consumer trends and rising supply chain costs, which we see as an opportunity to innovate.
PRESIDENT AND CEO Habegger Corp.
Brian Habegger
Habegger Corp. is the seventh-largest HVAC distributor in the U.S. and the largest independent Bryant distributor in North America. Habegger has worked in the family-owned business for more than 20 years in commercial inside sales as a territory manager, commercial sales manager, and operations manager.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Miami University (undergraduate)
Brian Hodgett
DIRECTOR, OHIO GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Procter & Gamble
Hodgett oversees government affairs and community relations in P&G’s home market. He is the 2024-2025 United Way board chair and also a founding member of REDI Cincinnati’s executive committee and former board chair. Hodgett has served on executive committees and boards at Cintrifuse, 3CDC, the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, Workforce Innovation Center, and the Cincinnati Regional Business Committee.
Hometown: Middleburg Heights, Ohio Education: Ohio State University (undergraduate), Florida State University (master’s)
Chris Larsen
PRESIDENT AND CEO Castellini Group of Companies
Prior to taking on the CEO role in 2022, Larsen served as the company’s chief financial officer and corporate controller. Castellini Group, founded in 1896, is a produce distributor and provider of third-party logistics services with refrigerated warehouses in Cincinnati and Atlanta.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate), Xavier University (MBA)
CEO United Dairy Farmers
Brad Lindner
Founded in 1940, UDF now owns nearly 200 retail stores in three states. Lindner is the third-generation leader of the family-owned company that was founded by Carl Lindner Sr. UDF has almost 200 locations in three states, with its stores combining ice cream parlors, convenience stores, to-go food, and gas stations.
Hometown: Cincinnati
Martin Kuhn
PRESIDENT Mike Albert Fleet Solutions
Kuhn joined Mike Albert as president in 2022 after a five-year stint with Tempoe, a no-credit-required leasing fi rm, where he served as president. He arrived with nearly 20 years of experience in both the direct-to-consumer and business-to-business spaces. Founded in 1928, Mike Albert is a privately owned transportation company specializing in fleet leasing.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Wilmington College (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We provide purpose-driven culture, career growth and development, flexibility and work-life balance, and a technology-forward environment. What’s the biggest challenge for your company/organization over the next five years? Staying ahead in attracting and retaining top talent while adapting to technological disruption. Our ability to use data, listen to our employees, and foster an inclusive, innovative environment will be key.
CEO
JTM Food Group
Tony Maas
JTM was started as Maas Brothers Meats in Delhi Township in 1960 by Tony’s father, Jack. The company announced a $100-million production line expansion at its Harrison headquarters in 2024 and is also investing in new equipment and packaging to offer its products in individual, portion-packed trays. JTM posted more than $350 million in revenue in 2023 and has almost 700 employees.
Hometown: Cincinnati
Keith McCluskey
CEO McCluskey Automotive Group
McCluskey Automotive is one of the largest Auto dealerships in Greater Cincinnati, with more than $387 million in revenue in 2023. The company was founded in 1973 by Keith’s father, Dan. In addition to a new car sales at Kings Auto Mall, the company operates a used car superstore in Arlington Heights.
Hometown: Cincinnati
PRESIDENT AND CEO Chemed
Kevin McNamara
McNamara is also chairman of Chemed’s Vitas Healthcare Corp. subsidiary. He began his career at Chemed in 1980 as a corporate attorney and was later named vice president, general counsel, and secretary. Chemed is the parent company of Miami-based Vitas, the nation’s largest hospice organization, and Cincinnati-based Roto-Rooter, North America’s largest plumbing and drain cleaning provider.
Education: Denison University (undergraduate), Cornell University (J.D.)
CO-FOUNDER
MadTree Brewing
Kenny McNutt
McNutt paused a career at Northrop Grumman as a software engineer and transferred his skills and experience to co-founding MadTree Brewing Company in 2013. Within four years, he and his team grew a small 15-barrel brewhouse into a 126-barrel brewhouse located in Oakley. MadTree is the area’s third-largest craft brewery, selling 20,000 barrels in 2023, and recently opened its Parks & Rec taproom in Summit Park in Blue Ash.
Education: Texas A&M (undergraduate), Cornell University (master’s), Xavier University (MBA)
Jon Moeller
CHAIRMAN, CEO, AND PRESIDENT
Procter & Gamble
Moeller assumed the role of president and CEO in November 2021 after serving as vice chairman, chief operating officer, and chief financial officer. He is departing as CEO but will remain executive board chair, and Chief Operating Officer Shailesh Jejurikar will take over as company CEO in January. P&G recently announced job cuts and price hikes across its product lines in an attempt to offset economic volatility from new U.S. tariffs.
Hometown: Duluth, Minnesota Education: Cornell University (undergraduate and MBA)
PRESIDENT AND CEO Totes Isotoner
Daniel Rajczak
Rajczak was named president and CEO in 2016 after serving as chief operating officer at Shaklee Corp., a manufacturer, marketer, and direct seller of vitamins, cosmetics, personal care items, nutritional products, and household cleaners. Before that, he spent over 25 years at Procter & Gamble, where he held numerous senior management positions across multiple product categories. Totes is the nation’s largest manufacturer of umbrella, footwear, and cold weather accessories.
Education: University of Waterloo, Canada (undergraduate)
CHAIRMAN
Kenwood Dealer Group
Robert Reichert
Kenwood sold more than 19,000 vehicles in 2023, second most in the region, posting revenue of $989 million. The company is planning to move administrative and service operations to Loveland Commerce Park and build 80 service bays for new-car preparation and used-car reconditioning, functions it’s performed onsite at its seven dealerships at the Kings Auto Mall. The move is expected to bring 150 jobs to Loveland.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate), Southland University (J.D.)
CEO Braxton Brewing
Jake Rouse
Jake Rouse, his brother Evan, and father Greg founded the Covington-based company in 2015. Braxton acquired Hi-Wire Brewing’s taproom location at Factory 52 in Norwood in June after opening a taproom at Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport in 2023, adding to locations in Covington and Ft. Mitchell. The company closed its Pendleton/ Over-the-Rhine location in 2024.
Hometown: Union, Kentucky Education: Indiana University (undergraduate)
William Rumpke Jr.
PRESIDENT AND CEO Rumpke Waste and Recycling
The company completed 10 acquisitions in 2024 and broke into the Illinois market with the acquisition of a landfill, transfer station, and hauling operations in Effingham. Rumpke had a total of 471 municipal service contracts in 2024. Bill Rumpke is the third-generation family member to lead the Colerain Township company, which posted revenue of $1.4 billion in 2024 and has about 4,400 employees.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Miami University (undergraduate)
Ronald Sargent
INTERIM CHAIRMAN AND CEO Kroger Co.
Sargent was named interim CEO and chairman of the board after the sudden resignation of Rodney McMullen, which followed Kroger’s unsuccessful acquisition of Albertsons. Sargent has more than 35 years of retail experience, first with Kroger and then with increasing levels of responsibility and leadership at Staples, Inc. He has been aKroger board director since 2006and has served as the lead director since 2017.
Hometown: Ft. Thomas Education: Harvard University (undergraduate and MBA)
PRESIDENT AND OWNER
RCF Group
In addition leading RCF Group, Satterwhite serves on numerous boards, including Fifth Third, Key Bank Great Lakes, and the Anthony Munoz Foundation. He and Scott Robertson formed RCF more than 20 years ago to provide workplace solutions for office furniture, architectural services, and facilities maintenance. It had more than 110 employees and revenue of almost $90 million in 2023.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (engineering certificate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We partner with local colleges and universities to identify interns and provides internships annually and work with high schools to share our industry and career path opportunities. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Continuing to learn and incorporate AI enhancements into design, applications, and facility management.
CEO Cintas Corporation
Todd Schneider
Schneider joined Cintas in 1989 and held several management positions before being named CEO in 2021. He was senior vice president of sales of the rental division until June 2013, when he was appointed president and chief operating officer of the division. In July 2018, he was appointed executive vice president and chief operating offi cer, responsible for marketing and operations. The Mason-based uniform and workplace supply giant is the region’s fourth-largest public company.
Education: Miami University (undergraduate)
CEO Slatts Group
Slatts Group is an omni-channel marketer for local and national advertisers whose niche editorial products include Housetrends, a home and garden magazine. The company also owns Slatts Pub in Blue Ash and 50 West Brewing Co. In 2024, 50 West expanded in the District at Deerfield, a $150-million entertainment district in Warren County.
Hometown: Cleveland Education: Miami University (undergraduate and master’s) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We offer competitive pay and benefits as well as create a culture where ideas matter. People are encouraged to speak up, challenge the norm, and push each other toward the best solution. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Navigating the ups and downs of interest rates, which will shape the way we invest, grow, and take bold steps forward.
Carl Satterwhite
Robert Slattery
PRESIDENT,
Duke Energy
Amy Spiller
OHIO, AND KENTUCKY
REGION
Before assuming her current role in June 2018, Spiller was vice president of government and community affairs for Duke Energy Ohio, responsible for state government and regulatory policies, strategies, and relationships. She previously spent 10 years as deputy general counsel. The North Carolina-based provider locally serves about 900,000 electric customers and more than 557,000 natural gas consumers in this region.
Hometown: Gaylord, Michigan Education: Albion College (undergraduate), Wake Forest University (J.D.)
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Stagnaro Distribuiting
Michael Stagnaro
Stagnaro Distributing is a family-owned and operated beverage distributor servicing 3,500 retailers in 28 counties in Southwest Ohio, Southeast Indiana, and Northern Kentucky. The company is headquartered in Cincinnati and has a second location in Erlanger and employs more than 200 people. Stagnaro’s father, Arthur, started the company in the 1970s when he bought Hamilton Distributing.
Education: Southern Methodist University (undergraduate)
Jake Sweeney Jr.
CEO Jacob Sweeney Automotive
Jake Jr. is the third generation to lead the family automobile business that was launched by Walter Sweeney in 1917. Jake Jr. joined the business in 1971 after teaching junior high school. The company reported $661 million in revenue in 2023 and was the region’s fourth-largest auto dealership with nearly 10,000 vehicles sold.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Xavier University (undergraduate)
Tim Trant
CEO G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers
Trant has 28 years of experience within Pepsi bottling and corporate PepsiCo, including managing markets across North America. In addition to sales and operation experience, he was senior vice president of food service with PepsiCo North America. Before joining G&J Pepsi, he was an executive for Sysco and Barfresh Food Group.
Hometown: Mason Education: University of Dayton (undergraduate and MBA) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We understand that emerging professionals are looking for more than just a job and seek purpose, flexibility, and growth opportunities, so we’ve built a work environment that emphasizes problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and continuous learning. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Navigating the evolving landscape of consumer preferences and sustainability expectations while maintaining operational efficiency and workforce stability.
CEO AAA Club Alliance
Tom Wiedemann
Widemann has led Cincinnati-based AAA Club Alliance through several mergers and acquisitions to become one of the largest clubs in the national AAA federation, serving more than 7.4 million members across 13 states and Washington, D.C. He serves the community on boards at Freestore/Foodbank, St. Vincent de Paul, and the American Cancer Society.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Northern Kentucky University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We actively partner with universities across our region, engaging with students on campus and offering meaningful internships. Our benefits are designed to attract early career talent, offering growth opportunities, mission-driven work, and continuous learning and mentoring support. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Adapting our products, services, and advice with the continuing evolution of the automobile and creating personalized experiences for members.
CENTER OPERATOR
Richard Winterman
BMW Store and Cincinnati Mini
Winterman worked his way up from a mechanic position into the retail sales side of the business, then served in various dealerships across the country before being recruited to the BMW store in Cincinnati. He worked for the BMW Store for 17 years, leaving in 2014 to run rival dealerships outside of Cincinnati before returning in November 2019 as center operator.
Hometown: Madeira Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We hire based on three things: a good attitude, a good work ethic, and ability. If we have the first two, we can make the third happen. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? As an independent franchise, our challenge is maintaining a family environment as we grow. As things become more automated and AI becomes more prevalent, we have to maintain our passion for the brands and for our customers.
CHAIRMAN Tire Discounters
Chip Wood
Tire Discounters was founded by Wood in 1976 and is still family-owned and operated. The company employs more than 2,000 people in nearly 200 locations in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and Virginia and distribution centers in Sharonville, Tennessee, and Georgia.
Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We’ve been recognized for providing weekly pay for financial access, an opportunity to make a big impact early, meaningful feedback, real recognition, and career growth opportunities. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Staying ahead of accelerating innovation in the automotive service industry, from electric vehicles to connected cars to autonomous safety systems.
CEO Jeff Wyler Automotive Family
Jeff Wyler Automotive Family is one of the largest new and used group of dealerships in the country, with 23 locations and 2,500 employees. It sells vehicles from 40 automotive brands, including Chevrolet, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia and Mercedes-Benz. Wyler founded the company in 1973 when he sold 180 cars at a Clermont County Chevrolet dealership.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate)
Jeff Wyler
Today’s dreamers become tomorrow’s leaders.
C U LT U R E & CULTURE
L E I S U R E LEISURE
PRESIDENT Cincinnati Media
Ivy Bayer
Bayer leads the media company that publishes Cincinnati Magazine , Indianapolis Monthly, Realm, and Cincinnati 300 in addition to dozens of art programs, chamber directories, and event guides. It purchased six dining week programs from CityBeat in September. Bayer previously served as sales director for Cincinnati Magazine after joining the company in 2004.
Hometown: West Bloomfield, Michigan Education: Miami University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? By doing the same thing we do for our audience: creating meaningful, exciting experiences that connect people to Cincinnati. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Like many in our industry, it's staying relevant in a world where longform storytelling competes with shorter attention spans shaped by social media and endless streams of entertainment. But we see that as an opportunity to innovate, experiment with new formats, and prove that deep connections still cut through the noise.
PRESIDENT AND CEO Taft Museum of Art
Rebekah Beaulieu
Beaulieu has led the museum since 2022 after serving as director of the Florence Griswold Museum in Connecticut, which like the Taft is a National Historic Landmark dedicated to American art. A New Look at the Longworths featured gifted portraits of Nicholas and Susan Longworth, who lived in the downtown building when it was a private residence.
Hometown: Milwaukee Education: George Washington University (undergraduate), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (master’s), Columbia University (master’s), Boston University (Ph.D.) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We’re one of the first employers in Cincinnati to offer a student loan/retirement match and one of the first museums nationwide to implement a four-day workweek. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? The cultural sector will be navigating financial pressures stemming from broader economic shifts, federal funding uncertainty, and a rapidly evolving national landscape.
Jeff Berding
PRESIDENT AND CO-CEO FC Cincinnati
The team is in the midst of building a $300-million mixed-use project adjacent to TQL Stadium in the West End that’s scheduled to complete phase one next year. As the franchise celebrates its 10th anniversary (it joined Major League Soccer in 2019), MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced that plans for the MLS All Star Game in Cincinnati are in the works. Sportico ranked the franchise’s worth at $725 million.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Miami University (undergraduate), Xavier University (MBA)
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Cincinnati Ballet
Deborah Brant
Brant, who was chair of the Cincinnati Ballet Foundation and led the capital campaign for the company’s new headquarters in Walnut Hills, succeeded Scott Altman, who left last year after seven years. In December, Cervilio Miguel Amador was named artistic director, a position he held on an interim basis since September 2023. He joined the troupe in 2004 after defecting from Cuba.
Hometown: Akron, Ohio Education: Brandeis University (undergraduate)
DIRECTOR
Paula BrehmHeeger
Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library
Brehm-Heeger leads one of the country’s largest library systems, with 41 neighborhood branches, that was founded in 1853. She has overseen a long-term project to renovate or replace each branch. The Mt. Healthy location reopened in a former drug store in November 2024, the Cheviot branch reopened in May, the Symmes Township building will be torn down and rebuilt, and land has been acquired in Miami Township for a new location.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate), Indiana University (master’s), Northern Kentucky University (master’s)
PRESIDENT Cincinnati Bengals
Mike Brown
Brown has led the team since the death of his father, Paul, in 1991. The team and Hamilton County agreed on a new Paycor Stadium lease that will keep the team in the facility through 2036, with options extending to 2046. It called for $470 million in improvements with the county paying $350 million of the tab. The value of the team increased to $5.5 billion from $4.71 million last year, according to Sportico.
Hometown: Massillon, Ohio Education: Dartmouth College (undergraduate), Harvard University (J.D.)
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Visit Cincy
Julie Calvert
Calvert has led the destination marketing organization since 2018 to boost economic impact in Hamilton County by attracting visitors. She is spearheading the renovation of downtown’s Duke Energy Convention Center and Elm Street Plaza and construction of a new Marriott headquarters hotel. Visit Cincy estimates that visitors spent $6.5 billion in 2024, adding $224 million in local tax revenue.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Miami University (undergraduate) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We continuously evaluate and offer benefits that appeal to all generations and backgrounds, ensuring our team feels valued and supported. We intentionally foster inclusive hiring. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Visit Cincy and Cincinnati as a whole are at a major turning point that’s full of endless possibility, with the modernized and reinvented convention center opening in January 2026 and the headquarters hotel projected to open in 2028.
CHAIRMAN
Cincinnati Reds
Bob Castellini
Castellini has led Major League Baseball’s oldest franchise since 2006, while his son, Phil, was named president and CEO last year. The team fired manager David Bell after the 2024 season and hired Terry Francona, who had been out of baseball for a year after leaving Cleveland as manager in 2023. Tito, as he is affectionately known, won his 2,000th career game this summer and provided a steady hand for the young Reds roster.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Georgetown University (undergraduate), University of Pennsylvania (MBA)
PRESIDENT AND CEO GSR Brands
Roger David
David’s father was one of four brothers who founded the Gold Star Chili chain in Mt. Washington in 1965. The company has about 70 chili restaurants in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana and seven locations of Tom & Chee (the grilled cheese and tomato soup) locations. GSR posted more than $70 million in revenue in 2024 and employs more than 1,500 people at its franchise operations.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate), Xavier University (MBA)
Andrew DeWitt
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
Dewey’s Pizza
DeWitt opened the first Dewey’s in Oakley in 1998. Chuck Lipp was named president in 2019 to run daily operations. Dewey’s has 26 locations in five states, including 10 in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. It opened its first carryout-only location this year in St. Louis with the same menu as the restaurants but a smaller operational footprint.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Denison University (undergraduate)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
James Downton
Sharonville Convention Center
Downton has managed the suburban facility since 2012. The $24-million expansion of Todd Portune Hall was completed in 2024, doubling exhibit hall space to 40,000 square feet. It has benefitted from the closure of the Duke Energy Convention Center for renovation by hosting the NAACP Freedom Fund dinner, American Heart Association Heart Ball, Cincinnati Comic Expo, and Greater Cincinnati Urban League’s gala among other events.
Hometown: Ft. Mitchell Education: Northern Kentucky University (undergraduate)
Richard Eiswerth
PRESIDENT, GENERAL MANAGER, AND CEO
Cincinnati Public Radio
Eiswerth has led the nonprofit radio group that operates classical music station WGUC, NPR affiliate WVXU, and Miami University-affiliated WMUB since 1998. It recently opened its $32-million headquarters in Evanston featuring state-of-the-art equipment and performance spaces. The government’s elimination of funding for public media is likely to cost Cincinnati Public Radio around 6 percent of its annual budget.
Hometown: Williamsport, Pennsylvania Education: Syracuse University (undergraduate) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? The new broadcast facility and our freeto-public podcast studio appeal to content creators looking to have access to the latest in video and audio tools. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? We will have to devise some combination of reduced expenditures and increased contributions from supporters to make up for the loss of federal support.
CHEF AND OWNER
Boca Restaurant Group
David Falk
Falk founded Boca in Northside in 2001 before moving to Oakley, then eventually the former Maisonette location on Sixth Street downtown. He operates the adjacent restaurants Sotto and Nada. Falk had expanded Nada to Columbus, Indianapolis, Nashville, and Maryland but closed those over the past two years. Boca earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in June.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Culinary Institute of America
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Graeter’s Ice Cream
Richard Graeter
Graeter, who has held the top job since 1989, is the fourth-generation family member to lead the company that’s made and ice cream since 1870. It has retail locations in five Midwestern states, sells ice cream in more than 6,000 grocery stores, and does a brisk direct-to-customer shipping business. It reported 2024 revenue of more than $90 million and employs almost 1,500 people.
Hometown: Cincinnati
Ray Harris
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Nederlander/Heritage Bank Center
Nederlander Entertainment and Anschutz Entertainment Group own the downtown venue, home to the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL. The Cyclones became an affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs in 2024. As talk of a new downtown arena facility heats up, Harris has lobbied to keep the venue on the riverfront.
Hometown: Indian River, Michigan Education: Walsh College (undergraduate)
Colleen Houston
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND CEO
ArtWorks
Houston has led the public art nonprofit for ages 14-24 since 2020. Founded in 1996, it’s best known for public art displays that include flying pig sculptures and murals throughout the region. The company recently moved into its Creative Campus with a 14,000-square-foot headquarters and outdoor event space across Gilbert Avenue. The building’s three floors and basement hold an art gallery, studios, a community event space, a retail shop, and office space.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Warren Wilson College (undergraduate) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? ArtWorks is laser focused on attracting and developing the next generation of talent for our city and developing their confidence, collaboration, and creative problem-solving skills. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? The larger economic environment is worrisome for nonprofit leaders. We will stay focused on sustainability and collaboration.
PRESIDENT AND CEO
ArtsWave
Alecia Kintner
Kintner has led the largest U.S. community arts fund since 2014. Mel Gravely, executive chairman of Triversity Construction, led the 2025 campaign that raised $12.3 million to help support more than 150 arts organizations and projects. It was founded as the Cincinnati Institute of Fine Arts in 1927 with a challenge grant by Charles Phelps Taft and Anna Sinton. James Zimmerman, who leads the Cincinnati office of Taft Law, is chairman of the 2026 drive.
Hometown: Los Angeles Education: University of California–Riverside (undergraduate), University of Redlands (MBA)
PRESIDENT
Woodrow Keown Jr.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Keown has led the 20-plus-year-old riverfront museum since 2019. One of the top learning centers in the world, the venue remains committed to its mission of social justice and inclusive freedom. It’s featured on the Ohio Creativity Trail, which spotlights sites in the state for America’s 250th anniversary next year.
Hometown: Little Rock, Arkansas Education: Arkansas State University (undergraduate), University of Utah (MBA)
PRESIDENT
AND CEO
Kim Kern
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Kern has led the organization for 10 years, none more challenging than the past few as The Children’s Theatre renovated the Emery Theater in Over-the-Rhine as its new performance stage. The $51.5-million project returned the troupe to its home theater from 1948 through 1969 and added cutting-edge production capabilities, technology, and customer amenities.
Hometown: Glendale Education: Vanderbilt University (undergraduate) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We encourage people to apply for positions in the way they feel best expresses their talents, including video submissions in lieu of traditional resumes. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? As we’ve just completed the Emery Theater renovation, our biggest challenge is going to be learning how to function in the space, which is now the most technologically advanced theater in the country.
PRESIDENT AND CEO MeetNKY
Julie Kirkpatrick
Kirkpatrick has led MeetNKY since 2020, after it rebranded from the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Its mission is to drive quality of life and economic growth through tourism marketing and destination development. The agency developed the B-Line, a self-guided tour of the seven local bourbon distilleries that serves as the front door of Kentucky’s renowned Bourbon Trail.
Hometown: Lexington Education: Northern Kentucky University (undergraduate)
DIRECTOR
Cincinnati Art Museum
Cameron Kitchin
Kitchin has led operations since 2014 after previously serving as director of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Founded in 1881, CAM features a collection of more than 73,000 works that span 6,000 years of history. Mary Baskett, an art scholar and collector who was curator of prints at the museum from 1965 to 1971, donated $5 million in July to endow a curator position and fashion arts gallery.
Hometown: Norfolk, Virginia Education: Harvard University (undergraduate), William & Mary (MBA) What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years?
Achieving the highest expectations of CAM’s visitors and the Cincinnati region is a goal we all share. Each day we open the doors, we raise aspirations for all who arrive and we strive toward radical hospitality and learning. The challenge is to aim as high as our audiences want to reach.
CEO
Thunderdome
Joe Lanni
Restaurant Group
Lanni, his brother John, and Alex Blust founded the company in 2012 after the brothers started Currito in 2005. Since then, Thunderdome has become one of Cincinnati’s largest restaurant groups with Bakersfield, CityBird, The Davidson,T Eagle, Krueger’s, Maplewood, Pepp & Dolores, and SoHi locations in Greater Cincinnati. It has more than 50 restaurant locations around the country with more in the planning stage.
Hometown: Hamilton Education: Cornell University (undergraduate)
CEO LaRosa’s
Michael LaRosa
Michael and brother Mark (president) are sons of Donald “Buddy” LaRosa, who founded the family-owned restaurant in 1954. Michael has led the company since 2008. LaRosa’s, based in Westwood, operates more than 60 franchise and corporately owned pizzerias with 1,700 employees in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. LaRosa’s reported revenue of more than $175 million in 2023.
Hometown: Cincinnati
Steve
Loftin
PRESIDENT Cincinnati Arts Association
Since 2000, Loftin has led the organization founded in 1992 that oversees the Aronoff Center for the Arts and Music Hall. The venues host the Broadway in Cincinnati series, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Pops, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Ballet, and other groups. It also presents its own series of events in the Aronoff ’s three theaters. The downtown complex is home to the Weston Art Gallery and more than a dozen smaller arts troupes.
Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Beryl Love
EXECUTIVE EDITOR AND MARKET LEADER Enquirer Media
Love returned to his hometown as The Enquirer’s editor in 2018 after serving as executive editor of USA Today. Like almost all newspapers, its circulation has dropped and stands at around 22,000 daily and 33,000 on Sunday. It discontinued its Saturday print edition in 2022. Its Cincinnati.com website remains No. 1 in the region for site views, according to Comscore.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? One key is building a strong pipeline of young talent through our intern program. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? The polarization of our nation and decline in news literacy are what keep me up at night. Social media algorithms and a growing appetite for news sources that validate, rather than challenge, our world view have put pressure on legacy news organizations.
PRESIDENT AND CEO Wings & Rings
Nader Masadeh
Masadeh has been CEO of the casual dining chain since 2014. It opened its first Noble Chicken restaurant in March after the success of NBL CKN, a pop-up it created in Jungle Jim’s Eastgate location in 2019. The 1,800-square-foot restaurant in Eastgate will double as a training center as the company will offer the investment opportunity to current franchise owners and others. W&R posted revenue of almost $165 million in 2024.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate), Xavier University (MBA)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Thane Maynard
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Maynard joined the organization in 1977 and has led it since 2007. The zoo is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year with two new habitats, Bear Ridge and Sea Otter Coast, as well as the final phase of its largest habitat, Elephant Trek, a $50-million, five-acre project that’s five times larger than the previous elephant home. The zoo recently announced a $60-million donation from the estate of Hugh Hoffman to start its Impact Fund.
Hometown: Winter Park, Florida Education: Rollins College (undergraduate), University of Michigan (master’s) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We’ll continue building new and improved animal habitats and focus on the impact we can make in our community and around the world. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Our focus is on connecting people with wildlife and promoting coexistence. I feel good about the direction the Cincinnati Zoo is heading.
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Robert McGrath
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
McGrath, who has been with the symphony for 13 years, became CEO when Jonathan Martin retired after seven years in the position. McGrath was on the selection committee that hired Cristian Macelaru as music director this year. The CSO, founded in 1895, is the resident orchestra for Cincinnati May Festival, Cincinnati Opera, and Cincinnati Ballet.
Hometown: Houston Education: New England Conservatory of Music (undergraduate) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We focus on leading with purpose by being visible, engaging with the community, and fostering a culture where young professionals can thrive. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Staying relevant in a rapidly changing world while cultivating deeper connections with our audience and expanding engagement, especially with younger generations.
GENERAL
Christopher Milligan
DIRECTOR AND CEO
Cincinnati Opera
Milligan, who interned with the company in 1989, was hired as marketing director in 1997 and then promoted to the top post in 2020 after 10 years as managing director. Founded in 1920, Cincinnati Opera is the second-oldest opera company in the U.S. This year’s season posted a record box office of $1.75 million, while the attendance of 30,742 was the highest since the 1988 season.
Hometown: Kettering, Ohio Education: Miami University (undergraduate) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? Our internship program has worked so well that several of our current staff and even a new board member got their start as Cincinnati Opera interns. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Keeping the books healthy even as costs rise, while still giving audiences a world-class experience. Opera is costly.
D. Lynn Meyers
PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati
Meyers has led the Over-the-Rhine troupe since 1996 and presented more than 100 world and regional premieres. Last year, philanthropists Harry and Linda Fath donated $1 million to help jumpstart a $10-million fundraising campaign. Founded in 1986 by John and Ruth Sawyer and Ken and Mary Taft Mahler, ETC will celebrate 40 years of producing work that focuses on issues facing its home in the urban core.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Thomas More University (undergraduate)
Britney Ruby Miller
CEO Ruby Culinary Entertainment
Miller had overseen expansion of the company, founded by her father in 1981, to seven locations in Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee as well as The Lempicka, a downtown event center and offsite catering service. The executive leadership was reorganized this year with Darcie Bristow, former chief financial officer, becoming president to give Miller more time in the restaurants. Kelly Keene was named executive director of the Jeff Ruby Foundation, which helps find homes for vulnerable youth.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate)
PRESIDENT AND CEO Pig Works
Doug Olberding
Olberding succeeded Iris Simpson Bush in the top roles at Pig Works, parent company of the Flying Pig Marathon, last year. Bush, who became director of community engagement, led the region’s signature race and its related events since 2002. Olberding previously chaired the Department of Sports Studies at Xavier University. The organization is working to renovate a building in Walnut Hills for its new headquarters.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Xavier University (undergraduate), Ohio University (master’s), University of Kentucky (Ph.D.)
CEO Penn Station
Osterfeld, who opened his first Penn Station in downtown in 1985, oversees the sandwich chain that has more than 320 restaurants in 15 states. Penn Station posted 2024 revenue of $265 million. It replaced last year’s Who Dey Tuesday promotion where customers received a free small sandwich with the purchase of a large one after a Bengals’ victory with the TUEGOOD25 deal where each Tuesday is BOGO day.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Miami University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Hiring younger employees who are in a position of hiring seems to help. We also have a bit more flexibility when it comes to working at home. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Unquestionably, inflation!
Jeff Osterfeld
CEO
Rolling Hills Hospitality
Bimal Patel
Patel founded RHH in 2005 to develop, acquire, and manage hotels. It has 19 locations in Ohio and Kentucky, including the new Marriott Moxy on Main Street between Third and Fourth streets downtown, which opened in April. It also rebranded the former Holiday Inn & Suites at Seventh and Broadway to Voco the Clair and its restaurant to Pennyflower Bistro & Bar.
Hometown: Williamstown, Kentucky Education: Transylvania University (undergraduate)
Brian Isaac Phillips
PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND CEO
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Phillips, creative leader since 2003, was instrumental in launching the $17.5-million Otto M. Budig Theater in Over-the-Rhine in 2017. The 2025-26 season includes three Shakespeare productions: Love’s Labour’s Lost, Othello, and the rarely presented Pericles. The estate of Virginia Browning recently announced a $1 million gift to the organization.
Hometown: Pittsburgh Education: Morehead State University (undergraduate) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We’ve historically offered young talent the opportunity to have significant experience and responsibility early in their career. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Navigating the funding landscape will be a challenge for everyone in the arts. As the rules of the game evolve with federal funding and priorities change for local philanthropy, CSC will need to clearly articulate why we’re essential to our communities.
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Ignite Philanthropy
Scott Provancher
Provancher has led the philanthropic consulting firm since 2016, when it was formed in a merger of Lewis & Clark Co. and Ignite Philanthropy Advisors. It consults with organizations that are raising funds, foundations that are looking for worthy places to donate money, and community groups intent on improving quality of life. It helped raise more than $70 million for clients in 2024.
Hometown: Kinderhook, New York Education: Eastman School of Music (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Our team ends each day knowing they’ve contributed to positive community change. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Evolving our services and strategies to match a rapidly shifting public and private funding landscape. We’re committed to ensuring that philanthropists and nonprofits have the best tools and support to create positive impact in the community.
Blake Robison
PRODUCING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
The Playhouse opened its third season in the renovated building in Eden Park that features mainstage Moe and Jack’s Place–The Rouse Theatre and the Shelterhouse for more intimate productions. The 2025-26 highlights include the U.S. premiere of Mythic, directed by threetime Tony Award winner Kathleen Marshall, and Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical, which chronicles the iconic Cincinnati native.
Hometown: Middlebury, Vermont Education: Williams College (undergraduate), University of North Carolina (master’s) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We work actively with local universities and conservatories to provide early-career opportunities for local actors, administrators, and production staff to work with nationally renowned leaders in the theater field. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Long-term planning. We are stable and well supported by the community, but there’s no crystal ball in the post-pandemic arts economy.
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Elizabeth Pierce
Cincinnati Museum Center
Pierce joined the West End landmark in 2007 and has led operations since 2015. Last year, it acquired the former Heidelberg Distributing campus on Dalton Street north of the center to house its collection of 6 million items. After a gift from the former distributing company owner, the renovated building has been named the Vontz Family Education, Research and Collections Center.
Hometown: Mansfield, Ohio Education: Miami University (undergraduate), George Washington University (master’s)
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Film Cincinnati
Kristen Schlotman
Schlotman promotes the region as a destination for filmmakers. The city was one of three finalists to host the Sundance Film Festival that’s leaving Park City, Utah, for Boulder, Colorado. The publicity generated by the festival search raised Cincinnati’s profile in the movie world and helped the city host the Association of Film Commissioners International Symposium in September and bring in George Clooney as headliner speaker.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Miami University (undergraduate) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We focus on the finish line, uphold the mission, and create space where people feel part of something meaningful. I make sure to articulate a clear vision, because young professionals want to know their work has purpose. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Recognizing the dramatic shifts happening across the film industry and adapting our mission in real time.
Mike Smith
CEO Music and Event Management Inc.
MEMI is owned by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, which also owns Riverbend Music Center, PNC Pavilion, and Andrew J Brady Music Center. It also programs the Taft Theatre, the Longworth-Anderson Series at Memorial Hall, and the Rose Music Center north of Dayton. The Farmer Family Foundation donated $60 million for MEMI’s new 20,000-seat venue on the site of the former Coney Island park and pool, to be called the Farmer Music Center.
Hometown: Waterford, Michigan Education: Siena Heights University (undergraduate)
PRESIDENT AND CEO
E.W. Scripps Co.
Adam Symson
Symson has led the national media company since 2017, managing more than 60 TV stations (including WCPO Channel 9) in 22 states. Founded in 1878, Scripps generated $2.5 billion in 2024 revenue and reaches nearly every home in the U.S. through nine broadcast networks, including Ion and Scripps Sports. Scripps also continues to produce its iconic Spelling Bee.
Hometown: Los Angeles Education: University of California-Los Angeles (undergraduate ) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We understand that young professionals are looking for more than just a place to work; they seek purpose, visionary thinking and a sense of belonging. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Navigating the rapidly evolving media landscape buffeted by technology and consumer video viewing habits.
Christina Vassallo
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Contemporary Arts Center
Vassallo assumed her role in 2023 after serving as executive director of the Fabric Workshop and Museum in Philadelphia. The CAC building, which opened in 2003 at the corner of Sixth and Walnut streets downtown, has turned its café on the ground floor into a short-term rental for local purveyors to raise their profile in the city.
Hometown: New York City Education: New York University (undergraduate and master’s) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? Living out our mission in ways that resonate with ambitious employees, which shows up in our public programming and our internal culture. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Diversifying revenue streams to keep pace with rising costs while continuing to grow as the region’s premier contemporary art venue.
CEO Skyline Chili
Dick Williams
Williams, former president of baseball operations and general manager of the Cincinnati Reds, has led the chili icon since 2023. In a collaboration that only Cincinnatians can appreciate, Graeter’s created a limited edition Skyline Spice ice cream that featured the restaurant’s secret spice mix and oyster crackers. Founded in 1949 by Nicholas Lambrinides, an immigrant from Greece, Skyline now has 160 locations in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Florida.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Virginia (undergraduate)
PRESIDENT Hard Rock Casino
Justin Wyborn
Wyborn became the top executive at the downtown venue after nearly 10 years at the company’s Hollywood, Florida, location. Hard Rock has invested $75 million over the past six years to transform the property into a premier entertainment destination and banquet and event space. Sports bettors wagered almost $180 million at the casino in 2024.
Hometown: Melbourne, Australia Education: RMIT University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We’re committed to staying ahead of the curve, and that includes embracing the transformative power of AI. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Navigating our evolving landscape of hospitality, gaming, and entertainment. As our industry shifts, we’re focused on understanding how these changes will impact our business and how we can position ourselves to thrive.
PRESIDENT AND CEO Columbia Sussex
William Yung
Yung founded the Crestview Hills-based company in 1972 with one hotel, and the group now owns more than 40 hotels and resorts and posted revenue of more than $965 million in 2024. In February, it acquired the Westin City Center hotel in Washington, D.C. The Yung Family Foundation donated $10 million to St. Elizabeth Healthcare in 2024 for a new cancer center in Edgewood.
Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate) What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Attracting and training new leadership.
1890 2025
E D U C AT I O N EDUCATION & H E A LT H HEALTH
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Seven Hills School
Matthew Bolton
Seven Hills School is selling its Doherty Campus in East Walnut Hills to Springer School and Center and by the 2027-28 school year plans to consolidate all students to its Hillsdale Campus on Red Bank Road in Madisonville. The transition includes merging two lower schools into one. Bolton joined Seven Hills as the head of Upper School in 2014.
Hometown: New York City Education: Binghamton University (undergraduate), City University of New York (master’s and Ph.D.), Fordham University (master’s) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We seek out talented early-career people who want to be part of a joyful, diverse, and engaging community. Working at a school like ours is more than a job; it’s a calling to make a difference in young people’s lives. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Continuing to help young people thrive and develop their unique capabilities in an age of distraction and anxiety.
PRESIDENT AND CEO AtriCure
Michael Carrel
Since he became CEO in 2012, AtriCure has acquired three companies (Estech, nContact, and SentreHEART), adding these medical technology companies to its worldwide market. Before joining AtriCure, Carrel was president and CEO of Vital Images, a publicly-traded medical imaging software company that was acquired by Toshiba Medical Systems Corp.
Education: Penn State University (undergraduate), University of Pennsylvania (MBA)
PRESIDENT Thomas More University
Chillo, the Catholic university’s 15th president, accepted a five-year employment extension in 2023 to run through 2028. He launched the largest capital campaign in Thomas More’s history, the Second Century Campaign, which has raised more than $40 million.
Hometown: Mahopac, New York Education: Binghamton University (undergraduate), Long Island University (master’s), Northeastern University (DLP) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We’re seeking individuals who are committed and passionate about education and creating opportunities for students to succeed. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Uncertainty around the federal government’s policies on higher education, which will have an economic impact on colleges and universities in the region and across the country.
Joseph Chillo
Place
PRESIDENT AND CEO
TriHealth
Mark Clement
Earlier this year TriHealth agreed to acquire Clinton Memorial Hospital in Wilmington, Ohio, the system’s sixth acute care hospital. The TriHealth network, which Clement has led since 2019, includes more than 140 locations throughout Greater Cincinnati, including an ambulatory network, physician practices, research division, employer-based health services, hospice care, and fitness facilities.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Xavier University (undergraduate and master’s) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Educating future healthcare professionals within our own Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science, providing tuition assistance for those who seek to healthcare careers here, and exposing high school students to healthcare careers. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? The same one facing all U.S. health systems: Our nation’s approach to healthcare is fundamentally broken and unsustainable.
PRESIDENT Miami University
Gregory Crawford
Crawford is serving in his 10th year as president of Miami University, and the board extended his contract last year to run through June 2029. Before joining Miami community, he was vice president and associate provost at the University of Notre Dame. In U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Colleges rankings, Miami is No. 3 among national public universities for its excellence in undergraduate teaching.
Hometown: Elyria, Ohio Education: Kent State University (undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D.)
PRESIDENT AND CEO
St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Garren Colvin
St. E is Northern Kentucky’s largest health care provider, with more than 10,000 employees. Under Colvin’s leadership, the system established Northern Kentucky’s fi rst comprehensive cancer center to provide personalized cancer care through precision medicine and genomic health, education screening and prevention, clinical research, and advanced innovative technology. It received its largest donation ever in 2024, $10 million from the Yung Family Foundation.
Hometown: Ludlow Education: Thomas More College (undergraduate), Northern Kentucky University (MBA)
SUPERINTENDENT
Mason City Schools
Jonathan Cooper
Cooper came to Mason in 2014 as chief innovation officer and has served as superintendent since 2018. The district operates five schools, from Pre-K through high school, to serve 10,500 total students. It was ranked No. 2 among Cincinnati area public school districts in Niche’s 2025 “Best Schools” ratings.
Hometown: Upland, Indiana Education: Ball State University (undergraduate), University of Dayton (master’s), Miami University (Ed.D.) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? Our strategy is built on creating a workplace that’s both distinctive and sustainable. We’ve invested significantly in personalized professional development, ensuring that staff are supported with growth pathways that align with both their career goals and the district’s long-term needs. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Like many public school districts, our ongoing challenge is the complexity of school funding, which relies heavily on local property taxes.
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Cincinnati Children’s
Steve Davis, MD
Under his leadership, Children’s was ranked No. 1 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospital edition. In addition to his responsibilities at Children’s, Davis serves as vice chair of the Children’s Hospitals’ Solutions for Patient Safety, an international network of more than 140 pediatric hospitals whose mission is to eliminate serious harm across all children’s hospitals.
Hometown: Revere, Massachusetts Education: Johns Hopkins University (undergraduate), Carnegie Mellon University (master’s), Michigan State University (master’s), University of Vermont (MD) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We foster a culture where each of our 19,600 employees can feel welcome, respected, and empowered to contribute their best. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? It’s incumbent upon us to build a resilient workforce to ensure we continue to deliver on our mission.
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Fernando Figueroa
Gateway Community & Technical College
Figueroa has served students in higher education for more than 25 years, from classroom instruction to all aspects of administration. As Gateway’s leader since 2016, he’s been an advocate for initiatives in the region focused on workforce development and has championed Gateway’s role in K-12 partnerships and relationships with local colleges and universities.
Hometown: New Orleans Education: Louisiana State University (undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D.)
MARKET PRESIDENT
Brian Gwyn
Bon Secours Mercy Health
Gwyn joined Mercy Health-Cincinnati in 2023 and is responsible for all Mercy Health operations in the market, including oversight of its leadership team. Mercy Health-Cincinnati is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health, one of the 20 largest health systems in the U.S. and the country’s fifth-largest Catholic health system.
Education: Appalachian State University (undergraduate and master’s), Gardner Webb University (MBA)
PRESIDENT
Xavier University
Colleen Hanycz
Appointed in 2021, Hanycz is the first woman to serve in the role in school history. She was appointed to chair the strategic planning effort for the Big East Conference in 2024. Xavier has broken ground on its new College of Osteopathic Medicine, which would be the first Jesuit Catholic college of its kind in the U.S.
Hometown: Toronto, Canada Education: University of Toronto (undergraduate), Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada (J.D.), Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto (Ph.D.) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? Xavier tends to attract young people who are interested in working for a deeply mission-centric organization. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Our College of Osteopathic Medicine is due to enroll its first class of medical students in the fall of 2027, and in a little over five years Xavier will celebrate its 200th anniversary, a significant milestone.
SUPERINTENDENT
Boone County Schools
Jeff Hauswald
Appointed in May 2024, Hauswald has served 28 years in education, including 14 years as a superintendent at the Monroe County (Ind.) School Corporation and the Kokomo (Ind.) School Corporation. Boone County Schools is the state’s third largest public school district, serving more than 20,000 students at 15 elementary, six middle, and five high schools.
Hometown: Croydon, Indiana Education: Indiana University (undergraduate and Ph.D.)
PRESIDENT AND CEO
The Christ Hospital
Deborah Hayes
Hayes joined The Christ Hospital Health Network in 1987 as a student nurse aide and then critical care nurse. Over the next 25 years, her leadership roles included clinical nurse manager, director of critical care, chief nursing officer, chief information officer and chief hospital officer. She was appointed president and CEO in 2021 and manages 6,500 employees and 1,200 physicians at more than 100 locations throughout the region.
Education: Xavier University (undergraduate), Northern Kentucky University (master’s)
CEO
United Healthcare
Kurt Lewis
Lewis Joined United Healthcare as an account executive in the large employer segment and over two decades has held various leadership positions. Named CEO for Ohio and Northern Kentucky in 2016, he oversees strategic initiatives and business operations, including sales, marketing, network contracting, medical programs, community relations, and finance.
Hometown: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Education: Ohio State University (undergraduate)
Alan Martin
VICE PRESIDENT PHARMACY OPERATIONS
Humana
Martin joined Humana in 2010 and now oversees operations at 40 sites in eight states, managing more than 2,000 employees. He is responsible for mail-order, over-the-counter, retail, engineering, and specialty operations for the Louisville-based company that operates call center and distribution facilities in Springdale and West Chester.
Hometown: Independence, Ohio Education: Ohio Northern University (undergraduate)
SUPERINTENDENT
Shauna Murphy
Cincinnati Public Schools
A Cincinnati native, Murphy has more than 34 years of experience in education, most recently serving as CPS chief of student, family and community engagement. Appointed in November 2024, she leads the largest local school district with 35,000 students and 6,500 employees across 66 schools.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Ohio University (undergraduate), Xavier University and University of Cincinnati (master’s) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We’re intentional about attracting and supporting the next generation of educators and professionals, connecting early-career educators with innovative practices, mentorship, and professional learning communities. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Striking a balance between growth and sustainability while keeping students at the center of every decision.
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dean Nicholas
Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy
Nicholas joined CHCA’s Christian Studies Department in 1996 as a teacher and department chair and was named the school’s first Upper School principal. He was appointed assistant head of school in 2020 and head of school in 2021. CHCA serves 1,300 students from pre-K through high school at five campuses.
Education: Wheaton College (undergraduate and master’s), Hebrew Union College (Ph.D.)
PRESIDENT
Jane Peterson
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Ohio
Previously regional vice president for Ohio sales, Peterson was promoted to president in 2021. She has held several senior positions at Anthem throughout her career, including leadership roles in finance, sales, and underwriting. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is one of Ohio’s leading commercial health plans and one of the region’s largest employers.
Hometown: Coldwater, Ohio Education: University of Dayton (undergraduate), Xavier University (MBA)
PRESIDENT
University of Cincinnati
Neville Pinto
Pinto served for 26 years on the faculty in chemical engineering at the University of Cincinnati before becoming dean of the school of engineering at the University of Louisville. He returned to UC as its chief executive in 2017. UC has attracted a $100 million investment from JobsOhio to accelerate the number of STEM graduates and launch the Cincinnati Innovation District uptown.
Hometown: Mumbai, India Education: Indian Institute of Technology in New Delhi, India (undergraduate), Penn State University (master’s and Ph.D.)
PRESIDENT
Monica Posey
Cincinnati State Technical & Community College
Posey began her career at Cincinnati State in 1992 and has served as assistant dean, director of institutional research and planning, academic vice president, and provost. Before joining Cincinnati State, she worked at the University of Cincinnati as assistant director of career development and for AT&T. Since she became president, Cincinnati State has improved retention and graduation rates.
Hometown: Philadelphia Education: Cornell University (undergraduate), University of Pennsylvania (MBA), University of Cincinnati (Ed.D.) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We emphasize our mission to provide access, opportunity, and support for people of all backgrounds. What’s the biggest challenge for your company/organization over the next five years? Uncertainty in our nation’s social, political, and economic systems.
PRESIDENT St. Xavier High School
Tim Reilly
In 2018, Reilly became the first non-Jesuit president of St. Xavier, leading more than 1,400 students and 120 full-time faculty members. For the previous 23 years, he was principal of St. Ignatius Elementary School. Reilly attended St. Xavier as a student, served as a member of the board of trustees, and was a St. Xavier parent.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Miami University (undergraduate), Xavier University (master’s) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We highlight St. Xavier’s clear mission of forming leaders and “men for others” through rigorous college preparation and a deep, long-standing tradition. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Ensuring St. Xavier remains relevant and affordable while preparing young men for a rapidly changing world and modernizing our classrooms and campus infrastructure.
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Kelley Schiess
Summit Country Day School
Schiess has served at Summit for more than 23 years, beginning as director of admission and enrollment management. She was appointed head of school in 2022 and is responsible for recruitment, admission, financial aid and retention, and community engagement at the private Catholic school in Hyde Park.
Education: Ball State University (undergraduate and master’s) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We benchmark a competitive and transparent faculty pay scale and offer flexible health benefits, tuition remission programs for family members, and a competitive retirement program for all employees. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Ensuring that The Summit continues to thrive with the same level of excellence and innovation that’s defined our first 135 years.
PRESIDENT AND CEO Interact for Health
Kate Schroder
Schroder joined Interact for Health as president and CEO in 2022 after serving as interim chief strategy officer for the Health Collaborative. She’s been a member of the Cincinnati Board of Health since 2016 and has worked in public health for decades. Interact for Health works in 20 counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Indiana University (undergraduate), University of Pennsylvania (MBA) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? Younger workers appreciate the ability to bring their authentic selves to work, and it makes us stronger as an organization. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? We’re committed to shifting community conditions that impact health. We believe we can make a difference by supporting community partners to create a healthier, more thriving region.
CEO Health Carousel
John Sebastian
Sebastian became CEO in 2022 after serving as chief digital officer and president of travel nursing. Under his leadership, Health Carousel grew more than 60 percent, surpassing 10 million patient lives impacted as a company, and has expanded sustainability and recognition of the nursing profession and increased investment in faculty development and nursing scholarships.
Hometown: Hinsdale, Illinois Education: University of Notre Dame (undergraduate), University of Michigan (master’s)
PRESIDENT AND CEO UC Health
Cory Shaw
Shaw was named president and CEO in 2023 after serving as executive vice president and chief operating officer at Nebraska Medicine. UC Health offers care on four campuses and more than 70 outpatient locations in the region, including University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute and University of Cincinnati Cancer Center.
Hometown: Aurora, Nebraska Education: University of Nebraska (undergraduate), University of Missouri (master’s) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We serve as a destination employer for early and mid-career professionals who want to build their career through hands-on experience in a fast-paced, community-focused organization. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Prioritizing innovation to drive discovery, educate the next generation of leaders, and elevate care standards.
Cady ShortThompson
PRESIDENT Northern Kentucky University
Short-Thompson is the seventh president of Northern Kentucky University who previously served as dean of the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College and as executive director of Breakthrough Cincinnati, a nonprofit focused on educational equity in college preparatory programs. NKU offers more than 90 majors and 22 master’s programs, as well as the Chase College of Law.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate, master’s, Ph.D.) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? Our Young Scholars Academy serves hundreds of Northern Kentucky high school juniors and seniors who earn college credit while completing high school diplomas. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? The American public’s recent questioning of a four-year degree’s value.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Eric Stiene
Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
Stiene began the role in November 2024 following the departure of CEO Andy Blankemeyer. Stiene has been with Beacon for his entire professional career in roles ranging from business director of ambulatory surgery centers and regional ambulatory surgery center administrator. Beacon is one of the largest doctor groups in Cincinnati, with more than 60 physicians and 1,200 employees.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Xavier University (undergraduate and master’s) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We want to have a culture where people feel they belong and can build a solid future, so we’re forming strategic partnerships with higher education and job-ready programs. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Adapting to a changing healthcare landscape and preparing future providers through mentorship.
PRESIDENT AND CEO Medpace Holdings
August Troendle
Troendle has been the CEO and chairman of the board of Medpace since he founded the company in July 1992. Before that, he served as a manager at Novartis, where he was responsible for the clinical development of cholesterol medications, and worked as a medical review officer in the Division of Metabolic and Endocrine Drug Products at the FDA. Medpace is expanding its Madison Square campus in Madisonville.
Education: Boston University (MBA), University of Maryland (M.D.)
SUPERINTENDENT
Lakota Local Schools
Ashley Whitely
Whitely was named superintendent of the largest suburban school district in Southwest Ohio in 2024 after serving as assistant superintendent at Wyoming City Schools since 2018. She had also taught English and served as the department chair at Lakota East High School for five years. The Lakota district encompasses six early childhood centers, eight elementary schools, four junior highs, and two high schools.
Hometown: Beaver Dam, Kentucky Education: Western Kentucky University (undergraduate and master’s), Xavier University (Ph.D.) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? Our standards for hiring are high because we want our students to have the very best teachers, leaders, and support staff available. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Our Master Facilities Plan is in full gear, designed to have buildings to support our growing enrollment.
PRESIDENT
Amy Wutke
Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Wutke was previously president of Cox College in Springfield, Missouri, where she helped expand degree programs and grow health care-related educational programs. The Christ College is a private, nonprofit college affiliated with The Christ Hospital Health Network offering degrees in nursing and health sciences.
Hometown: Seekonk, Mass. Education: Providence College (undergraduate), University of Missouri (Ph.D.) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? Young talent in healthcare is drawn to purpose, and our mission to develop compassionate, skilled professionals who improve patient care resonates deeply with their desire to make a difference in people’s lives. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Meeting the growing demand for highly skilled nurses and healthcare professionals in the midst of a national workforce shortage.
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Cincinnati Country Day
Rob Zimmerman
Zimmerman is a graduate of Country Day and was an attorney with Dinsmore & Shohl before being named head of school in 2021. He was previously a member of the school’s board of trustees and of its crisis management team and alumni council president. Country Day serves 850 students from early childhood and pre-K through high school on an expansive campus in Indian Hill.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Vanderbilt University (undergraduate), University of Cincinnati (J.D.) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We’re excited to launch our first-in-the-region Teaching Fellows program to bring a cohort of aspiring teachers to Country Day for a two-year fellowship. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? While AI will no doubt be a boon for the economy, schools have more work to do to harmonize the promise of AI with the brain science of learning.
H. James Williams
PRESIDENT Mount St. Joseph University
Williams became the seventh president of Mount St. Joseph University in 2016. He is a former president of Fisk University and served as dean of several business schools, including the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University, North Carolina Central University, and Delaware State University. He also worked in the public accounting and legal professions as a CPA and as a corporate and tax attorney. The Mount serves 2,300 students.
Education: North Carolina A&T (undergraduate), University of Wisconsin (MBA), Georgetown University (J.D.), University of Georgia (Ph.D.)
M A N U F AC T U R I N G MANUFACTURING & T E C H TECH
PRESIDENT AND CEO Hillman Group
Jon Michael Adinolfi
Hillman COO Adinolfi succeeded Doug Cahill, who took the company public in 2021 and is now executive chairman. The hardware supplier serves retailers such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, Ace, and Tractor Supply and launched a line of direct-to-consumer products named after Over-the-Rhine. The company will consolidate its offices in a new building in Forest Park in 2027.
Hometown: North Haven, Connecticut Education: University of Connecticut (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We actively engage in college campus recruitment and offer a robust 10-week internship program across a variety of functions, including engineering, marketing, supply chain, finance, and HR. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? We will grow Hillman organically with our customers, via acquisition, and by expanding and extending our support of the pro.
PRESIDENT AND CEO ProMach
Anderson has led the Covington-based packaging materials and machinery manufacturer since 2005. After acquiring firms in Italy and Mexico in 2024, it acquired KelCode Solutions, a marketing, coding, and labeling products provider in Northside. In May, it acquired DJS Systems, a Michigan-based company that provides disposable food packaging that aligns with ProMach’s Rennco division. ProMach reported more than $2.1 billion in 2024 revenue.
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska Education: University of Nebraska (undergraduate), Northwestern University (MBA)
PRESIDENT HBH Holdings
Scott Anderson
Anderson became president of HBH, the Spring Grove Village-based parent company of Enerfab, in 2020. HBH focuses on fabrication, maintenance, and construction for the heavy industrial and utility markets. In June, it acquired Konig and Co. of Germany, the world’s largest hot-form tank head manufacturer. Combined with Brighton Tru-Edge of Sharonville, the largest cold-form manufacturer, HBH owns the largest producers of enormous metal vessels for brewers and distillers.
Hometown: North Benton, Ohio Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate) ) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We proactively engage with schools, universities, and trade organizations, collaborating with administrators to develop curriculum content that aligns with our needs and those of the students. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Driving efficiencies across our organization is always a top priority.
Mark Anderson
Mike
Berger
CEO Air Transport Services Group
Berger succeeded Joe Hete, who was elevated to executive chairman. Berger has been with company since 2018, when he was president of subsidiary Airborne Global Solutions. He was promoted to chief strategy officer in 2022, and then president. ATSG was acquired earlier this year by Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets.
Education: Temple University (undergraduate)
CHAIRMAN
Joe Bourgraf
Ferno Group of Companies
Bourgraf has led the Wilmington-based, family-owned manufacturer of emergency patient handling and physical therapy equipment since 1991. The firm, founded by Elroy Bourgraf and Dick Ferneau, is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. He also oversees two subsidiaries: VRpatients, which provides virtual simulation training, and Acetech Global, a supplier of software to the EMS market. It reported revenue of $180 million in 2024 from customers in more than 70 countries.
Education: Miami University (undergraduate), Xavier University (MBA)
PRESIDENT Gold Medal Products
Adam Browning
Browning joined the family-owned company in 2010 as vice president and was named to lead the Evendale-based manufacturer and distributor of concession food equipment and supplies in 2017. Gold Medal employs more than 500 people across 17 U.S. locations, posting $190 million in revenue in 2024. Founded by Dave Evans in 1931, the third generation of the family is working in the business.
Hometown: Dayton Education: Centre College (undergraduate), University of Cincinnati (MBA), Northern Kentucky University (J.D.)
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Sylvia Buxton
Perfetti Van Melle Americas
Buxton leads the multinational candy and chewing gum company’s Americas Business Unit in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Latin America. The maker of Mentos, Airheads, and other candy brands acquired the Trident, Dentyne, and Bubblicious brands in 2023. Buxton worked for Heshey for 24 years before joining PVM in 2016.
Hometown: Oakville, Canada Education: Wilfrid Laurier University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We partner with the great universities in our region as well as trade schools. We have a strong intern program in all areas of the business, and we’ve ended up hiring many of those interns for FT roles after graduation. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Uncertainty is a key headwind that requires flexible planning to deliver what our customers and consumers need.
PRESIDENT
Total Quality Logistics
Kerry Byrne
Byrne has been president of the privately-held company since 2015, when it posted $2.1 billion in annual sales. TQL’s reported 2024 revenue was almost $7 billion, with Forbes ranking it among the Top 100 largest private companies in the U.S. It’s the name sponsor of FC Cincinnati’s West End soccer stadium, and its headquarters at I-275 and State Route 32 has been an engine of development for Eastgate. Byrne serves on the University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate)
PRESIDENT AND CEO LSI Industries
James Clark
Clark joined the Blue Ash-based leader in lighting and graphic solutions for commercial and industrial buildings, petroleum and convenience stores, and retailers in 2018. It recorded revenue of more than $450 million in 2024. It acquired Best Holdings in March for $24 million, expanding LSI’s footprint into Canada and adding four facilities to bring the firm’s total to about 20 staffed with almost, 2,000 employees.
Education: State University of New York at Albany (undergraduate)
CEO Pilot Chemical
Mike Clark
Clark became the top executive at the West Chester Township-based maker of disulfonates for the manufacturing and personal care industries in 2022. It has facilities in Lockland and Middletown in addition to operations in five other locations. Pilot posted more than $330 million in 2024 revenue. Christian MacIver joined the company in 2023 as president and COO after working at Ingevity Specialty Chemicals in South Carolina for more than 25 years.
Hometown: Hamilton Education: Miami University (undergraduate)
CHAIRMAN
Pro Football Focus
Cris Collinsworth
Founded by Englishman Neil Hornsby in 2014, the former Bengals receiver and NBC Sunday Night Football announcer bought a majority interest in the company that grades performance of every NFL player. PFF expanded its product line to include more than 100 college football teams, then moved into fantasy football and sports betting from its Over-the-Rhine headquarters. Collinsworth has won 17 Emmy Awards since beginning his broadcasting career in 1989.
Hometown: Titusville, Florida Education: University of Florida (undergraduate), University of Cincinnati (J.D.)
CEO
Clubessential Holdings
Randy Eckels
The Blue Ash-based company isthe leading provider of software-embedded payment solutions to more than 25,000 private clubs, public golf courses, health and fitness clubs, military organizations, municipalities, and camp organizations. Founded in 1998, it posted more than $325 million in 2024 revenue. It’s acquired eight companies since 2021, including Momence of San Francisco, which supports more than 4,500 fitness centers and gyms, in January. A planned merger with Atlanta-based Xplor Technologies was recently announced, with Eckels to serve as CEO of the combined company.
Education: Penn State University (undergraduate and master’s), Lehigh University (MBA)
CEO BlueStar
Ryan Girvin
Girvin joined the company in 2001 and was CFO when he succeeded company founder Steve Cuntz, who died in 2023. The Hebron-based provider of solutions-based electronics such as bar-code scanners and inventory tracking devices is one of the region’s largest private firms, with almost $2.2 billion in 2024 revenue. It supports 50 locations around the world and expanded into South Africa and the Middle East in 2023.
The Evendale-based firm became its own Fortune 500 company when General Electric spun off its assets in 2021. It posted revenue of more than $38 billion in 2024, ranking No. 118 among the largest U.S. public firms. Sales deals this year include a $2.5 billion agreement with Cathay Pacific airlines of Hong Kong. GE employs more than 9,000 people in the region.
Hometown: Washington, D.C. Education: Washington College (undergraduate), Harvard University (MBA)
PRESIDENT Standard Textile
Heiman is the fourth generation to lead the Reading-based company founded by his great-grandfather in 1940. He succeeds his father, Gary, who retains the chairman and CEO titles. Standard develops, manufactures, and distributes textile products from 24 manufacturing and distribution centers in 12 countries. It announced a deal to manufacture Newton High-Speed Lite-Life solar shades in August as part of a commitment to sustainability.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Colgate University (undergraduate), Duke University (MBA)
Alex Heiman
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Hightowers Petroleum
Stephen Hightower
Hightower founded the Middletown-based wholesale fuel distribution business in 1982. With almost $300 million in revenue in 2024, it’s the region’s largest minority-owned business. Hamilton County commissioners issued a proclamation that declared February 24, 2025, as “Stephen L. Hightower Day” for his support of minority business people and the publication of his guide for entrepreneurs, Fueling: From Zero to 1 Billion.
Hometown: Middletown Education: Wright State University (undergraduate)
CEO Jurgensen Companies
Jim Jurgensen II
Jurgensen is the third-generation leader of the family firm founded by his grandfather as a small construction contractor in 1934. He joined the company in 1990 as a laborer and has been CEO since 2013. He is joined on the leadership team by siblings Jason (COO) and Jackie Alf (executive vice president). The Sharonville-based firm has grown to about 25 companies that provide such as asphalt paving, commercial construction, and excavation.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Lafayette College (undergraduate), Washington University (MBA)
CEO Cintrifuse
J.B. Kropp
The co-founder of The Brandery accelerator replaced Pete Blackshaw at the city’s flagship startup support group last year. Kropp is also managing director of Cintrifuse Capital, which helped raise $72 million in outside capital for entrepreneurs. Cintrifuse hosts multiple programs each year and served more than 800 entrepreneurs in 2025.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Denison University (undergraduate) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? Our mission is to make Cincinnati the best place in the Midwest to start and scale a high-growth startup, and that begins with talent, so we’ve built programs and partnerships that directly connect ambitious students and professionals with founders who are building the future here. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Consistently attracting later-stage venture capital to the region.
PRESIDENT
Enerfab
Aaron Landolt
Landolt leads the St. Bernard-based provider of fabrication, construction, and maintenance services for the heavy industrial and utility markets. It has 4,500 employees, including 800 locally, with offices in Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Mississippi. Its revenue increased to almost $600 million in 2024.
Hometown: Arlington, Ohio Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate), Xavier University (master’s) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We’ve developed video and media campaigns focusing on our people and the great things they’re doing in our industry and in the community as well as leveraging emerging technology to make our projects smarter and more connected. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Investing in and deploying AI throughout our business.
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Meyer Tool
Doug Lang
Lang, who sold his eponymous tool design company to Meyer in 1981, has been the top executive of the Camp Washington-based company since 2016. Founded in 1951, Meyer provides precision components to the aerospace and gas turbine manufacturing sectors. It employs almost 1,750 people at 13 locations in the U.S., Canada, and Poland and posted revenue of almost $310 million in 2024.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate)
PRESIDENT AND CEO Gorilla Glue
Mark Mercurio
Mercurio spent 10 years as a brand manager at Procter & Gamble before joining the manufacturer in 2014. Its O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Cream, which it acquired in 2009, began showing up on NBA scorers’ tables, and the company signed Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart of the New York Knicks to endorse the product. Gorilla Glue’s core products include glues, adhesives, tapes, sealants, and fillers.
Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate), University of Virginia (MBA)
PRESIDENT AND CEO Michelman
Rick Michelman
Michelman held multiple jobs at the family-owned company before taking the top leadership position in 2022. The Blue Ash firm, founded in 1949, manufactures sustainable chemistry used in agricultural and architectural coatings, digital printing, food service packaging, and automotive and aerospace composites. It posted revenue of $225 million in 2024. Michelman is co-president of the Contemporary Arts Center board this year.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Cornell University (undergraduate), University of California–Berkeley (Ph.D.)
PRESIDENT AND CEO CincyTech
Emma Off
Off, a former partner at Thompson Hine law firm, replaced Mike Venerable, who worked at the seed stage investment firm for 17 years. Off helped broker the acquisition of Hive Networks, a healthcare tech startup that focused on rare and chronic diseases founded at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, by Vora Ventures of Blue Ash in April. Then Amify, which helps brands sell on Amazon, was bought by Cart.com last year.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Kentucky (undergraduate), University of Cincinnati (J.D.) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We engage frequently with college interns, engaging them to provide investment, finance, and marketing support. We also have a life science graduate investment fellowship program to expose mid- to late-stage PhD or master’s students to early-stage venture capital investing. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Access to capital.
CEO AND CO-FOUNDER Gravity Diagnostics
Tony Remington
Remington and co-founder Julie Brazil created the Covington-based company in 2016. It provides testing in the areas of toxicology, pharmacogenetics, infectious and upper respiratory diseases, blood, and COVID-19. Advantage Capital invested $5 million in the firm in February that Gravity is using to enhance its facility, expand service offerings, and support new product development. It employs more than 250 people in Kentucky and Ohio.
Hometown: Gloucester, Mass. Education: Bentley College (undergraduate), Boston College (MBA) What is your company doing to attract young talent? By aligning with our mission statement, our positions offer an opportunity to have a direct impact in the community. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Maintaining our amazing culture. Our people are our greatest strength, so keeping them motivated, challenged, and fulfilled is our top priority.
CHAIRMAN SugarCreek
John Richardson
Richardson leads the food manufacturing business started by his father in 1966. The family-owned, Blue Ash-based firm has six manufacturing plants and packaging facilities in Ohio, Indiana, and Kansas and posted revenue of $1 billion in 2024. Richardson also owns Cincinnati Beverage, which produces the Hudepohl, Little Kings, and Christian Moerlein beer brands, and acquired Taft’s Brewing Co. in December 2024.
Hometown: Washington Court House, Ohio Education: Illinois State University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We use a combination of recruiters, previous interns, and current employees as testimonials to what a career at SugarCreek could look like. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Hiring and retaining a best-in-class workforce.
Andrea Pirondini
CEO Prysmian Group North America
Pirondini leads North American operations of Prysmian Group, the Italian company that owns Highland Heights-based General Cable. The company manufactures underground and submarine cables and systems for power transmission and distribution, and optical fiber and copper cable for voice, video, and data transmission. In June, it acquired Channell Commercial Corp. of Texas for $950 million.
Hometown: Turin, Italy Education: Università Commerciale L.Bocconi, Milan, Italy (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We’re a global company with our North American headquarters right here, and we’re at the heart of an industry that’s experiencing significant growth and relevance. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? The speed of change in today’s world is a big challenge. We’re learning how to adapt and grow value even in uncertain situations.
CEO Republic Wire
Rosenbeck was one of three founders of the copper wire manufacturer in 1982. Republic began to manufacture multiple kinds of aluminum and copper wire for distributors, utilities, and municipalities. It opened a $25 million headquarters and warehouse building of more than 310,000 square feet in West Chester Township in May. The company posted revenue of $525 million in 2024.
Education: Miami University (undergraduate)
Ron Rosenbeck
CEO RelaDyne
Eric Royse
Eric Royse replaced Larry Stoddard, who stepped down in August 2024, as the top executive at the nation’s largest lubricant distributor and market leader in fuel, diesel exhaust fluid, and industrial reliability services for industrial, commercial, and automotive businesses. It’s the region’s second-largest private company with almost $4.25 billion in 2024 revenue. Royse comes to RelaDyne from Jon-Don of Roselle, Illinois.
Education: Denison Univerity (undergraduate)
CEO CBTS
Kristin Russell
The IT business was sold to TowerBrook Capital Partners in December 2024 and now serves 3,000 clients and posted $1.3 billion in 2024 revenue. It has more than 2,800 employees, including about 600 locally. Russell was most recently president of the global enterprise computing division of Arrow Electronics and previously worked for Deloitte Consulting, Oracle, and Sun Microsystems.
Education: University of Colorado (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Creating an environment built on flexibility, growth, and purpose. Over half our workforce operates remotely, and our new unlimited vacation policy entrusts employees with balancing their life and work schedules without heavy oversight. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? I think a challenge is often the same as an opportunity. Take AI; we have the expertise and the mindset to walk with our customers every step of the way.
CEO Payload
Ryan Rybolt
Rybolt leads the financial payments company he co-founded in 2019 with Ian Halpern. The Blue Ash-based firm began as a digital payment service for real estate transactions is expanding to other industries. Rybolt began his career at Accenture before moving to Procter & Gamble, then Fifth Third Bank. In 2004, he co-founded the payment processing company Infintech, where he worked until launching Payload.
Hometown: Harrison Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Creating an entrepreneurial environment where team members have visibility into all aspects of running a fast growing startup. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Maintaining that entrepreneurial environment as we continue to scale and grow the team both within and outside our region.
PRESIDENT BGR
Phil Schneider
Schneider was named CEO last year after joining the West Chester Township-based packaging supply chain company in 2022 as president and COO in 2022. BGF was founded by Al Backscheider in 1972, and his sons Allen and Dean worked at the firm for more than 50 years and remain involved as co-chairmen. BGR posted revenue of $160 million in 2023 and employs more than 200 people at 11 locations across the country.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Franklin College (undergraduate)
PRESIDENT AND CEO Hillenbrand
Kimberly Ryan
Ryan, who has been in the top job since 2022, has overseen a period of divestitures and acquisitions at the Batesville-based company that posted $3.2 billion in revenue in 2024. It acquired iconic Cincinnati company Milacron in 2019 and sold the firm’s headquarters and manufacturing facilities to Blue Owl Real Estate Capital of Chicago for almost $55 million last year. Milacron will lease the properties for at least 20 years.
Hometown: Ottumwa, Iowa Education: Iowa State University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Numerous studies have shown that younger generations increasingly prioritize purpose and meaning at work, and we’re committed to building a vibrant, inclusive, purpose-driven culture. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Our leaders must remain focused on hitting the near-term milestones that are in pursuit of the long-term goals.
CEO Pomeroy
Tom Signorello
Signorello became the top executive of the Hebron-based provider of IT infrastructure, staffing, procurement, and logistics services firm in 2023. Pomeroy serves about 60,000 locations of customers in the retail, financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors around the world. About 260 of the company’s 3,000 employees work at the Northern Kentucky headquarters.
Education: Suffolk University (undergraduate and MBA)
PRESIDENT CBT Co.
James Stahl III
In 2022, Stahl succeeded his father, who grew the distributor of electrical and mechanical parts to more than 300 employees today. Founded in 1921 as the Belting Company of Cincinnati and owned by the Stahl family since 1975, it posted revenue of $265 million in 2024. In addition to its Columbia Township headquarters, it has Ohio locations in Springboro and Sidney as well as Lexington and Louisville in Kentucky.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Georgetown University (undergraduate)
CEO ProAmpac
Greg Tucker
Tucker has led the Springdale-based flexible packaging company formed by the merger of Prolamina Corp. and Ampac Packaging since 2015. It was acquired by Pritzker Private Capital in 2017. He oversees an operation that has more than 50 locations on three continents with 6,400 employees serving customers in 90 countries. It posted almost $2.4 billion in revenue in 2024, making it the fifth-largest privately owned company in the region.
Hometown: Boston Education: Worchester Polytechnic Institute (undergraduate)
CEO Verst Logistics
Paul Verst
Verst has led the Walton-based company, founded by his father in 1966, since 1993. He has grown it into a multi-faceted fulfillment, packaging, transportation, and warehousing operation, posting $310 million in 2024 revenue. It’s one of Northern Kentucky’s largest employers with more than 730 workers. Last year, the company announced a $6.6 million investment to upgrade two of its buildings in Florence.
Hometown: Cold Spring Education: Xavier University (undergraduate and MBA) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We continue investing our time, talent, and treasures working with local universities and national trade associations to develop courses and curriculum that will benefit and generate the talent we need. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Ever-changing geopolitical and tax structures make it difficult for our customers to commit to longer-term agreements.
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Hawkstone Associates
Jason Wittekind
In 2021, Wittekind succeeded his father, Ronald, at the Harrison-based petroleum wholesaler and retailer that does business as Triumph Energy Corp. The elder Wittekind remains executive chairman. The company operates almost 50 retail locations in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee and reported $408 million in revenue in 2024.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Xavier University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Providing individuals not only a sense of pride but also a sense of inclusion is by far the most important factor. We strive for our associates to have pride in where they work and what they do. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Ensuring that we’re aware of change and what that change means is crucial.
CEO DuBois Chemicals
John Wolf
In February, Wolf replaced Jeff Welsh, who led the chemical manufacturing company since 2008 when DuBois became a standalone company. It’s been owned by Toronto-based Atlas Partners since 2019. Wolf, who has more than 20 years in the business, was CEO of Spectrum Plastics, another DuBois company. Welsh remains on the firm’s board.
Education: North Carolina State (undergraduate)
CEO
80 Acres Farms
Zelkind and Tisha Livingston founded the company that grows pesticide-freelettuce, spinach, microgreens, tomatoes, and herbs indoors in 2015. It merged with Virginia-based Soli Organic, one of the largest organic herb growers in the country, in August, and Zelkind leads the larger organization in Hamilton. It now has seven farms and serves more than 17,000 retail locations in the U.S. as it expects to reach $200 million in annual revenue.
Education: University of Minnesota (undergraduate), Emory University (MBA)
Mike Zelkind
N O N P R O F I T & NONPROFIT
G OV E R N M E N T GOVERNMENT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jonathan Adee
Keep Cincinnati Beautiful
Adee was named to the post in 2018 after serving as executive director at Holly Hill Child & Family Solutions. He has more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit management. The organization in 2025 re-introduced “Don’t Dump the ’Nati,” an initiative to tackle illegal dumping in the city, and in 2024 revived its Adopt-A-Spot program.
Hometown: Cooperstown, N.Y. Education: University of Mount Union (undergraduate), University of Akron (master’s and J.D.) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? All of our recruitment channels target demographics passionate about our environment and the city. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? We’re growing quickly, so we have to be disciplined about worthy opportunities we’ll need to defer to others when it’s in the best interests of our city and our citizens.
CEO
Metro/SORTA
Andrew Aiello
Aiello was appointed CEO effective June 2025, following Darryl Haley’ retirement, and previously served as Metro’s deputy general manager and chief of staff in 2022. He also served for 12 years as the general manager of the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky, where he oversaw daily operations and strategic direction.
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio Education: Miami University (undergraduate), University of Cincinnati (MBA) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Metro offers two things that are hard to find and attractive to young talent: Our work has meaning, and it’s also a place where you can build a stable, long-lasting career. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Demographics. The workforce aging into retirement will have implications not only for our own operation but for transportation needs and patterns throughout our region.
ADMINISTRATOR
Hamilton County
Jeffrey Aluotto
Aluotto was appointed administrator in 2016 and serves as the chief administrative officer of the county, overseeing management of all departments and functions reporting to the board of county commissioners including finance and budgeting, community development, county facilities and infrastructure, environmental services, economic development, 911 communications and social services.
Education: Miami University (undergraduate and master’s), Xavier University (MBA)
CEO Lightship Foundation
Candice Matthews Brackeen
Brackeen founded the foundation to provide entrepreneurial women and business founders of color with access to information, resources, and funding. It aims to increase the number of diverse entrepreneurs in the Midwest and close the technology education gap for diverse communities in the region. It’s a sponsor of Black Tech Week, which provides a platform for black entrepreneurs to showcase ideas and businesses.
Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate)
FOUNDER AND CEO
She+ Foundation
Patty Brisben
After launching Pure Romance to sell products to improve women’s sex lives, Brisben started her Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health in 2005 to provide personal support and to fund research on women’s health issues. She rebranded the organization as She+ Foundation in 2024 and has given out more than $1 million in research grants over the past five years.
Hometown: Cincinnati
PRESIDENT UC Foundation
Rich Bundy
Bundy’s career in higher education philanthropy spans 30 years at Penn State University, the University of Vermont, Iowa State University, and Michigan State University. He was appointed to lead the UC Foundation in 2024, where he oversees all philanthropic efforts for UC and UC Health as well as alumni engagement through the University of Cincinnati Alumni Association.
Education: Pennsylvania State University (bachelor’s and master’s), Michigan State (MBA)
ARCHBISHOP
Robert Casey
Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Archbishop Casey was installed in April 2025 as the 10th archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, succeeding Dennis M. Schnurr, who retired. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 1994 and was ordained a bishop in 2018 and named vicar general of the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2020.
Hometown: Alsip, Illinois Education: Niles College Seminary (undergraduate), University of St. Mary of the Lake (master’s) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? Our church is finding itself re-energized in the present moment. Young people are sensing the excitement and are seeking to partner with us. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Finding the way from maintenance to mission. We operate out of structures and systems that were built for prior generations.
Laura Brunner
CEO Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority
Brunner was named to lead The Port in 2011 and has expanded the quasi-public agency beyond its roles in public finance and brownfields redevelopment into buying and cleaning up blighted industrial land to jump-start new manufacturing and improve housing opportunities. Before leading The Port, she was managing principal of the Cincinnati and Dayton offices of real estate brokerage Cassidy Turley.
Education: Indiana University (undergraduate)
PRESIDENT AND CEO NKY Chamber of Commerce
Cooper served as a volunteer on the chamber board of directors from 2007 to 2014, was elected board chair in 2011, and was named president and CEO in 2017. He has led Covington-based C-Forward Information Technologies since founding the company at age 29.
Hometown: Covington Education: University of Kentucky (undergraduate) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We are active in regional branding/marketing efforts, as well as direct outreach to specific target audiences such as veterans. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Continuing to provide value to our members and address complex workforce and economic issues while navigating a hyper-partisan political landscape and battling anti-business/anti-growth voices.
Brent Cooper
Lee Crume
PRESIDENT AND CEO BE NKY Growth Partnership
Crume has led the economic development agency since 2019. Throughout 2024, he led BE NKY’s Community Competitive Initiative, as BE NKY leaders and board members met with more than 100 business executives at 40 local companies to get their opinions on the local economy and outlooks for their business.
Hometown: Owensboro, Kentucky Education: Western Kentucky University (undergraduate and master’s) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We collaborate with meetNKY and the NKY Chamber of Commerce on both place and destination marketing as well as talent recruitment programming. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? We acknowledge we don’t know what we can’t know, we have to be tuned in and open to rapid changes, and we have to be nimble and capable when these changes occur.
PRESIDENT AND CEO OneNKY Alliance
Karen Finan
Finan was chosen in 2017 to lead the Northern Kentucky Regional Alliance, which evolved into OneNKY Alliance. The group has implemented regional initiatives including OneNKY Frankfort, a facility at the state capital where members can meet with legislators, and the OneNKY headquarters in Covington, where regional growth agencies now reside under one roof.
Hometown: Ft. Mitchell Education: Northern Kentucky University (undergraduate) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We’re creating a culture of leadership development by identifying and elevating talent throughout NKY and the Cincinnati region. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? We must embrace innovation through AI and other opportunities through a lens of leveraging our industry assets. How we support organic, new, and existing growth will chart the course for talent attraction and general quality of life.
CEO
Brendon Cull
Cincinnati Regional Chamber
Appointed president in 2022 and adding the title of CEO in 2023, Cull has also held the positions of chief operating officer, executive vice president, and chief strategy officer at the Chamber. For 10 years prior, he led government affairs for the Kroger Co., where he advised executives and the company’s board on policy and political issues. The Chamber collaborates with Cincinnati Magazine on the quarterly Realm publication.
Hometown: Columbus Education: Xavier University (undergraduate)
GENERAL MANAGER TANK
Gina Douthat
Named general manager in 2022, Douthat was previously deputy general manager and director of communications and development. Founded in 1973, TANK serves Campbell, Kenton, and Boone counties and downtown Cincinnati. In June, the transit authority introduced a free monthly class, Ready to Ride, designed to help new, current, and returning riders build the skills and confidence needed to navigate the public transit system.
Hometown: Edgewood Education: Northern Kentucky University (undergraduate) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? Creating a company culture where everyone feels respected, valued, and heard is good for attracting talent of all ages. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Matching resources to desired service levels and keeping pace with evolving expectations in technology and service delivery.
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Kevin Finn
Strategies to End Homelessness
Finn has led the nonprofit since its founding in 2007 and partners with 30 other nonprofit organizations for a centralized emergency shelter helpline, homelessness prevention programs, street outreach, emergency shelter, and housing solutions. Strategies is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and the state of Ohio, city of Cincinnati, and Hamilton County.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Saint Louis University (undergraduate), University of Kentucky (master’s) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? Implementing innovative new solutions to address an entrenched societal problem, which appeals to people who might not otherwise have considered working in the nonprofit sector. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? The ongoing lack of significant funding sources to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place.
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Nancy Grayson
Horizon Community Funds of Northern Kentucky
Grayson has led the communitywide foundation since 2017 and serves on numerous boards of organizations dedicated to improving education, promoting family relationships, and preserving the natural resources and history of Kentucky. Recent recognition of her impact include the NKY Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Women of Northern Kentucky Award and the Northern Kentucky Champion for Education Award.
Hometown: Lexington Education: University of Kentucky (undergraduate), University of Cincinnati (J.D.)
Brian Griffin
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY-TREASURER
Cincinnati AFL-CIO Labor Council
The local council represents 35,000 members from more than 100 unions, fostering a mission of economic justice in the workplace and social justice for working families. Griffin is also a member of the City of Cincinnati Civil Service Commission and serves on the United Way of Greater Cincinnati board of directors and policy cabinet.
Hometown: Gallipolis, Ohio Education: Ohio University (undergraduate and master’s) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? Across the enite labor movement we’re working to inspire the next generation by growing apprenticeship programs; partnering with public schools, community colleges, and neighborhood organizations; and creating clear pathways into the skilled trades. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Staying ahead of a fast-changing economy while continuing to protect wages, benefits, and opportunities for working people in an increasingly volatile political and socio-economic climate.
CEO
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
Krauter joined the airport as CEO in March to replace Candace McGraw, who retired, and manage CVG’s $575-million terminal renovation project. He was previously CEO of Spokane (Washington) International Airport, Felts Field, and Airport Business Park. He is an Accredited Airport Executive and member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. CVG serves as Amazon Air’s lead U.S. package hub and DHL’s primary international cargo hub in the U.S.
Education: Ohio State University (undergraduate)
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Joe Huber
Cincinnati Development Fund
After 10 years at Fifth Third Bank, Huber joined CDF in 2006 as chief operating officer and director of lending and was appointed CEO in 2022. The nonprofit community development institution collaborates with financial partners and community leaders to fund community development growth strategies.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Butler University (undergraduate) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? Young professionals are drawn to our vibrant culture and newly renovated, spectacular office space in the Findlay Market area. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Continuing to drive investment into our region to make important real estate projects happen, while navigating the uncertainty of government programs and investment.
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Christie Kuhns
Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio
Kuhns was named CEO in 2022 after serving as vice president of operations and community relations and chief of staff at UC Health. She launched an initiative designed to double the number of minority business enterprises with two or more employees in Cincinnati over the next few years. The Urban League serves 12 counties in Ohio and Kentucky promoting economic empowerment, equality, and civil rights.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate and J.D.) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We attract young professionals with purpose-driven work, the flexibility people need to thrive at work and at home, and a vibrant Urban League Young Professionals network. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Navigating shifting policy and funding while ensuring community needs are met.
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Eric Kearney
African American Chamber of Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky
Kearney has been leading advocacy for African American-owned businesses since being named CEO in 2016. In April, the Chamber received the 2024 Research Impact Award from the University of Cincinnati’s Alpaugh Family Economics Center recognizing a multi-year collaboration between the chamber and the Alpaugh Center to analyze the influence of Blackowned businesses in the region.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Dartmouth College (undergraduate), University of Cincinnati (J.D.)
PRESIDENT AND CEO REDI
Kimm Lauterbach
Lauterbach was named CEO in 2018 following five years as vice president of business development and project management. In 2024, REDI worked with 66 companies in the metro region to grow or expand, generating $1.2 billion in capital investment, 4,270 anticipated new jobs, and $325.9 million in new payroll.
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio Education: University of Dayton (undergraduate), Indiana University (master’s) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We work closely with our partners to highlight the Cincinnati region as a place where talent can thrive, not just in their careers but in their lives, while also showcasing the quality of life that makes people want to stay here. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Our ability to compete for large-scale projects will increasingly depend on expanding the inventory of development-ready sites.
Lawrence Krauter
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Gary Lindgren
Cincinnati Business Committee
Lindgren joined the CBC in August 2007 and in late 2012 helped launch the Cincinnati Regional Business Committee, which includes CEOs from nearly 100 midsized companies. Lindgren is responsible for organizing business leadership from CBC and CRBC to address issues facing the city and the region, including recently leading efforts to accelerate our innovation economy.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Indiana University (undergraduate)
PRESIDENT AND CEO Alloy Development Co.
Patrick Longo
The organization merged with West Chester-based Access Business Finance in 2022 and rebranded as Alloy to promote its mission of business growth and job creation. Longo has led the commercial capital lender, growth lab for startups, and economic development partner for communities since 2018.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: John Carroll University (undergraduate) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We’ve made a concerted effort to engage interns/coops from local universities to work for us and to participate in capstone project opportunities to solicit new and innovative ways to better Alloy and to help our varied clients. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Improving our operations and our financial well-being so we engage more entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities.
Congratulations to our President & CEO Kurt Reiber for being recognized among the region’s 300 most powerful business leaders. www.freestorefoodbank.org
PRESIDENT AND CEO Haile Foundation
Bernie McKay
McKay was appointed CEO of the independent family foundation in 2022 after a career with law firm Frost Brown Todd. In April, the foundation announced plans to relocate from Cincinnati to Covington at Ralph Haile Square and the former People’s Liberty Bank complex.
Hometown: Maysville, Kentucky Education: Morehead State University (undergraduate), Northern Kentucky University (J.D.) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? Continuing to invest in enhancing our community with funding strategies to bolster the region’s arts and culture resources, to revitalize our neighborhoods with access to affordable housing, to help ensure one’s ability to receive a quality education, and to build a strong safety net for those in need.
Freestore Foodbank, President & CEO, Kurt Reiber speaks with the families of its workforce development program, Cincinnati COOKS!, graduating class.
CEO Matthew 25: Ministries
Tim Mettey
Established in 1991, Matthew 25: Ministries began as the result of a trip founder Rev. Wendell Mettey made to Nicaragua and has since grown into an international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization. Tim Mettey has led the Blue Ash-based organization since 2012. Matthew 25 ships more than 25 million pounds of supplies each year, helping more than 30 million people worldwide.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate)
CEO
Danielle Minson
Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
Named CEO in 2021, Minson is the first woman to run Cincinnati’s Federation in its 129-year history. She has been with the Federation system for more than 25 years and was previously chief development officer and managing director. The organization mobilizes diverse groups and funders toward collective action to allocate resources where they’re most needed.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Ohio State University (undergraduate), Yeshiva University (master’s)
CEO Necco
Beau Necco
Founded in 1996 as a provider of in-home therapeutic foster care, Necco has grown into a multi-state child welfare organization offering an array of services, including adoption, foster care, mental health counseling, independent living and residential living. Necco employs more than 750 people and contracts with nearly 2,000 foster parents in 36 locations in four states.
Hometown: South Point, Ohio Education: Ohio State University (undergraduate), Thunderbird School of Global Management (MBA) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Young people want more than a job, they want purpose. As social entrepreneurs, our mission is based squarely on purpose. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Recruiting another 1,000 talented and passionate professionals motivated by our purpose to work with us.
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Jorge Perez
YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
Perez returned to Cincinnati in 2017 from Chicago, where he was senior vice president of core programs and the Y experience at YMCA of the USA. He is the first Latino American to lead the local organization in its 172-year history. Locally, the Y operates 14 branches, 80 childhood learning centers, and one overnight camp in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Calvary Bible College (undergraduate), Dallas Theological Seminary (master’s), University of Dallas (MBA) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? Using social media creatively, offering purpose-driven opportunities , and being a welcoming, value-led brand. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Remaining deeply relevant to an increasingly diverse and digitally connected generation while addressing evolving community needs.
MAYOR
City of Cincinnati
Aftab Pureval
Pureval is the 70th mayor of Cincinnati and the city’s first Asian-American to serve in the office. In his first term, he led the Connected Communities comprehensive zoning reform to bring more housing options to neighborhoods, made an annual commitment to an affordable housing trust fund, implemented a policy to send unarmed mental health professionals to some nonviolent 911 calls, and led the successful effort to sell the city-owned Cincinnati Southern Railway.
Hometown: Xenia, Ohio Education: Ohio State University (undergraduate), University of Cincinnati (J.D.)
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Matthew Randazzo
Greater Cincinnati Foundation
Randazzo was appointed in 2023 after serving as president and CEO of the Dallas Foundation. GCF announced plans earlier this year to invest $1 billion in the region over the next 10 years, focusing on education, affordable housing, and community and cultural vibrancy.
Hometown: Detroit Education: Albion College (undergraduate), University of Texas (master’s) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We’re creating a results-driven culture that attracts and retains young talent through mission-aligned work, agency and decision making, and the ability to see the results of their work in our local community. We also launched a staff Donor Advised Fund program so employees can contribute to their favorite nonprofit causes. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Our $1 billion philanthropy push is a heavy lift, but Cincinnati’s future is something we’re actively building, not waiting for!
PRESIDENT AND CEO Freestore Foodbank
Kurt Reiber
Reiber has led the organization for 15 years, and Freestore’s assets increased from $20 million to $82 million under his leadership. In June, he announced plans to retire effective July 2026. The nonprofit says it will work with a national search firm to find his successor.
Hometown: Avon Lake, Ohio Education: Baldwin Wallace University (undergraduate), University of Toledo (MBA and J.D.)
What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We’re a mission-driven organization that allows young professionals to lead projects and programs they’re passionate about. We have a hybrid work model that helps our team members to balance professional and personal lives. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Freestore recently completed a major capital campaign that expanded our capacity and increased our efficiency. Our challenge now is to support our network of over 600+ pantry partners.
MAYOR
City of Covington
Ron Washington
Washington was elected to a four-year term in 2024 after serving two terms on the Covington Board of Commissioners. He’s a graduate of Holmes High School in Covington and a retired law enforcement officer who was the first African-American officer in Florence. He served as chief deputy in the Kenton County Sheriff ’s Office for five years.
Hometown: Covington Education: FBI National Academy What is your organization doing to attract young talent? We must show that Covington is an exciting, vibrant place to work and build a career via a culture of opportunity, competitive wages, modern work environment, and walkability and connectivity. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? Maintaining continuous momentum. For me, that means driving economic development, bringing in the right jobs, supporting small businesses, and increasing housing density.
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Rickell Howard Smith
YWCA of Greater Cincinnati
Smith’s career in civil rights advocacy began as a Legal Aid attorney and transitioned into work at the Children’s Law Center. She then became the first executive director for the Center for Social Justice at the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio. She’s led the country’s fifth-oldest YWCA since 2023.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Howard University (undergraduate), Temple University (J.D.)
SENIOR PASTOR Crossroads Church
Brian Tome
Founded by Tome in 1995, Crossroads has expanded into multiple states. He has authored five books, hosts the podcast “The Aggressive Life,” and leads a movement called Man Camp that’s grown into a portfolio that includes Woman Camp, Couples Camp, Vet Camp, and others.
Hometown: Pittsburgh Education: Robert Morris College (undergraduate), Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary (master’s)
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Moira Weir
United Way of Greater Cincinnati
Before her appointment in 2020, Weir had a 27-year career at Hamilton County Job and Family Services, where she was named to lead the agency in 2007. In July, United Way announced an investment of $15.5 million in 125 community partners in focus areas of education, financial empowerment, and housing security.
Hometown: Philadelphia Education: Simmons College (undergraduate), Thomas More (MBA), Bryn Mawr College (master’s) What is your organization doing to attract young talent? Younger generations are motivated by purpose and want to do meaningful, fulfilling work. What’s the biggest challenge for your organization over the next five years? The nonprofit sector faces financial uncertainty due to funding cuts and overall shifts in approaches to philanthropy, while at the same time there’s a growing need for the programs and services we support.
CEO Mortar
Allen Woods
Woods cofounded the urban business incubator in 2014 with the mission of designing a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem for marginalized business owners. In November 2024, it opened The Mortar Building, its new headquarters and entrepreneurial hub in Walnut Hills. Mortar has provided $1 million in direct support to graduates of its Entrepreneurship Academy, offering capital to help alumni launch and scale their businesses.
Hometown: Indianapolis
metro delivers economic development
Metro provides safe, reliable, economical rides to more than 35,000 people each day.
But Metro also achieves its mission to drive economic growth and improve quality of life:
· Connects 93,400 jobs at over 740 employers to transit service.
· Provides 24-hour access to more than 220,000 Hamilton County jobs.
· Generates $850 million in total wages for the local economy.
· Increases independence and mobility for people with disabilities with 24-hour Access service.
· Awards more than $317 million to 100+ infrastructure projects throughout the county under the Metro Transit Infrastructure Fund.
· Distributes $500,000 annually to Everybody Rides Metro so more than 100 partner agencies can remove transportation as a barrier to jobs, healthcare, and more.
Whether you ride the bus or not, Metro is your way to go for a brighter, more connected future in Hamilton County. www.go-metro.com
P R O F E S S I O N A L PROFESSIONAL
S E RV I C E S SERVICES
Adam Ante
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Paycor
Ante was promoted to the company’s top local position following Paychex’s acquisition of Paycor in April 2025. He was previously Paycor’s chief financial officer and is now responsible for long-term strategy. Former Paycor CEO Raul Villar was named CEO of Los Angeles-based AuditBoard in July 2025.
Hometown: Southern California Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate), Xavier University (MBA) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We’re focused on developing a pipeline of young, top-tier talent by strategically amplifying our tech-forward brand and offering a robust developmental journey. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? We’re acutely aware of the dynamic shifts taking place in the overall tech landscape, and our primary challenge lies in effectively navigating the transformative impact of artificial intelligence.
CEO Gilman Partners
Angel Beets
Beets started at Gilman Partners in 2018 as marketing director and was named co-managing partner in 2020, then CEO in 2023. She also provides strategic oversight for GP Elevate, the firm’s leadership development program designed to prepare potential leaders for executive roles.
Hometown: Ft. Thomas Education: Ball State University (undergraduate), University of Illinois (master’s) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We lean into transparency and mission/values to help younger generations understand how their work contributes to the business. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? We have to consistently demonstrate how our human-centered approach is better at identifying candidates who are the right fit for the role and organization.
Best assumed his role as Cincinnati and Dayton managing partner in March, succeeding James Sowar, who served as managing partner for more than a decade before retiring. Best most recently served as Cincinnati/Louisville office tax managing partner, where he oversaw and guided those offices’ tax services. He has more than 35 years of experience serving clients in manufacturing, service, transportation, distribution and other industries.
Education: Northern Kentucky University (undergraduate)
Todd Best
MANAGING PARTNER Deloitte
PRESIDENT Scooter Media
Shannan Boyer
Boyer has been recognized as PR Professional of the Year by the Cincinnati Public Relations Society of America and has received the Northern Kentucky Young Professionals Legend Award from the Northern Kentucky Chamber as well as the Werner-VonderHaar-Bogart Award, the highest honor offered by Cincinnati PRSA. She founded the Covington-based public relations firm in 2012.
Hometown: Denison, Iowa Education: Northern Kentucky University (undergraduate)
Nick Brunker
GROUP DIRECTOR, EXPERIENCE STRATEGY
VML
Brunker has expanded the advertising and marketing agency’s footprint, including the launch of its first customer-experience podcast, “Human Centered.” The company ranks as the region’s seventh-largest advertising and marketing firm, with about 40 local employees.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Miami University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We go directly to the source and are actively building partnerships with Miami, UC, Xavier, and other top universities. We also engage with young professionals in the community. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? It’s also our greatest opportunity: continuously redefining the value we deliver in an era of rapid AI disruption. Our central challenge is transforming our services while building the team of the future to deliver them.
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Jeff Consolino
Core Specialty Insurance Holdings
The insurance holding company, which Consolino founded in 2020, offers a diversified range of specialty insurance products for small to mid-sized businesses from underwriting offices around the country. With 2023 revenue of $2.45 billion, it ranks as the third-largest private company in the region.
Education: Duke University (undergraduate), Cornell University (MBA)
MANAGING PARTNER
Grant Thornton
Scott DeVenny
DeVenny has more than 30 years of experience in successive leadership roles. As Grant Thornton’s market managing principal in Cincinnati, he leads a team of 100 audit, tax and advisory professionals at the region’s eighth-largest accounting firm. Prior to this role, he was the firm’s technology industry practice leader in Cincinnati and a member of the national hospitality leadership team.
Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate)
MANAGING PARTNER
PwC
Steve Bybee
Bybee was named Cincinnati managing partner in 2022 and is a partner in the company’s international tax services business. With 15 years of international tax consulting experience, he advises multinational corporations on cross-border tax issues, including foreign tax credit planning, mergers and acquisitions, tax-efficient cash redeployment, and repatriation strategies.
Hometown: Harrison Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate and J.D.)
Diane Egbers
CEO Leadership Excelleration
The leadership development firm, founded by Egbers in 1997, provides executive coaching, organizational consulting, and leadership programs. Its services include coaching leaders, strategy planning, conducting talent assessments and facilitating leadership teams as well as assessing organizational capacity to enhance performance.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate), Xavier University (master’s) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We inspire leaders to build community and culture by supporting them to adapt vision, lead transformation, and achieve high performance. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? To build leader capacity to support our clients to be agile with rapid technology change.
MANAGING PARTNER
Alan Fershtman
Keating Muething & Klekamp
Fershtman represents entrepreneurs in the acquisition, financing, and sale of multi-family and affordable housing and represents closely-held companies in equity and private-venture transactions, ongoing operations and divestitures, corporate mergers and acquisitions, taxation, estate planning, and real estate. He joined the firm in 1994 and has led the downtown office since 2018.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Miami University (undergraduate), University of Cincinnati (J.D.) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We’re building a culture that supports a team approach, family, community engagement, wellness, and feedback. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Harnessing rapid technological change to improve efficiency and client service while keeping human judgment and personal relationships at the heart of our work.
PARTNER IN CHARGE
Thompson Hine
Megan Glowacki
Glowacki was named partner in charge in 2022 and focuses on representing employers’ interests in litigation involving employment discrimination, wrongful discharge, restrictive covenants, trade secrets, and wage and hour disputes. She also represents private and nonprofit employers in collective bargaining negotiations, contract arbitrations, and investigations and actions involving unfair labor practice charges.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Dayton (undergraduate), University of Cincinnati (J.D.)
CEO Curiosity
Matt Fischer
Fischer co-founded the advertising agency in 2012 after previously working at leading agencies such as DDB, BBDO, FCB New York, and WonderGroup. The firm purchased the former Chatfield College building on Central Parkway in Over-the-Rhine in 2023, renovated it, and moved employees there in May.
Education: DePauw University (undergraduate)
Chip
Gerhardt
PRESIDENT AND CEO Government Strategies Group
After founding the full-service government relations firm in 2007, Gerhardt has been involved in public policy work that includes creating tax increment financing districts, the Clean Ohio program, 3CDC, and passage of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. GSG represents private, public, and nonprofit clients on the local, state, and federal levels and specializes in economic development incentive negotiation.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Notre Dame (undergraduate), Saint Louis University (J.D.) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Talent is attracted to talent, and we receive inquiries on a regular basis. We want the best! What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? The speed at which politics and public policy change is increasing rapidly. We strive for continuous improvement to meet our clients’ needs.
CEO Frost Brown Todd
Hall was elected to another three-year CEO term effective January 2024 and has led the firm since 2018. Hall is the previous chair of FBT’s litigation department and has represented manufacturing, financial services, and energy companies in business disputes in state and federal trial and appellate courts and private arbitration proceedings.
Hometown: Grove City, Ohio Education: Ohio State University (undergraduate), Case Western Reserve University (J.D.)
CEO AGAR
Josh Heuser
Heuser co-founded AGAR in 2009 as a marketing agency specializing in experiential marketing and brand development. It’s been instrumental in the creation and management of BLINK and in Ghost Baby, the underground bar in Over-the-Rhine located in a former beer lagering tunnel.
Hometown: Independence Education: Northern Kentucky University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Our best recruitment tool is the work itself. The experiences we create aren’t just seen, they’re felt, lived, and remembered. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Avoiding complacency. We have to embrace discomfort by constantly experimenting, investing in new tools and processes, and finding smarter ways to deliver both creativity and efficiency.
Adam Hall
MANAGING PARTNER
DBL Law
Robert Hoffer
Hoffer has represented employers of all sizes and industries on human resources and labor and employment compliance matters for more than 40 years and has worked closely with state and federal administrative agencies. He joined the firm in 1980 and was appointed managing partner in 2019, leading the largest Northern Kentucky-based law firm.
Hometown: Northern Kentucky Education: Xavier University (undergraduate), Northern Kentucky University (J.D.) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We attract young talent by giving them meaningful work early, not just busywork, and pair that with good culture, wellness and community involvement, and practical tech/AI training. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Scaling without losing our soul.
CEO Belcan
Lance Kwasniewski
Kwasniewski’s career with Belcan has spanned 27 years of increasing responsibility, advancing from business development to engineering leadership positions, culminating in his appointment as CEO in 2015. In August 2024, New Jersey-based Cognizant acquired the supplier of engineering research and development services for the aerospace, defense, space and marine industries for $1.3 billion in cash and stock.
Hometown: Pittsburgh Education: University of Pittsburgh (undergraduate and master’s)
Congratulations to Adam Ante, SVP
and
Managing Director of Paycor, a Paychex Company
MANAGING PARTNER KPMG
Johnny Lewis
Lewis is a 23-year KPMG veteran and came to the Cincinnati office in 2019. He joined KPMG in 2001 in Philadelphia and shifted to its Seattle location in 2004. He became a partner in 2016 and has held a variety of leadership positions in the firm. He replaced Patty Basti, who retired in November 2024.
Hometown: West Linn, Oregon Education: Villanova University (undergraduate and master’s)
MANAGING PARTNER
Dinsmore & Shohl
Joshua Lorentz
Lorentz joined Dinsmore in 2001 and served in a variety of leadership roles including chair of the firm’s intellectual property department and finance committee. He has experience in licensing matters, negotiating technology agreements for multiple clients including national laboratories and research agreements with universities.
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio Education: Ohio University (undergraduate and master’s), University of Dayton (J.D.) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We’ve been intentional in building a culture that reflects our commitment to developing the whole person. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? We will remain focused on strategic growth in the geographies where our clients need us most, with excellent client service continuing to be our top priority.
SENIOR
PARTNER
Wood Herron & Evans
Clement Luken Jr.
Luken joined Wood, Herron & Evans in 1986 and focuses on litigation, trademark issues, and chemical technology matters, where his chemistry degrees from Xavier University come in handy. Founded in 1868, WHE is considered the region’s largest intellectual property firm.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Xavier University (undergraduate and master’s), Northern Kentucky University (J.D.)
PRESIDENT 84.51
Milen Mahadevan
Mahadevan was named president in July 2020 after serving as chief operating officer, senior vice president, and head of client solutions and capabilities. The Kroger Co. subsidiary provides customer data, predictive analytics, and marketing strategy to improve sales and customer loyalty for Kroger and other retailers.
Hometown: London, UK Education: Imperial College London (undergraduate and master’s) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We create an environment where growth, learning, and ownership go hand in hand so early career professionals can make a real difference from day one and build toward leadership with support and accountability. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Staying ahead in a world where retail, data, and technology are being rewritten in real time.
CEO Burke Inc.
Tara Marotti
Burke announced Marotti’s promotion to president and CEO in April after the retirement of CEO Diane Surette following 29 years with the company. Marotti was the market research firm’s president and has also held a variety of positions over the last 30 years, including head of client services and chief client officer. Burke was founded in 1931 as a data collection agency.
Hometown: Boonville, Indiana Education: Indiana University (undergraduate), University of Cincinnati (MBA) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We work hard to protect and cultivate our company culture, and we listen to our employees. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Responding to rapidly changing market demands while embedding generative AI into our processes and products to drive greater efficiency and innovation.
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Prolink
Tony Munafo
Munafo and his brother, Mike, founded the company in 2011. The firm staffs nurses, allied professionals such as therapists, and lab techs and has pivoted to handling data analytics, technology, consultative services, contingent labor, and permanent placement recruiting. It is the region’s fourth-largest staffing firm, with 2023 revenue of nearly $1 billion.
Hometown: West Chester Township Education: University of Kentucky (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We give Prolinkers every opportunity we can to build their skills and reach their goals personally, professionally, and financially. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? We’re looking to build sustainable, responsible processes, and technology while still offering our partners the level of service we’re known for.
CEO Encore Talent
Jason McCaw
The staffing firm was launched as a spinoff of Norwood-based Encore Technologies in September 2023. The company places talent to help businesses run more efficiently and effectively, offering contract, contract-to-hire and permanent talent placement in IT, accounting and finance. He previously was CEO of Belflex Staffing, which was acquired by Columbus, Indiana-based Elwood Staffing.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Kenyon College (undergraduate)
CEO Ingenovis Health
Benjamin Mirtes
Mirtes, who has served as chief financial officer since 2021, was appointed CEO in November 2024 to succeed Bart Valdez. Since joining the company in 2021, Mirtes has played a crucial role in its merger and acquisition, diversification and corporate strategies. He was an integral part of the company’s acquisition of four health care talent brands. Ingenovis is the region’s second-largest staffing firm, based on 2023 revenue of $2 billion.
Education: Miami University (undergraduate), University of California-Los Angeles (MBA)
Emily Pan
CO-MANAGING PARTNER
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease
Pan is a member of the law firm’s trusts, estates, and wealth transfer group; is a fellow of the American College of Trusts and Estate Counsel; and serves on the Council of the Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law Section of the Ohio State Bar Association. Her practice ranges from representing individuals with their estate planning and wealth transfer needs, corporate fiduciaries, and nonprofit organizations. She shares the managing partner role with Nathaniel Lampley Jr.
Education: University of Miami (undergraduate and J.D.)
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Gus Perdikakis
Gus Perdikakis Associates
Perdikakis and his wife, Jo Ann, founded GPA in 1979 with a staff of three and has grown the staffing firm to more than 350 employees. Job placement focus areas include engineering, professional, consumer products, manufacturing, supply chain, and administrative.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We connect with young talent through job fairs and other career events and communicate what sets us apart. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Generation I of the firm is preparing Generation II in our family staffing firm, working with UC’s Goering Center Next Generation Institute to prepare our future leaders.
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Barnes Dennig
Jay Rammes
Rammes took on the role of managing director in 2018 after serving as practice leader of one of the fi rm’s largest industry groups. Barnes Dennig and Indianapolis-based Greenwalt CPAs merged in January, and the combined firm has about 215 employees and five offices in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio Education: Miami University (undergraduate), Xavier University (MBA) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Our talent pipeline extends deeper into the college years than ever before. We offer a great intern experience, often a few years’ worth prior to graduation. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? I see growth and the need for investment as the greatest opportunities but also challenges for our firm. We have had explosive growth in the past 5-10 years but recognize the next 5-10 years will need to be much different.
CEO
Regina Carswell Russo
RRight Now Communications
Russo worked more than two decades as a broadcast journalist before working in public relations and marketing for Cincinnati Art Museum and Contemporary Arts Center. She launched her communications firm in 2014. She is a 2022 YWCA Career Woman of Achievement, a two-time Emmy nominee, and a board trustee with Cincinnati Opera.
Hometown: Detroit Education: Purdue University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We love emerging professionals because they bring so much creativity and contemporary insight to critical storytelling. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? AI disruption and helping our clients understand the difference between “speed” and “substance.” Social media backlash cycles are faster, and cultural sensitivities change quickly.
Jackie Reau
CEO Game Day Communications
Reau has more than 25 years of experience and specializes in strategic communications planning, social media strategy, and crisis management. Before launching Game Day in 2002, she worked in health care at The Christ Hospital and as director of marketing at the Cincinnati Art Museum.
Hometown: Toledo Education: Ohio University (undergraduate and master’s) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We’ve had an internship program since the very beginning to bring college students each semester to work with our team. Several company leaders serve as adjunct professors at Ohio University, University of Cincinnati, Notre Dame, and Xavier, where we connect with young talent in the classroom.
PRESIDENT
Clark Schaefer Hackett
Before stepping into the president’s role in 2017, Roe led the firm’s Government Services Group and also served as executive vice president for seven years. He has been with the firm for more than 30 years, providing accounting, auditing, and consulting services to governmental and nonprofit organizations.
Hometown: Lima, Ohio Education: Wilmington College (undergraduate)
PRESIDENT Strauss Troy
Stephen Schmidt
Schmidt was named Strauss Troy’s president in February to succeed Marshall Dosker, who led the firm for 11 years and remains on the firm’s board as chairman. Schmidt served as co-chairman of Strauss Troy’s litigation department, and his practice focuses on complex litigation, corporate governance, partnership disputes, non-compete agreements, trade secrets, and complex contract negotiation.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Washington University (undergraduate), Ohio State University (J.D.) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Younger talent wants a clear and articulated vision for the future and the role they’ll play in that future, and Strauss Troy is laser-focused on being the best mid-sized full-service law firm in the region. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? The professional services market, like most others, is experiencing seismic technological disruption, and clients expect efficiency and responsiveness more than ever.
CEO Sheakley
Larry Sheakley
Sheakley went to work in his father’s business at the age of 20 and became the third employee, then purchased the company in 1980 and has grown it to become one of a leading labor management, human resources solutions, and services company. It’s one of the region’s largest private companies with 2023 revenue of $310 million and 420 employees.
Hometown: Cincinnati
Kerry Roe
CEO
D.E. Foxx & Associates
Gerald Sparkman
Sparkman has led the company since 2012, serving primarily Fortune 1000 clients across multiple industries by providing solutions for facility maintenance and construction, custom packaging, staffing and warehousing, spend management, procurement, and sourcing. The minority-owned company employs more than 1,800 people in nine states and is one of the region’s largest private companies.
Hometown: Chicago Education: Anna Maria College (undergraduate), University of Notre Dame (MBA)
CHAIRMAN AND CEO
Cincinnati Financial
Steve Spray
Spray was named CEO of Cincinnati Financial and its U.S.-based subsidiaries in May 2024 after serving as president since 2022. He joined Cincinnati Insurance in 1991, held various positions with the company, and was instrumental in the formation of the Cincinnati Specialty Underwriters Insurance Co. in 2007. Cincinnati Financial is the region’s fourth-largest public company, with 2023 revenue of $10 billion and 5,400 employees.
Education: Bowling Green State University (undergraduate)
MANAGING PARTNER
Ernst & Young
Jeremy Vaughan
Vaughan joined the Cincinnati office in 2010 after moving with his family from England, where he worked for EY. He has led Cincinnati operations since 2020. EY is Cincinnati’s second-largest accounting firm with 121 local CPAs and 375 employees.
Hometown: Maidstone, England Education: University of Nottingham, England (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? EY has heavily invested in our talented professionals and the next generation of leaders through our Career 360 initiative and EY Career Path Accelerator. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? In a market like Cincinnati, we’ve found it’s especially important to be ready to pivot quickly and to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset.
CEO Vehr Communications
Nick Vehr
Vehr founded Vehr Communications in 2007 and served as managing director for the World Choir Games as well as founding Cincinnati 2012 Inc. to pursue designation for Cincinnati as a U.S. Olympic bid city. He was previously elected to serve on Cincinnati City Council and has served as chair of the Cincinnati USA Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Notre Dame (undergraduate)
Kent Wellington
PARTNER AND MARKET LEADER
Bricker Graydon
Wellington worked for Cincinnati-headquartered Graydon, Head & Ritchey when it merged with Columbus-based Bricker & Eckler’s in 2023 and has served on the firm’s Executive Committee and as past chair of its Litigation Group. His work focuses on litigation, labor/ employment law, and advising start-ups.
Hometown: Wooster, Ohio Education: Kenyon College (undergraduate), Ohio State University (J.D.) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We create spaces and culture where people want to be, not have to be. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Continuing to grow and retain talent who can better serve our clients by embracing advancements in technology without losing the crucial people part of practicing law.
PARTNER IN CHARGE
James Zimmerman
Taft Stettinius & Hollister
Zimmerman became partner in charge in 2015. His practices includes work on mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt financings, securities offerings and strategic partnering transactions. He also serves as outside counsel for a number of growth companies and represents private equity and venture capital firms in fund formation and investments. Taft is one of the region’s largest law firms, with about 145 local attorneys.
Hometown: Atlanta until 14, then Cincinnati Education: Vanderbilt University (undergraduate and J.D.)
R E A L E S T AT E REAL ESTATE
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Jeffrey Anderson
Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate
Anderson’s eponymous company develops fashion and entertainment-based lifestyle centers, mixed-use developments, and office buildings such as Rookwood Commons and Rookwood Exchange in Norwood, where Paris Baguette opened its second location in January. It developed projects at The Banks and has submitted a proposal to the city and county for Lot 24, the largest undeveloped parcel there.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Virginia (undergraduate)
CEO Towne Properties
Adam Bortz
Established in Mt. Adams in 1961 by Bortz’s father, Neil, the company owns and manages a portfolio of more than 15,000 apartments, 125,000 commercial and homeowners associations, and 600,000 square feet of office space. It announced in April a two-building project that includes apartments and retail near Eastern Avenue in Columbia-Tusculum that’s tentatively named Post Office Place. Brothers Brian and Chris oversee the company’s construction arm and legal matters.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Kenyon College (undergraduate)
CHAIRMAN Corporex Companies
Butler started Corporex as a one-man construction shop in 1965 and built it into a diversified real estate company with more than $8 billion in facilities in 27 states. The firm includes development and construction management, hotels, sports and fitness clubs, Corporex Realty and Investment, and Corporex Capital. The $1 billion Ovation project in Newport, which includes MegaCorp Pavilion and a Homewood Suites hotel, welcomed its first Boardwalk Residences tenants this year.
Hometown: Covington Education: University of Cincinnati (associate’s in civil engineering technology)
William Butler
John Caulfield
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND TREASURER
Phillips Edison
Caulfield joined Phillips Edison in 2014 as vice president and treasurer and was promoted to senior vice president of finance in 2016 and to CFO in 2019. The firm owns grocery-anchored retail centers around the country and reported revenue of more than $660 million in 2024, making it the 13th-largest public company in Greater Cincinnati. It acquired the Oak Creek Center in suburban Columbus in June for $20.4 million.
Hometown: New Orleans Education: Xavier University (undergraduate and MBA)
OPERATING PARTNER
Sarah Close
Keller Williams Advisors Realty
Close was one of five people who founded the first local Keller Williams Realty office in 2005. Headquartered in Columbia-Tusculum, it’s the fifth-largest residential real estate firm in Greater Cincinnati, reporting $852 million in net local home sales in 2023 on more than 2,000 transactions. The Texas-based national company has more than 175,000 agents across the country.
Hometown: Centerville, Ohio Education: Miami University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Continuously striving to create an inclusive, collaborative, and engaging community for our partners. Our intent is to create connectivity within the organization and democratize best practices that support our agents in both their personal and processional endeavors. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Finding ways to not just rapidly adapt but harness the power in the blistering pace of technology and to enjoy the ride!
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Drees Homes
David Drees
Drees represents the third generation of leadership in the family business begun by his grandfather, Theodore, in 1928. The company plans a project of 43 homes in Burlington called Stillwater and 25 homes in Clermont County called Miami Reserve. It’s the second-largest homebuilder in Greater Cincinnati, with local revenue of more than $355 million on 640 sold in 2023, and is among the top 20 homebuilders in the U.S. with more than $1.7 billion.
Hometown: Crescent Springs Education: Trinity University (undergraduate), Xavier University (MBA)
PRESIDENT Huff Realty
Stacy Durbin
Durbin succeeded Brad DeVries, who had led Huff Realty since 1999. The agency is part of HomeServices KOI, an affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway, with Semonin Realtors, Rector Hayden Realtors, and WR Realtors in Kentucky. Durbin was senior vice president and general sales manager for HomeServices before moving into the top job. It had $1.5 billion in total sales in 2024 on more than 3,502 transactions, making it the fourth largest in Greater Cincinnati.
Hometown: Louisville Education: University of Kentucky (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Today’s young talent is drawn to companies that not only provide tools, training, and resources but also foster a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and growth. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Keeping pace with a rapidly changing industry of shifting markets, evolving agent expectations, and the fast-moving world around us.
John Danis
CEO Danis Building Construction
Founded in 1916 by B.G. Danis, this third-generation construction management company serves the Midwest and Southeast as one of the largest general contractors in the region, reporting more than $192 million in billings in 2024. The company’s recent healthcare projects include UC Medical Center Entrance Renovation, the Kettering Cancer Center, the Mount Carmel Dublin hospital, and the Dayton Children’s Hospital Patient & Ambulatory Tower.
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio Education: Cornell University (undergraduate)
PRESIDENT AND CEO Hills Properties
Founded in 1958 by Murray Guttman, Hills Properties is now in its third generation of leadership and reported revenue of $136 million in 2024. Hills has more than 1,000 units under construction or finished, which represents an investment of almost $200 million. They include Relay 129 in Liberty Township, Montgomery Quarter in Montgomery, Graphite in Oakley, and Clocktower in West Chester.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Colorado (undergraduate)
Louis Guttman
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Greg Hammond
Hixson Architecture, Engineering, Interiors
Hammond started with the company in 2001 and has held the top job since 2018. The architecture, engineering, and interior design firm specializes in projects for corporate office environments, retail projects, research and development facilities, and industrial processing plants. It posted billings of $26 million in 2024 and has 65 registered engineers and 20 registered architects on its staff of 130.
Hometown: Buffalo, New York Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate)
Chris Hopper
EXECUTVE VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER Skanska USA
Hopper opened Skanska’s Cincinnati office in 2011 with 11 employees, and it now has 75 workers and posted almost $230 million in local billings in 2024. The company built Cincinnati Public Radio’s home in Evanston and is building the Findlay Community Center that will include a gym, pool and child-care services in Over-the-Rhine; Medpace projects in Madisonville; and the new Cincinnati Nature Center building.
Hometown: Gillette, Wyoming Education: Purdue University (undergraduate)
CEO Huseman Group
Mike Huseman
Huseman has enjoyed a 30-year career with the company founded by his grandfather, Richard, in 1931. He launched Huseman Group in 2002 and has led its growth to a group of companies that include Structural Systems Repair Group, HGC Construction, Stewart Iron Works, Trade31, and Stanton Millworks. Its projects include the renovation of the former Macy’s headquarters downtown into apartments and the expansion of Factory 52 in Norwood.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Xavier University (undergraduate)
PRESIDENT BHDP
David Johnson
The international architectural firm serves higher education, industrial, healthcare, community and government, and retail industries from its offices in Cincinnati, Columbus, and Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C. It posted almost $74 million in local revenue and employs more 150 architects, designers, and engineers at its five locations.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We’re building a learning environment that will expand the knowledge of our current team and attract talented individuals looking to develop as professionals. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Developing leaders is a significant challenge for our organization and the industry, which is continuing to growth and change.
REGIONAL PRESIDENT
Coldwell Banker Realty
Joe King
In 2023, King was named regional president of Greater Ohio, Pittsburgh, Minnesota, and St. Louis, overseeing 62 offices and more than 6,500 agents. Prior to assuming those responsibilities, he’d been Ohio president since 2005. Coldwell Banker is No. 1 in local residential real estate market share with almost $2.5 billion in net local home sales in 2023 on more than 7,000 transactions.
PRESIDENT AND CEO 3CDC
Steve Leeper
Since 2004, Leeper has managed 3CDC’s investment of $2 billion in downtown and Over-the-Rhine, including $146 million in corporately-funded revolving loan funds. 3CDC is overseeing renovation of Duke Energy Convention Center and construction of the new convention hotel as well as the new Findlay Community Center in Over-the-Rhine. Past projects include overhauls of Washington Park and Ziegler Park and turning the former Macy’s store into The Foundry, home to high-profile restaurants Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, Marigold, and The Davidson.
Hometown: Pittsburgh Education: Ohio University (undergraduate)
CEO Model Group
Bobby Maly
Maly has led the real estate development and construction company that has completed projects that total more than $1.5 billion. It oversaw expansion and renovation of the Mercantile Library building into the mixed-use Mercantile Center featuring apartments and an event center and revitalization in Walnut Hills adding new housing, restaurants, and shopping.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Miami University (undergraduate), University of Maryland (master’s) What is your company doing to attract young talent? The most important thing we can do is find young talent who believes what we believe, namely,someone who’s excited about positively transforming communities. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? The construction cost increases we’ve experienced since 2021.
Executive
CEO
Elizabeth Mangan
Miller-Valentine Construction
Mangan became the first woman to assume leadership of the firm in 2018. The company is the third-largest general contractor in Greater Cincinnati, posting $290 million in 2024 billings, almost $60 million more than the previous year. It worked on the latest Total Quality Logistics expansion near Eastgate and is building a $36-million expansion for Modula, the Italian manufacturer in Warren County.
Hometown: Nitro, West Virginia Education: West Virginia University (undergraduate), Georgetown University (J.D.) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Our people are the blueprint for our success, so we’re dedicated to supporting our associates at every stage of their careers. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Balancing growth with agility in an industry that’s rapidly evolving.
Vice President and General Manager Chris Hopper
Jenna Martini
VICE PRESIDENT AND OPERATING PARTNER ARCO National Construction
Martini has led the national construction firm’s Cincinnati office since it opened in 2020. Its signature project, Republic Wire’s 320,000-square-foot distribution facility, opened in May. She worked at C+R Architecture + Design and then Cincinnati Commercial Contracting before joining ARCO.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Kentucky (undergraduate), Miami University (master’s) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Through strong partnerships with UC, NKU, and other local schools, we bring in co-ops each semester to give students hands-on experience that directly applies to their field. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Growth and the growing pains that come with it.
CEO The Fischer Group
Tim McMahon
McMahon, who was president and COO, became CEO in 2022. Fischer Homes is the top homebuilder in the region, with $459 million in local revenue in 2024, up $70 million from 2023. This summer, McMahon announced that the company would move its headquarters from Erlanger to Covington, with plans to open in 2027.
Education: Rutgers University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We launched a focused college recruiting initiative in 2015 to strengthen our management team and fuel growth. It’s evolved into a dynamic, relationship-driven effort engaging with students across 13 universities. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? The housing industry is facing one of the most significant affordability challenges in decades, and we expect this to remain a central issue over the next five years.
Erin Mignano
VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER
Turner Construction
Mignano joined Turner after graduating from college in 2005 and came from the company’s Mid-Atlantic region to take the top job in Cincinnati in 2023. Turner is the largest general contractor in the region, with more than $830 million in local billings in 2024. It fi nished the Mt. Healthy library renovation and is working on Bethesda North’s cardiac catheterization lab, while past signature projects included TQL Stadium and Great American Tower at Queen City Square.
Hometown: Green Brook, New Jersey Education: George Washington University (undergraduate)
Gary Mitchell
PRESIDENT AND CEO Divisions Maintenance Group
Michell founded the firm in 1999, and it’s been listed in the Inc. 5000 ranking of fastest growing companies in the U.S. 11 times. It’s expanded from site maintenance to HVAC (electrical and plumbing) and EV charging station installation. Divisions was acquired by Roark Capital Group in 2020 and is among the top 20 private companies in the region with $787 million in 2024 revenue.
Hometown: Cold Spring Education: Thomas More University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We offer meaningful internships that provide real-world experience and a pathway to long-term opportunities and invest heavily in training and career development programs. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? The ongoing trend of bankruptcies within the retail sector presents risks to stability and growth, as many of our partners operate in that space.
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CEO Comey & Shepherd
Scott Nelson
Nelson’s father, Roy, bought Comey & Shepherd in 1968 from the founders. It’s the second-largest residential real estate brokerage in Greater Cincinnati, with $1.9 billion in local home sales in 2023 and 5,900 transactions. Last year, it partnered with Homestretch, a local firm that prepares homes for sale by performing tasks such as painting, landscaping, and deep cleaning and allows homeowners to defer up to $30,000 in costs until the house is sold.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate)
PRESIDENT AND CEO Neyer Properties
Dan Neyer
Neyer, who has spent more than 40 years in the commercial real estate business, created the company in 1995. It plans to build a mixed-use project in Bellevue with 220 apartments, retail, and a potential hotel. The company bought three buildings in Butler County this year: a former General Electric manufacturing plant in Hamilton and two structures in Mason’s Governor’s Pointe office park.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Miami University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We’ve revamped our mission, vision, and values, one of our which is “value the person.” We make sure that’s core to all or our interactions both internally and externally. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Keeping our focus on existing projects while looking for new opportunities.
CONGRATULATIONS TO JENNA MARTINI
and all the leaders celebrated in this year’s Cincinnati 300!
Jenna, this recognition reflects the leadership and dedication you bring to every client, project, and team member at ARCO.
CEO Merus
Molly North
North has led the company since 2015, one year after it became 100 percent employee-owned. Founded by Joseph Neyer in 1894 (and named after his son, Al.), the name was changed this year to Merus. It has three offices in addition to its Cincinnati headquarters (Pittsburgh, Nashville, and Raleigh) and posted $366 million in revenue in 2024. Its projects include the Cold Spring Town Center and The Point student housing near UC.
Hometown: Wilmington, Ohio Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate)
Experience a better way to build.
OHIO VALLEY
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Megen Construction
Evans Nwankwo
Nwankwo founded Megen Construction in 1993 after working 12 years at Turner Construction. It received $2.2 million in state funds to upgrade its Forest Park headquarters for a 43 percent energy use reduction. It’s working with Sanders Development on a project of apartments and townhomes at Covington’s central riverfront, the former Internal Revenue Service site. Megen posted more than $40 million in 2024 revenue.
Hometown: Awa, Nigeria Education: Texas A&M University (undergraduate)
Jeremy Raby
PRESIDENT AND CEO ERA Real Solutions Realty
Raby founded Real Solutions Realty in 2007 and developed the company into a multi-office firm with nearly 200 producing agents. It’s among the top 10 agencies in Greater Cincinnati with $275 million in local home sales on 875 transactions. The ERA Real Estate network includes 42,000 affiliated brokers and independent associates in 2,400 offices throughout the U.S. and around the world.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? They consistently seek flexibility, earning potential, and a sense of purpose, and the real estate industry offers a unique opportunity to fulfill all three goals. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Recruiting and retaining top talent and keeping pace with technology.
PRESIDENT Bayer Becker
Reed, who succeeded Jay Bayer as the building services firm’s president in January, leads the ownership team of eight principals. The firm was founded in 1967 by Joseph Bayer, then Hamilton city engineer. Projects include the Findlay Community Center, The District at Clifton Heights on the site of the former Deaconess Hospital, and Exploration Commons at the Uptown Gateway.
Hometown: Liberty Township Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? Investing in cooperative education programs that offer hands-on experience and the chance to work on meaningful projects within their own communities. Young team members are empowered to make a direct impact on the places where they live, work, and play.
CEO
GBBN Architects
Matthew Schottelkotte
Schottelkotte has led the firm of more than 140 people, including 33 local registered architects, since 1995. Signature local projects include the Union Terminal restoration, Cincinnati Ballet’s Margaret & Michael Valentine Center for Dance, the Andrew J Brady Music Center, and the Children’s Theatre Emery Theater renovation. GBBN also has offices in Beijing, Louisville, Pittsburgh, and Minneapolis.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: University of Cincinnati (undergraduate)
PRESIDENT Sibcy Cline
Robin Sheakley
Sheakley, the fourth generation leading the family business, oversees daily operations and sets strategic direction of the third-largest real estate seller in the region, with more than $1.6 billion in sales on more than 4,312 transactions in 2023. In July, it sold an Indian Hill estate for $6.46 million, the third-highest price for a local home since 2004.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Miami University (undergraduate)
PRESIDENT Journey Steel
Smith has been in the construction industry for more than 30 years and founded the steel fabrication and erection company in 2009 with Tom Garten. Its nonprofit arm, Journeys Soaring Impact, is a pre-apprenticeship program to provide low-income, inner-city youth access to skills and resources that will put them in a career to change their lives and contribute to the community.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Eastern Michigan University (undergraduate)
Barbara Smith
Etta Reed
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Jostin Construction
Albert Smitherman
Smitherman founded the company in 1998 and grew it into one of the largest minority-owned businesses in Greater Cincinnati. It specializes in concrete work and is also a general contractor and construction manager. It’s involved with high-profile projects in the region such as the new ProKids downtown headquarters, Cincinnati Zoo’s Elephant Walk, and the Duke Energy Convention Center renovation.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Bowling Green State University (undergraduate)
PRESIDENT AND CEO Messer Construction
Tim Steigerwald
Steigerwald has led the region’s second-largest construction company since 2018. He oversees 12 locations of the company’s operations in the Midwest and Southeast from its headquarters in the West End. It reported more than $420 million in local billings and $1.62 billion for the entire company. Steigerwald joined the board of United Way of Greater Cincinnati in July.
Hometown: Lawrenceburg, Indiana Education: Purdue University (undergraduate), Xavier University (MBA)
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Triversity Construction
Jim Watkins
Watkins, who joined Triversity in 2012, was promoted to the top jobs in 2024 after founder Mel Gravely transitioned to executive chairman. It reported revenue of $144 million in 2024, making it the region’s second-largest minority-owned company. Its first project as a developer is The Lockhart, a mixed-use residential development in Over-the-Rhine in collaboration with Urban Sites and the Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority.
Hometown: Chicago Education: Purdue University (undergraduate)
MARKET LEADER
Colliers International
Joseph Wiles
Wiles, who joined the company in 2019, leads the local office of the global commercial real estate firm providing brokerage sales, investment, construction, information technology, and property management services. It’s the fifth-largest CRE agency in Greater Cincinnati with 17.25 million square feet of space under management. Beth Robinson, former CEO of Uptown Consortium, joined the office this year.
Hometown: Pittsburgh Education: Ohio University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We’ve built a culture and platform that gives young professionals the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to accelerate their careers. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Balancing the opportunities of growth with the realities of a changing commercial real estate market.
AREA PRESIDENT M/I Homes
Greg Williams
Williams has led the local operations of the Columbus-based homebuilder since 2011. It’s the third-largest local homebuilder in the region, with $344 million in local revenue in 2024 and 660 housing starts. New construction developments include Trailside Village in Green Township, Grove Park in Milford, Callaway Place in Liberty Township, Timberhill in Fairfield, and Parkside in Lebanon.
Hometown: Denver Education: Brigham Young University (undergraduate) What is your company doing to attract young talent? We have an active recruiting system to identify and build relationships with younger students who want an exciting career in the home building industry. What’s the biggest challenge for your company over the next five years? Finding more ways to build affordable housing to address the large housing deficit across the country.
Tom Williams
PRESIDENT AND CEO North American Properties
After joining the family business in 1986, Williams led diversification of its portfolio and expansion into the Sunbelt. NAP sold its Atlanta office and property last year to Jamestown LP, which will own a stake in Newport on the Levee and provide capital to make improvements to the entertainment venue. Williams is also a principal owner of the Reds and Skyline Chili.
Hometown: Cincinnati Education: Georgetown University (undergraduate), University of Cincinnati (J.D.)
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