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Anduril’s Trae Stephens Get to know the Ohio native and company co-founder.
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Fall 2026
MAINTAINING MOMENTUM
Jonas Peterson aims to build on One Columbus’ ongoing success PAGE 7
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How ovarian cancer knowledge and research can combine to save lives And, for those who are diagnosed, researchers continue to study new treatments that could continue to save the lives of ovarian cancer patients.
“It’s difficult because ovarian cancer often starts in the fallopian tubes, and those can look relatively normal on pelvic ultrasounds,” Dr. Backes says.
Scan the QR code to learn more about ovarian cancer care and research at the OSUCCC – James.
Ovarian cancer can spread without being detectable in the pelvic area, which makes it even more important to pay attention to potential symptoms and report any that arise.
Ovarian cancer symptoms Many ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed at later stages because symptoms are overlooked or linked to more common causes. “These symptoms can easily be written off by patients and health care professionals alike,” says Dr. Backes, who advises patients to be aware of the following symptoms and have them checked out if they haven’t already been definitively connected to other conditions: • • • •
Changes in bowel or bladder function Pain in the abdomen or pelvis Feeling full early or having difficulty eating Bloating
While these issues — especially bloating — are relatively common, Dr. Backes advises women to be aware of key differences that should lead to examination by medical professionals. Ovarian cancer often goes undetected in its early stages, so it’s important that women know when to get potential symptoms checked by their doctors. Because of a lack of clear, early presenting symptoms, ovarian cancer is sometimes called a “silent killer,” and is diagnosed approximately 22,000 times every year in the U.S. with more than 12,000 deaths expected in 2026. Advances in ovarian cancer care and research have reduced the incidence and death rates over the years, but treatment challenges remain. “Unfortunately, vague symptoms and the lack of a good screening test result in the fact that most of these cancers are diagnosed at later stages,” says Floor Backes, MD, MBA, the director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. The good news is that, while early ovarian cancer symptoms are often mistaken for less serious conditions (such as chronic constipation or irritable bowel syndrome), learning how to spot those symptoms and getting evaluated by a doctor can increase the chances of potentially lifesaving early detection.
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“A lot of people will have bloating on and off — their bellies may be distended, and they might have some increased flatulence — and those are often related to food or travel,” she says. “But, if these symptoms are there all the time, especially if their pants aren’t fitting anymore or the abdominal growth is increasing, those could be signs of ovarian cancer.”
Scan the QR code to learn about oncology innovation underway at the OSUCCC – James.
Why screening doesn’t usually detect ovarian cancer Along with vague symptoms, later-stage ovarian cancer also occurs because of a lack of reliable screenings. “Pap tests and HPV screenings are really good ways to detect cervical cancers, but they typically don’t pick up ovarian cancers,” Dr. Backes says. Many women ask their doctors about pelvic ultrasounds as possible ovarian cancer tests, but disease can spread before there are noticeable changes on the ovaries or tubes.
“There can already be disease that’s spread to the upper abdomen, so women really need to listen to their bodies,” Dr. Backes says. “If they start developing new bloating, abdominal pain, changes in their bowel or bladder habits or they feel full early, they should contact their physicians.”
New ovarian cancer research shows promise As physicians encourage early detection through symptom identification, researchers are working to improve treatments for patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Among the promising studies is a multicenter clinical trial focused on treatment-resistant ovarian cancer that included a team from The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). The trial involves cases of ovarian cancer that are resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy. Participants in the study group received a combination of therapies — a weekly chemotherapy treatment along with a second drug that binds to receptors on ovarian cancer cells that have been associated with negative outcomes. The study suggests that the combination could improve the chances of survival for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients by interfering with the receptors’ signaling, making the cancer cells more susceptible to the chemotherapy. The results of this trial could eventually help increase ovarian cancer survival rates and the number of patients who are ultimately cured. “Unfortunately, the majority of ovarian cancer patients are not cured, with as high as 80% recurrence in some populations,” says study researcher David O’Malley, MD, the director for translational and clinical research partnerships and leader of clinical trial innovation in the Center for Cancer Innovation at the OSUCCC – James. “Hopefully, this is a significant step toward the time when we can say that we can cure people with recurrent cancer.”
Scan the QR code to learn how Ohio State physicians and researchers are working to create a cancer-free world at the OSUCCC – James.
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Contents
Photo by Doral Chenoweth/The Columbus Dispatch
Departments
6 Editor’s Notes 160 Breakdown Tourism uptick
Special Ad Sections
11
RETURN TO FLIGHT After 9/11 rerouted his career from journalism to national defense, Ohio native and Anduril co-founder Trae Stephens is proud the company’s $1 billion drone factory—and up to 4,000 jobs—landed in Pickaway County.
New Albany Economic Development Guide The city’s ongoing growth trajectory benefits residents, as well as Central Ohio. (inserted after page 36)
One Columbus: Built for Growth The economic development organization is focused on growing the 11-county Columbus Region. (inserted after page 94)
FALL 2026 Cover photo by
TIM JOHNSON
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Insider
7 Profile Jonas Peterson is leveraging a successful track record and a collaborative approach to build on Columbus’ economic success.
15 Tech Talk A Columbus startup is teaching first responders to manage disaster scenes.
16 Connections Celebrating our 2026 Inspiring Women
17 Top Workplaces
Photo by Tim Johnson
18 In-Depth
18 Honoring Everyday Kindness Heroes Pepper Construction President Paul Francois boosts workforce readiness for youth.
21 Best of Business See who came out on top in our 19th annual reader poll.
71 Top Lawyers Our annual directory of peerrecommended attorneys features 531 practitioners in 59 practice areas.
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Photo by Tim Johnson
Nominate your organization for our 2027 awards.
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Editor’s Notes 605 S. Front St., Suite 300 Columbus, Ohio 43215 Phone: 614-540-8900
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New Leaders to Watch
S
ince announcing in January 2025 it would invest $1 billion in the Columbus region to build a hyperscale manufacturing facility, defense technology company Anduril Industries Inc. has moved at a remarkable pace. One building at Arsenal-1 is complete and other facilities are under construction; the Pickaway County campus has room for six buildings. In late July, Anduril rolled its first Fury unmanned aerial vehicle off the production line. The company can make 50 per year per shift, an annual capacity of 150 drones. Later this year, it will begin local production of two other drone models, the Barracuda missile and the Roadrunner. We visited Arsenal-1 in July to meet Anduril co-founder and Lebanon, Ohio, native Trae Stephens. That day, Stephens said, the first Fury was in the paint booth. The company rolled out the finished product five days later. Stephens abandoned dreams of a journalism career after 9/11 and went into government intelligence. When it didn’t live up to his expectations, he went to work for Palantir Technologies. While running sales, company co-founder Peter Thiel asked Stephens to join his Founders Fund venture capital firm. He jokes it was unclear if he was being fired or given a tremendous opportunity. Through Palatir, he met Oculus VR founder Palmer Luckey, who Stephens says had an interest in defense and was testing ramjet engines in a drained swimming pool. Stephens wanted to start an
autonomous defense technology company and approached Luckey. “I told him, I want to start this company, but I want to start it with you,” he says. Luckey, who was working for Facebook after it bought Oculus, passed—until he was fired from the company, Stephens says. “Within six months, we were off doing business.” Learn more about Stephens and Anduril’s first 18 months of operations in “Return Flight” by freelance writer Mark Williams. You’ll find it on Page 11. Our cover story features another leader new to Columbus who brings an impressive track record of success. Since April, Jonas Peterson has served as chief economic development officer of the Columbus Partnership and president of One Columbus. Peterson had admired Columbus while working in economic development in other cities and calls the region the “gold standard for economic development.” Now, he’ll be the one helping to carry out the ongoing mission of boosting the area’s economic fortunes. Find out more in “Moving the Region Forward,” starting on Page 7. Thanks for reading.
Julanne Hohbach Editor
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PROFILE By SHANNON SHELTON MILLER Photos by TIM JOHNSON
Moving the Region Forward Jonas Peterson is leveraging a two-decade track record and a collaborative approach to build on Columbus’ economic success.
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ong before Jonas Peterson was hired to help lead Central Ohio’s economic development efforts, he had his eye on Columbus. During leadership stints in Michigan, Las Vegas and other parts of the country, Peterson often studied the Columbus region and viewed One Columbus, the economic development arm of the Columbus Partnership, as a benchmark peer organization. In economic development circles, he says, the region was regarded as a “gold standard” and a “pacesetter.” Now, he’s among those helping to set the pace. In April, Peterson became chief economic development officer of the Columbus Partnership and president of One Columbus. He wants to leverage his track record of bolstering regional economic development teams and securing high-profile projects in the 11-county Columbus region, which is accustomed to competing–—and winning. “If you look at high-growth markets across the country, the list becomes very small,” he says. “During my last few stops, I’ve been studying and admiring Columbus and the Columbus region from the outside. Now I get to be a part of it, and I get to be a leader on the team.
That’s pretty exciting.” Peterson’s high regard for the region was quickly apparent to Mark Berven, chair of One Columbus’ executive committee and president and chief operating officer of Nationwide Property & Casualty. Berven led the search committee charged with replacing Kenny McDonald, who led One Columbus since it was founded in 2010 as Columbus 2020. McDonald left in September 2025 and formed a consulting firm. Berven says Peterson spoke with clarity and identified how the region could tell its story more effectively
outside Ohio. “Whether it’s strategic vision or relationship building, being a strong communicator or being a good listener, all of those are attributes you look for in an economic development leader,” Berven says. “Jonas had great examples to show how he had a practical application of those attributes. It was significant how he could create a vision of where he wanted to go and demonstrate how he had done it in other markets.” Peterson also is skilled at bringing public, private and community organizations to the table. “He approaches things in a way where Fall 2026 • ColumbusCEO
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he wants to listen and understand the perspective of others, with the intent of finding natural places for individuals and organizations to come together,” Berven says. “I think that’s a towering strength of his. He is someone that can convene, bring people together and work toward a common outcome.” That’s been the impetus behind Peterson’s first few months on the job, which he’s been filling with “robust onboarding” meetings with government, business and civic leaders around the 11-county region. But there’s been cause for celebration, too. In July, CNBC ranked Ohio No. 1 on its America’s Top States for Business 2026 list, and One Columbus received a Mac Conway Award for Economic Development Excellence, given to the nation’s top regional economic development groups by Site Selection magazine. It is the organization’s eighth award in nine years. “It’s very clear we have an exceptional team,” Peterson says. “We have all the momentum in the world.”
Inspired by Economics
Warren, Minnesota, is a rural town in the Red River Valley region along the border between Minnesota and North Dakota. At the peak of its population in the 1980s, Warren had a little over 2,100 residents; Census data today estimates a population of 1,600. It was here that Peterson got his first taste of the business world, growing up on a multigenerational farm growing sugar beets, barley and soybeans that he figured he’d take over one day. The family also had an entrepreneurial and creative streak. His grandfather Robert Peterson Sr. developed and manufactured farm application products and held patents for a multiround rifle clip and vacuum cleaners for seed planters. Peterson’s mother, Polly, was an artist and graphic designer. “I had a wonderful family life growing up,” Peterson says. “Working on the family farm, you get to pick rocks, pick sticks, mow endless fields and do plenty of manual labor. There was a clear work ethic and a clear set of values I carry with me today.” Peterson says farming provided a direct demonstration of local
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Peterson speaks at the July 16 ribbon cutting for G&J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers’ expansion in Columbus.
economics, and he was fascinated by the practical approach of moving economies forward. That influenced his decision to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and an MBA at North Dakota State University in Fargo. As student body president, Peterson often interacted with leaders outside the university. One day he agreed to lunch with a local economic development official, who explained how his career brought business, government, education and civic stakeholders together to improve communities. Peterson says the light bulb went off. He’d always been interested in business, politics, academics and economics, but had never considered how they could be intertwined. “Once I learned there was a career path where you could apply those skills and have that level of impact, I was hooked,” he says. After graduation, he worked in economic development in Arizona and Southern California, where he built the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corp. He spent close to a decade at the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, including almost seven years as president and CEO, before joining Southwest Michigan First as CEO in 2022. “At each of those stops, you get unique experiences. You get to learn from communities what’s worked and what hasn’t worked,” he says. “You
get a collection of cutting-edge best practices and a network of the best people around the country to advance this work.” Jared Smith, president and CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corp. in Maryland, was chief operating officer of the Las Vegas organization during much of Peterson’s tenure. He says the group broke its job-creation record at least twice during their five years working together. “That comes from creating trust, a sound strategy, alignment and a positive culture throughout the entire economic development ecosystem. … Jonas was firmly in the lead of creating that success,” Smith says. “In all the strategic planning efforts we worked on together, I witnessed Jonas’ commitment to listening and learning from stakeholders and then turning their needs and aspirations into strategy.” At Southwest Michigan First, Peterson focused on collaboration across a seven-county region and helped advance major projects like the Ford BlueOval Battery Park manufacturing facility, a Pfizer pharmaceutical facility and the Kalamazoo Event Center. He also led and grew Consultant Connect, a firm that unites economic development organizations and site selectors in more than 40 states and multiple countries; One Columbus is a client.
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Jonas Peterson
Chief Economic Development Officer
The Columbus Partnership President
One Columbus Age: 47 Previous: CEO of Southwest Michigan First, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance Education: Bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and MBA, North Dakota State University; master’s in community and economic development, Penn State University Involvement: Board member of the Ohio Economic Development Association Resides: Columbus Family: Wife Leah Peterson and sons Ethan and Lincoln Peterson’s move from the tourism-fueled economy of Las Vegas to the smaller cities near Lake Michigan brought his family back to the lifestyle they’d been missing. “We’re Midwesterners at heart,” he says. “That was part of the value proposition of Michigan. It was a chance to get back to the area of the country that we love. It’s part of why we love Columbus. The people here are spectacular, and it feels like home.” Right now, it’s home mainly for Peterson. His wife, Leah Peterson, and younger son, Lincoln, remain in Michigan for Lincoln’s senior year of high school. Their older son is a student at the University of Michigan. They plan to settle in the Quarry Trails area near Marble Cliff.
Building More Buzz
Peterson is an early riser, waking up by 6 a.m. to meditate, work out and get a jump start on his day. His Christian faith plays an important role in his life, he says, and he often begins the day with prayer.
Then it’s time to get to work, which in addition to ongoing meetings can mean pitching, selling, traveling, filling out proposals and otherwise positioning Columbus to win. Peterson was drawn to the region because it is adding jobs, attracting investment and competing for major projects. What impressed him more than the number of companies coming here was how leaders made it happen. “It doesn’t work in a lot of regions,” he says. “There’s inherent challenges, and to partner well, you need a spirit of collaboration. You need private-sector leaders willing to not only push and lead and share a vision, but contribute financially, get involved politically and be that champion for the region. There’s a level of engagement, stewardship and leadership from the corporate community here that is truly exceptional. It’s part of the magic that’s made this region successful.” That collaborative model extends statewide, making Peterson’s role even more integral. J.P. Nauseef, president and CEO of JobsOhio, says because Central Ohio accounts for more than one-fifth of Ohio’s gross state product, it is key to the state’s economic development efforts. “Clearly, Columbus and the metropolitan area has been a national leader in job growth,” Nauseef says. “The person who leads One Columbus is very important and critical to how we conduct economic development.” Nauseef says Peterson has proven himself by understanding the One Columbus value proposition and working with JobsOhio on several projects they’re hoping to win. Peterson says he expects at least one significant announcement by the end of 2026. Peterson aims to amplify the region’s marketing efforts, saying that while it achieves plenty of victories, it lacks the national buzz of markets such as Austin, Texas or Las Vegas. The value proposition for Columbus is easy to sell, he says. The market is one of the most balanced and diverse in the country and can compete in multiple industries of interest. Part of Peterson’s long-term strategy is developing the ecosystem around game-changing companies like Intel and Anduril Industries Inc., which he says have high potential for growing the talent pipeline. Nauseef says the elevated national
profiles of Columbus and Ohio as favorable places for business have put the state in play for deals and leads that might not have been possible 10 years ago. “One Columbus, again, in many ways led the way for Ohio,” he says. “We call it Team Ohio. We all work together. We all have a common interest in having Ohio win and having a great quality of life, great jobs for families, keeping our kids and grandkids here instead of having them leave and go to other states.” Peterson says a major part of his leadership responsibilities is having a pulse on factors that could stall the market five years down the road. Creating more affordable housing is essential, he says, and diversifying business opportunities can keep the region afloat during downturns. “Our mission is to create the most prosperous region in the country,” Peterson says. “If you’re going to improve the quality of life for the residents of Central Ohio, that means new career opportunities. It means we need to continue to ladder up around personal income and family income levels. That requires growth. That requires new industries. It also requires engagement from our leaders so they’re participating in the process, and we have this common vision of what prosperity looks like.” Smith, Peterson’s Las Vegas colleague, says it’s in Peterson’s DNA to care about the people around him and to lift up his team and community. “He is who he said he is,” Berven says. “When Jonas was interviewing, he was talking about how he would approach the opportunity, getting out, listening and convening different entities and people to bring together. … He’s done it all and probably more of it than what we would’ve even expected.” “It’s such rewarding work when you see the results of what can be achieved through community leadership,” Peterson says. “I wake up every morning with a smile on my face because we’re helping thousands of people have a better job and quality of life, not only for them, but for their children. We’re shaping entire communities and regions. That impact is absolutely incredible.” Shannon Shelton Miller is a freelance writer. Fall 2026 • ColumbusCEO
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INTERVIEW By MARK WILLIAMS
Return Flight After 9/11 rerouted his career from journalism to national defense, Ohio native and Anduril cofounder Trae Stephens is proud the company’s $1 billion drone factory—and up to 4,000 jobs—landed in Pickaway County.
Photo by Doral Chenoweth/The Columbus Dispatch
W
hen he wasn’t riding roller coasters at Kings Island amusement park with his brother or editing his high school student newspaper in the rural southwest Ohio town where he grew up, Trae Stephens envisioned a career as a foreign correspondent that one day would take him to faraway lands. “I really thought that was the path I was going down,” Stephens says in an interview with Dispatch Magazines in July. “I’ve always been really interested in international affairs, geopolitics.” Then Sept. 11, 2001, happened. As was the case with so many other Americans, the attack by terrorists on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., had a profound effect on Stephens. “I had this sort of reckoning where I felt a tremendous civic duty that I wanted to do something in service to the country,” says Stephens, who was a high school senior at the time. Instead of journalism, Stephens set a new goal: a career in government intelligence, a choice that ultimately would lead him back to his native state two decades later as co-founder of a global defense technology startup. Stephens says the military drone maker, Anduril Industries Inc., holds
promise for changing how wars are fought and financed. The Columbus region also stands to benefit substantially. The company’s $1 billion investment plans in Pickaway County near Rickenbacker International Airport have the potential to create a record-breaking 4,000 well-paying jobs. For Anduril, which has operations around the world, the Pickaway County plant it’s calling Arsenal-1 will be its largest production site for low-cost, autonomous weapons systems such as its Fury drone,
Trae Stephens
Co-founder, Anduril Industries Inc. Age: 42 Background: An Ohio native who grew up in Lebanon, Stephens now lives with his family in the San Francisco area. Education: Bachelor of Science, regional and comparative studies - Middle East, Georgetown University Experience: Palantir Technologies and Founders Fund Fall 2026 • ColumbusCEO
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which this summer began to roll off the production line. “We’re building the next generation of air dominance [and] doing it in the state that’s the birthplace of aviation is a very cool thing,” he says. ROLLER COASTERS, FISHING AND THE BENGALS Stephens, 42, grew up in Lebanon, a small town about halfway between Dayton and Cincinnati and just over an hour’s drive from the corn and soybean fields that surround Anduril’s operations in Madison Township near Groveport. He attended Lebanon High School, where he served as editor of the Lebanon Light newspaper, and grew up a Cincinnati Bengals fan. “I’m still a huge Bengals fan,” he says. His father was a roller coaster engineer and maintenance worker at Kings Island. Stephens figures he’s ridden The Beast roller coaster hundreds of times, including twice in one day—at 10:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m.—with his sons, Thaddeus and Solomon. “There were times that I would go before the park opened with my dad, and he would just plop my brother and I down and we would just ride it until we got sick. And then we would just hop off,” he says. “I have spent weeks of my life at Kings Island. My brother and I both have.” Growing up, he also enjoyed time outdoors. “I grew up fishing with my dad in Caeser Creek at Cowan Lake [State Park],” he says. Though San Francisco has been his home for the past dozen years, the Lebanon area remains important
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Photo by Doral Chenoweth/The Columbus Dispatch
Stephens (second from right) sits between co-founder Brian Schimpf and his mother, Kathy Stephens, at Anduril’s January 2025 site announcement. At far left are founder Palmer Luckey and co-founder Matt Grimm.
to him, and he visits several times a year. “I still have my family, a lot of my friends from childhood are all still there,” he says. FROM JOURNALISM SCHOOL TO NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE As he planned his journalism career, Stephens applied to some of the best-known journalism programs in the country, including Columbia University, Northwestern University and the University of Missouri. But after 9/11, he enrolled at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in Washington, D.C., a move that launched what at times was a frustrating career in government intelligence. “I found it wasn’t James Bond or Jason Bourne. It was more like a Mr. Bean version of government,” Stephens says. “Far less cool than I probably could have hoped that it would have been.” Stephens also found a sense of complacency among the agencies charged with safeguarding Americans against those who would harm them. “As a 22-year-old entering into the intelligence community in 2005, 2006, I was shocked to find out that it was not in the condition that the movies would have had me believe,” he says. “There’s a lot of people sitting in cubicles that are well-intentioned people, that are doing very little work.” ETHICS AND WEAPONS Stephens’ Christian faith has been a pillar throughout his life. His grandfather was pastor of the First Baptist Church in South Lebanon. “My faith at a very early stage was
my family’s faith. It was something that was brought into my life in a very intentional way by my parents, by my grandparents,” he says. “It is a large part of who I am today, undoubtedly.” Growing up, Stephens was surrounded by families with similar backgrounds. It wasn’t until he went to college that he began to interrogate those beliefs, finding himself among people from different backgrounds and those who didn’t practice any religion. “I was thinking, what do I actually believe?” he says. “And how am I going to allow myself, my person, to be shaped by those beliefs?” Going from college into national security and now running a weapons company, Stephens has sought ways to hold fast to the moral codes instrumental in shaping his life as he joined the defense community—particularly as it has been questioned for practices during the global war on terrorism such as waterboarding and the indefinite holding of accused terrorists at Guantanamo Bay. “So coming to Anduril, from the very beginning, it was really important for me to figure out where I stood on these things, because I thought [it] would be important to infuse into the culture of the company a belief system around the ethics behind what it is that we do,” he says. In the end, Stephens finds morality in choosing to help stop others’ plans to destroy America and its people. ANDURIL TAKES FLIGHT Stephens was inspired with the idea for Anduril—taken from the name of a sword in J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy—more than a decade ago. He had left the federal government and was working for Palantir Technologies, a software company known for big data analytics and government contracts. Peter Thiel, one of Palantir’s co-founders and a major backer of numerous tech startups such as PayPal and Facebook parent Meta, asked Stephens to join his venture capital company, Founders Fund, in San Francisco. It was in that role that Stephens looked, and struggled to find, defense-oriented investments to make for the fund. “But over the process of meeting with hundreds of companies, I had developed kind of a thesis for
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ANDURIL REACHES A MILESTONE Anduril announced the selection of the site in Pickaway County in January 2025. In July, just 18 months later, the company marked completion of its first product, an unmanned aerial vehicle called Fury, also referred to as YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat
The first YFQ-44A Fury off the assembly line at Anduril Industries’ Arsenal-1 plant
Photo by Doral Chenoweth/The Columbus Dispatch
Anduril Industries’ Arsenal-1 unmanned aerial vehicle production facility.
Aircraft. Anduril expects to make up to 150 of them per year. The Fury has multiple potential uses for the military ranging from surveillance to carrying missiles. Anduril built the Fury on a prototype contract with the U.S. government and on June 17, Anduril announced it had won a production contract with the Air Force. Anduril expects other countries also to have interest in the Fury. The milestone marked a significant step for Anduril, Stephens says. “We realized that there was a point
at which we were moving from being a technology development company to a technology production company, which is very different as you might imagine,” he says. “Landing in Ohio … marked a real transition point for us.” Anduril, based in southern California, currently has about 150 workers in Pickaway County, a number it expects to scale to 4,000 in the coming decade. The company anticipates growing from one building now to two in 2027 and eventually, six. “There’s a ton of interest from the
Photo by Adam Cairns/The Columbus Dispatch
what I was looking for,” he says. “It was a software defense contractor that builds products that are lower cost … that are autonomous, that take the human out of the loop in places where it was possible.” Stephens began to pitch others on his idea, including another Anduril co-founder, Oculus virtual reality headset creator Palmer Luckey, who had been working for Facebook. The two came together in 2017 and began to build a team of other founders and executives. This was before Russia invaded Ukraine, and lengthy U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan had grown unpopular over time. As a result, there wasn’t much interest in enterprise software as a service with a focus on building weapons, Stephens says. “When we told people we’re going to build stuff to sell to the Department of Defense, they were like, ‘Oh man, that seems really off.’ ”
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local community and becoming part of what it is that we’re working on,” Stephens says. “There are people coming from aerospace and defense outside of the state, some of which are Ohio natives, and this is a bit of a homecoming, an opportunity to come back and work on something they’re really excited about.” Stephens insists being an Ohio native didn’t give the state an edge in landing the operation. “As we were going through the site selection process, I didn’t want people to perceive that I was putting my thumb on the scale in any way, just because I was from here,” he says. Instead, it was a combination of factors that drove the selection of Ohio— the rich aerospace, military and manufacturing history; strength of the local workforce; and support from the state and JobsOhio, the state’s economic development organization. The Fury is one of multiple autonomous defense products Anduril wants to produce in Pickaway County. Others include the Barracuda, a missile, and the Roadrunner, a reusable
vertical takeoff and landing vehicle. All of them are much lower cost compared with more traditional munitions the military uses, Stephens says. And they all operate autonomously, meaning they don’t put humans in harm’s way. The U.S. military and its allies often rely on missiles that can cost millions of dollars and take years to develop, but low-cost drones like those used by Iran in the war with the U.S. are changing how battles are fought. “You don’t want to shoot a multimillion-dollar missile at a $40,000 drone,” Stephens says. “You still have to bring it down.” Media reports have indicated the U.S. military and its allies have burned through big chunks of its stockpile of high-cost missiles in the attacks on Iran. It could take years for the U.S. and its partners to rebuild those stockpiles. That’s why a company like Anduril is important, Stephens says. “There’s just a different mentality that has to be taken with regards to speed, to building a product,
developing a product and shipping a product, and then a scalability question for how quickly we can get to producing thousands of these things at much lower costs. That’s ultimately the story of Anduril.” If a Fury crashes, that’s bad, “but no one is writing a letter home to a parent, and you’re not going to Congress trying to justify how you lost a $100 million plane because the test went wrong,” Stephens says. The goal with Anduril’s products is not to help the U.S. and its allies fight wars, but to deter them. “We don’t live in a state of peace because we have great peace treaties. We live in a state of peace because our enemies fear our retaliation,” he says. “When our enemies don’t fear retaliation is when the global situation gets unstable, and that’s where violence emerges. “We really want to build that next generation of capabilities that will deter future conflicts in a conventional sense.” Mark Williams is a freelance writer.
ANDURIL’S COLUMBUS LEADERSHIP
As Anduril continues to hire people beyond the 150 it has working on its Ohio operations in 2026, here are the key local executives to know:
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Zachary Mears, Senior Vice President of Strategy
Kevin Kerr, Vice President, Arsenal-1
Kristen Easterday, Director, External Affairs
David Frash, Director, State and Local Government Affairs
Roberto Miller, Senior Director of Production and Supply Chain
Kristi Clouse, Director, Talent Acquisition, Workforce Partnerships
ColumbusCEO • Fall 2026
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TECH TALK BY CYNTHIA BENT FINDLAY
Disaster Response Tactical Triage Technologies teaches first responders to manage chaotic scenes using VR simulations.
W
hen Brandy Foster first donned a virtual reality headset and entered the world of Tactical Triage Technologies, she became immersed, in more ways than one. Dr. Nicholas Kman, an emergency medicine professor at the Ohio State University College of Medicine and a company co-founder, was demonstrating the business’s first responder disaster training module for Foster at a fire station near Dayton. “I felt like I was really there,” Foster says. “Even though it was a virtual environment, I would physically try to step over debris on the ground, or walk around the virtual patients that were injured.” Foster, who has an eclectic background in tech, health care, defense research and development, and entrepreneurial education, was recruited to T3, as the company calls itself, by Rev1 Ventures.
She immediately grasped the power—and potential—of the product. Foster came on board as T3’s CEO in May 2026. Now, she will lead the company into a seed round of funding to complement funds from Rev1 Ventures and the Ohio Third Frontier Technology Validation and Start-up Fund. T3 got started in 2018, when Kman’s College of Medicine team received a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to produce a training simulation for medical first responders. With co-founder Dr. Douglas Danforth, Kman led the interdisciplinary project, which involved working with OSU’s Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design, the linguistics department and other university resources to create an intense VR simulation. Kman’s expertise lies in urban search and rescue and preparation for high-stakes, low-frequency events like natural disasters. Danforth’s research focuses on innovative medical education. Kman’s experience has been key to building T3. The disaster response physician has been deployed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to hurricanes Harvey, Dorian, Laura, Ida, Ian, Helene and Milton. The researchers partnered with the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (better known as DARPA) to come up with a powerful product that was immediately in demand.
Currently, T3 has multiple off-theshelf and customizable scenarios, and more are in development, including a subway bombing, a tornado and military situations. T3 already has clients, including the Cleveland Clinic, the Fairfield County Emergency Management Agency and the fire department of Lyon, France. The market is global and growing rapidly. Company officials say the U.S. military spends billions annually on simulations and training. Then, there are tens of thousands of entities such as state agencies, hospital systems and local first responders who train for mass casualty and other low-frequency events every year. “We see ourselves as the leader in VR training for medical professionals and first responders, especially to mass casualty events, but also in other scenarios. So, for example, we actually have a grant through OSU to develop a training simulation for people in space,” Foster says. Foster says T3 will position itself to serve several market segments, including the U.S. military and other federal clients, U.S. civilian first responders and global customers such as NATO in the European market. “We think that the early wins will come through our distribution partners to the state and local EMS agencies,” she says. Cynthia Bent Findlay is a freelance writer. Dr. Nicholas Kman
Tactical Triage Technologies LOCATION: 4301 Home Road, Unit 1D, Powell
first responders
CEO: Brandy Foster
EMPLOYEES: 5
CO-FOUNDERS: Dr. Nicholas Kman, Douglas Danforth and Jacob Hyde BUSINESS: Virtual reality mass casualty simulations for medical
Photos courtesy Tactical Triage Technologies
tacticaltriagetech.com FOUNDED: 2025 FUNDING: $350,000 from the Ohio Third Frontier Technology Validation and Start-up Fund plus Rev1 Ventures grants Brandy Foster Fall 2026 • ColumbusCEO
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CONNECTIONS PHOTOS BY TIM JOHNSON
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Inspiring Women Columbus CEO and Columbus Monthly magazines recognized the 2026 Inspiring Women on June 23 at The Ellis in Italian Village. Over 150 people gathered at the event to recognize the 21 honorees, who represented business owners, educators, doctors, elected officials and other women leaders in the Columbus region. The event was emceed by NBC4’s Colleen Marshall and sponsored by Oliver Law Office, Donaldson, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Staging Spaces, The Ellis and Queen Bee Jackie Creative. 1 Yvette McGee Brown and Kimberly Lee Minor 2 Paula Haines, Cheryl Bailey and Margaret Finley 3 Dr. Laxmi Mehta and Sahana Mehta 4 Jami Oliver 5 Dr. Marguerite Weston 6 Cathy Harper Lee and Evelyn Lundberg Stratton 7 Lauren Hagan with sons Joe and Theo Venetucci 8 Sue Klein and Blake Hesch 9 Dr. Marguerite Weston and Betsy Goldstein 10 Sherrod Brown and Connie Schultz 11 Lilleana Cavanaugh and Melanie Barrett 12 Kate Finley and Nakeah Kauffman
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ColumbusCEO • Fall 2026
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Start your Nominate Your Company By JULANNE HOHBACH
L
ove where you work? Then nominate your organization for Columbus CEO’s Top Workplaces 2027 awards. We’re proud to partner with workplace research firm Energage for our 15th annual recognition program. The process is simple. Any employee, at any level of an organization, can make a nomination. The program is open to workplaces with at least 50 Columbus-area employees. Private and public companies, as well as schools and governmental organizations, are eligible. Nominees need not be headquartered locally. Nominated organizations are evaluated by their employees, who are asked to complete short online surveys. Surveys will be conducted through November. The Top Workplaces are determined based on feedback gathered from these anonymous, 26-question surveys, which evaluate metrics such as culture, communication, leadership, work-life balance, values and benefits. Winners will be recognized in our Spring 2027 issue, as well as online and at an awards reception. Energage, based in Exton, Pennsylvania, conducts Top Workplaces surveys for media outlets in 70 markets, surveying over 2 million employees at more than 8,000 organizations in the last year. There is no cost to submit a nomination, nor is there a requirement to purchase any product or service. Our 2026 awards honored 89 Top Workplaces across the region. For more information or to make a nomination, go to columbusceo.com/ nominate or call 614-344-0320. The deadline is Nov. 6.
COMPLIMENTARY SUBSCRIPTION TODAY at columbusceo.com.
Fall 2026 • ColumbusCEO
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Making An Impact Construction executive Paul Francois has made transformative contributions to support the next generation. By KELLY TUCKER + Photo by TIM JOHNSON
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epper Construction President Paul Francois had never visited Columbus before agreeing to relocate his family and open a new office for the company in 2006. “Twenty years in now, we’re definitely local,” Francois says. “We’re part of the community. There’s literally myself and one other person in the organization here in Ohio that moved here from Chicago. Otherwise, we’re all local hires and have grown it locally.” The number of employees in Pepper’s Columbus and Cincinnati offices has increased from one to 301. Francois started with the organization in 1992 as a field engineer in Chicago, but as president, Francois now focuses on building the company’s strategy, long-term plans and leadership development. “It’s exciting times, and we as a company here are getting ready to start some of our most high-profile and significant projects,” Francois says. Those include the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s new aquarium project as well as Covington, Kentucky’s new Commonwealth Center for Biomedical Excellence. The Columbus and Cincinnati offices, he says, are projected to bring in nearly $1 billion in combined revenue for 2026. While building Pepper’s business, Francois also makes time to give back. In March, he was honored with
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Paul Francois of Pepper Construction of Ohio
a Gold Leadership Award from Junior Achievement USA for his 20 years of dedicated service to the organization. The nonprofit provides students with business, leadership and financial education, which Francois says aligns strongly with Pepper Construction’s own mission. “It’s really about workforce readiness,” he says. “They’re helping develop the future workforce, which is right now probably our biggest challenge, right? Finding people.” Francois was introduced to Junior Achievement through the late Dave Pepper, the company’s former CEO and chairman and third-generation member of the family business. Pepper served as Francois’ supervisor in the early days and was also a mentor. “Dave was on the board for Junior Achievement in Chicago, and through that, we were supporting JA’s in-class programs,” Francois says. He looks back fondly on his early days volunteering with the program. Upon moving to Columbus, Pepper advised him to find a cause he cared about and get involved. Francois has helped build and expand Junior Achievement of Central Ohio’s facilities and raised more than $4.3 million for the organization through an annual Casino Night fundraiser. “We had our first Casino Night in the fall of 2009, and we raised $15,000 and probably had about 50 attendees, of which 20-plus were Pepper people,” says Francois. “But it was the start of something. And now, this past May, we were 300-plus and raised over a half a million dollars.”
Francois’ dedication to Junior Achievement extends well beyond funding. Pepper Construction has helped design, renovate and expand JA facilities in both Columbus and Newark, extending the nonprofit’s reach to thousands more students. “We would never be at the place where we are, being able to serve 40,000 students for hundreds of thousands of hours a year, if it weren’t for Paul Francois personally, and Pepper and the team’s engagement, driving our work forward,” says Mike Davis, president of Junior Achievement of Central Ohio. But to Francois, doing everything he can to support the next generation is an easy call. “I just truly believe that there isn’t really another organization here in Central Ohio that connects business and education with employers and companies like Junior Achievement does,” Francois says. “JA is really at the forefront of teaching life skills that are necessary to be successful in today’s world.” This article was made possible by support from the Center for HumanKindness at The Columbus Foundation, which has partnered with Columbus CEO to profile those making our community a better place. Help us lift up inspiring stories of kindness by suggesting people, initiatives, or organizations to feature by emailing kindness@dispatch.com. Columbus CEO retains full editorial independence for all content. Learn more at ColumbusCEO.com/Kindness.
ColumbusCEO • Fall 2026
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engage
with your community in a way that best fits you. Capture content whenever you can—those everyday moments are what turn your brand story into meaningful social media. Queen Bee Jackie Creative helps Columbus businesses create consistent, authentic content that builds trust, boosts visibility, and keeps your audience engaged.
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Building a legacy of excellence. Recognized again as one of Central Ohio’s best in accounting and wealth management.
Best Accounting Firm (More than 20 CPAs) Schneider Downs
Best Private Wealth Management Company (Fee-Based) Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors
Learn more about our award-winning accounting and wealth management services at www.schneiderdowns.com.
Schneider Downs Wealth Management, LP (“SD Wealth Management” or “SDWMA”) is an SEC Registered Investment Advisor specializing in the Investment Management and Financial Planning Services for Individual Investors; Investment Management and Investment Committee Services for Institutions and Non-Profits; and Corporate Solutions and ERISA Fiduciary Services. Registration with the SEC does not imply any level of skill or training.
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Our 19th annual awards program honors 85 winners and 177 runners-up who scored top marks in our reader poll. The Columbus region has a business community like no other. Companies and consumers alike benefit from an abundant variety of small enterprises and globally recognized brands. We’re proud to recognize some of these outstanding organizations through Columbus CEO’s 19th annual Best of Business awards. Our annual reader poll honors some of the area’s top business and professional service providers, including accounting and law firms, financial services, education, real estate and insurance. But you’ll also find restaurants, health care, meeting venues and more. Best of Business, which debuted in 2008, is our longest-running recognition program. This year’s awards recognize winners and runners-up in 83 categories. Readers voted online from June 18 to July 17. The ballot featured a slate of nominees made up of last year’s top vote-getters and write-ins; participants also could enter their own choice. Results are grouped by category. Runners-up are listed alphabetically. Organizations interested in being on a future ballot are encouraged to use the write-in option when voting opens next year. Questions? Send an email to team@columbusceo.com. Congratulations to our 2026 Best of Business honorees. Fall 2026 • ColumbusCEO
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Architectural Firm MA Design
EMH&T SMBH Inc.
Runners-up:
Design Collective Inc. Moody Nolan Automotive Services Byers Auto Group and Germain Automotive Group (tie)
Graphic Design/Branding Agency Continental Office Runners-up:
Hart Tenfold HR Services
Runners-up:
Luke’s Auto Safelite AutoGlass Commercial Data Center
GO-HR Runners-up:
HR Butler VIVO Growth Partners
Expedient
Information Technology Company
Runners-up:
Bresco Broadband Cologix Glo Fiber
BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES Ad Agency
Energy Company
Runners-up:
Affiliated Resource Group Astute Technology Management Insurance Brokerage
American Electric Power Company Inc. Runners-up:
WTW
Columbia Gas of Ohio IGS Energy
Runners-up:
Futurety
Engineering Firm
Runners-up:
MJ2 Marketing MurphyEpson
Revolution Group
Huntington Insurance Hylant Oswald Companies
Moody Engineering Runners-up:
Photo by Doral Chenoweth/The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
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ColumbusCEO • Fall 2026
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Insurance Company
EASE Logistics UPS
Nationwide Runners-up:
Manufacturing Company
Erie Insurance State Farm Internet Service Provider
Honda Development & Manufacturing of America
Runners-up:
AT&T Breezeline
Mobile Phone Service Provider Logistics Provider
FST Logistics Runners-up:
Runners-up:
Capital Choice Office Furniture Continental Office Printing Company
Runners-up:
The Marzetti Co. Worthington Enterprises
Spectrum
Office Furniture Dupler Office
Baesman Runners-up:
Monk’s Copy Shop The Watkins Printing Co.
Verizon
Public Relations Firm
Runners-up:
AT&T T-Mobile/Metro by T-Mobile
Belle Communication Runners-up:
Irvin Public Relations Willow PR Sign Company FastSigns Runners-up:
Columbus Sign Co. DaNite Sign Co.
EDUCATION Continuing Education Offerings Franklin University Runners-up:
Columbus State Community College Ohio State University
Photos from top: courtesy Hunter Marketing; courtesy Freedom a la Cart
The Schneider Downs leadership team at the Memorial Tournament’s Golden Cubs event
Food from Freedom a la Cart
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ColumbusCEO • Fall 2026
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Thank you, Columbus CEO readers,
for recognizing Franklin University in the 2026 Best of Business poll As a part of the central Ohio community for more than 120 years and Ohio’s #1 adult-focused university, we are honored to, once again, be among the Best of Business.
www.franklin.edu Franklin Makes It Possible. Franklin Makes It Personal.
Best MBA Program Earn a FlexFIT MBA in as Few as 12 Months • Accredited + 100% online • In-demand specializations
Best Continuing Education Offerings Build Specialized Skills or Build On What You Know with Continuing Education Options
2020, 2022-2026
• Industry-recognized microcredentials + certificates • Credit toward degrees for professional training and licenses
Franklin University is nonprofit and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440). State rank data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics Integrated Postsecondary Education Database. .
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Photo by Doral Chenoweth/The Columbus Dispatch
OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital
MBA Program
Credit Union
Place to Entertain a Client
Franklin University
KEMBA Financial Credit Union
Lindey’s
Runners-up:
Runners-up:
Runners-up:
Ohio State University Fisher College of Business Ohio University
Credit Union of Ohio Telhio Credit Union
Hudson 29 Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse Columbus
Private School (K-12) Cristo Rey Columbus High School Runners-up:
Bishop Watterson High School Columbus Academy The Wellington School
FINANCIAL Accounting Firm (fewer than 20 CPAs)
Private Wealth Management Company (fee-based) Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors Runners-up:
Private Wealth Management Company (fee-only) Hamilton Capital Runners-up:
Runners-up:
The Joseph Group Capital Management Libertas Wealth Management Group PDS Planning Inc.
Accounting Firm (more than 20 CPAs) Schneider Downs
FOOD AND BEVERAGE Happy Hour
Runners-up:
EY GBQ Partners Business Lender
Lindey’s
KEMBA Financial Credit Union Runners-up:
First Watch Fox in the Snow Cafe Power Lunch Freedom a la Cart Runners-up:
Cap City Fine Diner and Bar Northstar Cafe Restaurant Comune Runners-up:
Cap City Fine Diner and Bar Lindey’s
HEALTH CARE Cardiology Practice
The Pearl Marcella’s
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Heart and Vascular Center Outdoor Dining
Runners-up:
Commercial Mortgage Lender
Runners-up:
Runners-up:
KEMBA Financial Credit Union Buckeye State Bank Telhio Credit Union
Freedom a la Cart
Gerber LLC Morgan Stanley
Nichols & Company CPAs Alan S. Portnoy CPA Whalen CPAs
Power Breakfast
Lindey’s Runners-up:
Barcelona Basi Italia Tucci’s Vaso
Runners-up:
Mount Carmel Heart & Vascular Specialists OhioHealth Physician Group Heart and Vascular
Buckeye State Bank Telhio Credit Union
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ColumbusCEO • Fall 2026
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Dental Practice
Honda workers assemble batteries at the Marysville plant
Dental Reflections Dublin Runners-up:
Pearl Dental Group Smiley Dental Group Dermatology and Skin Care Ohio State University Dermatology Runners-up:
Affiliated Dermatology Signature Dermatology Family Medical Practice Central Ohio Primary Care Runners-up: Photo by Courtney Hergesheimer/The Columbus Dispatch
OhioHealth Physician Group Primary Care Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (all locations) Hospital/Medical Center OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital Runners-up:
OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Oncology Practice Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer
THE RECOGNITION IS COOL. OUR HEARTS ARE WARM. Thank you, Central Ohio, for voting Atlas Butler the Best HVAC Company for 2026.
For 105 years, our team has dedicated itself to delivering reliable heating, cooling, and plumbing services across Central Ohio. Thank you for voting us #1! We look forward to keeping you comfortable for years to come.
1-800-FURNACE
atlasbutler.com
Fall 2026 • ColumbusCEO
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Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute Runners-up:
Columbus Oncology and Hematology Associates OhioHealth Arthur G. H. Bing, MD, Cancer Center
Seared halloumi with wine at Comune on Parsons Avenue
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Practice Orthopedic ONE Runners-up:
Ohio State Sports Medicine OrthoNeuro Physical Therapy Practice Orthopedic ONE Runners-up:
OhioHealth Rehabilitation Centers Ohio State Sports Medicine
LEGAL Business Law Firm Runners-up:
Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter Mowery Youell & Galeano Ltd. Family Law Firm Einstein & Gibson LLC
Photo by Tim Johnson
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease
Who’s empowering your growth? Helping clients make history since 1953, we’re grateful to the central Ohio business readers, clients and friends for believing we are the best at what we do.
TAX | ACCOUNTING | CONSULTING WWW.GBQ.COM 28
ColumbusCEO • Fall 2026
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File photo by Rob Hardin
Dupler Office
Runners-up:
Mowery Youell & Galeano Ltd. The Nigh Law Group Labor & Employment Law Firm Einstein & Gibson LLC Runners-up:
Mowery Youell & Galeano Ltd. Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease Law Firm (fewer than 50 attorneys) Einstein & Gibson LLC Runners-up:
Mowery Youell & Galeano Ltd. The Nigh Law Group Law Firm (more than 50 attorneys) Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease Runners-up:
Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP Litigation Firm Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease Runners-up:
Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter Mowery Youell & Galeano Ltd.
MEETINGS AND EVENTS Attraction for Visitors Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Runners-up:
Start with the Specialists. No Referral Required.
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Columbus Blue Jackets games Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Ohio State University athletic events
ColumbusCEO • Fall 2026
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Audiovisual Production Company Mills James Runners-up:
Bell Tree Productions Brainstorm Media Inc. Caterer Freedom a la Cart Runners-up:
Cameron Mitchell Premier Events Milo’s Catering Golf/Country Club Muirfield Village Golf Club Runners-up:
The Country Club at Muirfield Village Scioto Country Club Meeting/Event Venue The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center Runners-up:
Base One Greater Columbus Convention Center Private Golf Course Muirfield Village Golf Club Runners-up:
The Country Club at Muirfield Village Heritage Golf Club Promotional Products Company Artina Promotional Products Runners-up:
Outreach Promos Zilla Public Golf Course Golf Club of Dublin Runners-up:
Raymond Memorial Golf Course Safari Golf Club
PERSONAL PERKS Auto Dealer Germain Automotive Group Runners-up:
Byers Auto Group Roush Auto Group Executive Transportation NetJets Runners-up:
Cardinal Transportation Ltd. Lane Aviation Fitness Facility OhioHealth McConnell Heart Health Center Runners-up:
As You Are Cycle + Lagree Planet Fitness Fall 2026 • ColumbusCEO
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Florist Oberer’s Flowers Runners-up:
De Santis Florist Inc. Orchard Lane Flowers Jeweler Diamond Cellar Runners-up:
Sawchuk Jewelers Worthington Jewelers Private Flight Service NetJets Runners-up:
Lane Aviation Wheels Up Spa/Salon Penzone Salons + Spas Runners-up:
Kenneth’s Salons and Spas Woodhouse Spas
REAL ESTATE Commercial Developer Continental Building Co. Runners-up:
Crawford Hoying Zenios Group Commercial Interior Design Firm Macon Alley Runners-up:
Design Collective Inc. MA Design Commercial Roofing Company Newman Roofing Runners-up:
Able Roofing Feazel Custom Home Builder 3 Pillar Homes Runners-up:
Bob Webb Group P & D Builders Romanelli & Hughes Building Co. General Contractor Continental Building Co. Runners-up:
Elford Inc. Ruscilli Construction Co. HVAC Company Atlas Butler Heating, Cooling and Plumbing and Buckeye Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical (tie) Runners-up:
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ColumbusCEO • Fall 2026
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Air Force One Columbus Worthington Air West Jefferson Plumbing and Heating Inc. Landscaper/Nursery Oakland Nurseries Runners-up:
Darby Creek Nursery and Landscaping Strader’s Garden Centers Real Estate Agency, Commercial Crawford Hoying Runners-up:
BEST PART OF OUR BUSINESS?
THE PEOPLE BEHIND IT.
CASTO NAI Ohio Equities Real Estate Agency, Residential Fiv Realty Runners-up:
Coldwell Banker Realty Keller Williams Greater Columbus Realty RE/MAX Residential/Multifamily Developer Schottenstein Real Estate Group
BEST COMMERCIAL INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM
2024 2025
2026
Columbus CEO Best of Business
Runners-up:
Epcon Communities Lifestyle Communities Retirement Community
Photo by Tim Johnson
Friendship Village of Dublin
A planter at Oakland Nurseries Fall 2026 • ColumbusCEO
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Proud to be one of Columbus, Ohio’s Best Manufacturing Companies
Runners-up:
Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber Verena at Hilliard
WORKFORCE Employee Benefit Firm WTW Runners-up:
HR Butler Oswald Companies Quantum Health Inc. Employer (fewer than 500 employees) KEMBA Financial Credit Union Runners-up:
MA Design Macon Alley Employer (more than 500 employees) Ohio State University Runners-up:
Through a blend of rich tradition & flavorful innovation, we Make Every Meal Better
marzetticompany.com
OhioHealth Orthopedic ONE Executive Coach Firm Renogize Professional Coaching Runners-up:
Gallagher Consulting Group Inc. Leverage Leadership Temporary Employment Agency Acloché Runners-up:
Dawson Portfolio Creative
BEST OF THE REST Large Nonprofit (annual revenue over $7 million) Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio Runners-up:
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ColumbusCEO • Fall 2026
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NEW ALBANY A SUBURBAN GROWTH SECTION
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Spring 2026 • ColumbusCEO
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WHY NEW ALBANY CONTINUES TO LEAD the exceptional quality of life that has become synonymous with New Albany. From expanded recreational opportunities to transportation improvements and the future opening of the New Albany Fieldhouse and Community Center, these investments reflect our commitment to creating a vibrant community for generations to come. Our success has never been measured solely by economic growth or new development. It is measured by the strength of our relationships, the generosity of our residents and business partners, and the shared belief that we can accomplish more when we work together. That spirit is reflected in our community tagline, “Community Connects Us,” and it remains the foundation of everything we do. Whether you are considering New Albany as a place to live, grow a business, raise a family or invest in the future, I invite you to explore what makes this community so special. The stories featured in this section offer just a glimpse of the innovation and partnerships that continue to shape New Albany’s future. Thank you for your interest in our community. We look forward to welcoming you to New Albany. Sincerely, Photo courtesy City of New Albany
Welcome to New Albany. As mayor, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand the remarkable transformation taking place throughout our community. From new investments in infrastructure and recreation to unprecedented economic development activity, New Albany continues to demonstrate what is possible when a community pairs thoughtful planning with a steadfast commitment to a shared vision. While much attention has been focused on the extraordinary growth occurring within the New Albany International Business Park, what makes our community truly exceptional is our ability to balance progress with quality of life. We have created an environment where businesses can grow and families can thrive. Today, New Albany stands at the center of one of the most significant economic development opportunities in our state’s history. Continued investment from global leaders in technology, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and logistics is creating jobs and strengthening our regional economy. These investments are a testament to decades of strategic planning and the infrastructure needed to support business growth and innovation. At the same time, we remain focused on enhancing the everyday experiences of our residents. Recent improvements to our parks, trails, roadways and public spaces continue to support
Sloan T. Spalding Mayor, City of New Albany
ON THE COVER: Pictured at Amgen Inc. (from left): Sloan Spalding, New Albany mayor; Sandra Rodriguez-Toledo, vice president of site operations for Amgen Ohio; Jennifer Chrysler, New Albany community development director; and Bill Ebbing, president and CEO of The New Albany Company. Photo courtesy City of New Albany
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CONTENTS
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A PREMIER LIFE SCIENCES HUB Strong infrastructure, partnerships and workforce boost the sector
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DRIVING JOBS AND GROWTH Ongoing economic investment creates opportunity for workers
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VILLAGE CENTER The community’s gathering place
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BUILDING AN ECOSYSTEM New Albany is all-in on life sciences
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VISION FOR THE FUTURE Collaboration drives the community
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A FOCUS ON CIVIC PRINCIPLES Four pillars that guide the community
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COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s new Close To Home center
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COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE New Albany helped Axium Packaging thrive
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BUSINESS PARK IMPACT Tenant companies provide invaluable community support
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SUPPORTING BUSINESS Working together to foster growth
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GIVING BACK Donor-driven philanthropy
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BALANCING GROWTH Strategic planning and a diverse economy are shaping the future
ColumbusCEO • Fall 2026 / NEW ALBANY / SUBURBAN GROWTH
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Our strategic thinking will enable yours. Every aspect of the New Albany International Business Park is the result of strategic thinking. The infrastructure. The critical technology assets. The campus alignment. Even the freeway access. It was all designed so you could spend less time thinking about where your business is located and more time thinking about your next strategic business move.
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Photo courtesy City of New Albany
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Amgen staff assemble and package medicines using advanced technology and automation at the company’s New Albany facility.
A Premier Life Sciences Hub
The city has seen significant growth in the health and life sciences sector, thanks to strong infrastructure, partnerships and workforce. By Shannon Shelton Miller Twenty-six months. That was all the time New Albany needed to facilitate construction of biotechnology giant Amgen Inc.’s 300,000-square-foot assembly and packaging plant and witness its opening. “We brought this plant from groundbreaking to license in just 26 months, making it the most rapid site development in our company’s 45-year history,” Amgen CEO Robert Bradway said when the facility opened in February 2024. The company announced a $900 million expansion of its New Albany site in 2025 and expects another rapid
trajectory to completion in May 2027. Those are short spans for getting any major manufacturing operation from construction to opening, but they’re not out of the norm for the New Albany International Business Park, which has become an attractive destination for companies looking to build in or relocate to Central Ohio. The city has established a flourishing health and life sciences ecosystem, luring biotech and pharmaceutical companies like Amgen and numerous others to plant roots there. Earlier this year, the Ohio Life Sciences Association and JobsOhio selected the New Albany International
Business Park as the site of a new facility to train workers for health care and pharmaceutical jobs. Located at 7800 Walton Parkway, the Ohio Life Science Training Center will be the state’s first biomanufacturing training venue. Tyler Allchin, managing director of health care for JobsOhio, says New Albany was selected for its proximity to priority employers. A $30 million investment from JobsOhio, a private nonprofit economic development corporation, along with $5 million over five years from the city, will support the initiative. “We continue to hear from pharma companies across the market, whether domestic or international, that to be a
NEW ALBANY / SUBURBAN GROWTH / Fall 2026 • ColumbusCEO
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Rendering courtesy Ohio Life Sciences Association; photo courtesy James D. DeCamp
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The Ohio Life Science Training Center is expected to open in 2027.
leader in this space, we need a dedicated training facility that functions like the inside of an industry facility,” Allchin says. “This center can generate cohorts of Ohioans with biomanufacturing certificates. We couldn’t be happier to be doing this in New Albany.” New Albany has long practiced a cluster-focused economic development approach to attract and retain companies within specific industries. The idea is for those companies to draw from shared resources and talent, while planners, engineers, building officials and economic development staff become more familiar with the industry’s needs. The 2003 opening of Mount Carmel Surgical Hospital (now Mount Carmel New Albany) laid the foundation for a health and life sciences cluster. With the arrival of injectable medications manufacturer American Regent Inc. in 2013, the city became even more intentional about pursuing companies in the sector, which also includes direct-to-consumer digital health and wellness company Hims & Hers; Pharmavite, a national vitamin and supplement maker; brain growth and recovery company NeuroAnimation; and tube feeding device manufacturer Vesco Medical. New Albany recently earned a “Premier” ranking in the Life Science Ready Community Designation 6
A company will not look here if it doesn’t think the skillsets needed either currently exist or can be developed over time.” Matt McQuade, managing director of economic and business development for The New Albany Company program from the Ohio Life Sciences Association. The recognition is given to communities that have demonstrated a focus on building an ecosystem
to attract and support biotech and life sciences companies. Sandra Rodriguez-Toledo, vice president of site operations for Amgen Ohio, says in her more than 30 years in the pharmaceutical industry, she has never seen the level of cooperation from state and city governments, educational institutions and the community that she’s experienced in New Albany. “Building this facility in 26 months would not have been possible without the partnership from New Albany,” she says. “We can call the New Albany group to help us with any situation. It’s been the secret sauce to our success.” For local officials, it’s simply how the city does business. “We believe New Albany has a 25 percent faster permitting schedule than many of the other cities in the region,” says Sara Zeigler, the city’s economic development manager. “We have this expedited schedule because we have planning, zoning, code enforcement, engineering and building services all in one department. It allows us to move at the speed of business, not the speed of government.” Success Breeds Success Tom Stipkovich, vice president of corporate investment at regional economic development organization One Columbus, describes New Albany’s value as one that “de-risks” the process for life sciences companies. “The whole New Albany ecosystem provides a tremendous value proposition,” Stipkovich says. “When companies are evaluating a community, I think where New Albany really excels is they have clear processes for companies as they go through the permitting process, the zoning process and taking what’s potentially a greenfield site to an operational facility in a very short amount of time. Companies are evaluating your tax environment, your workforce, your speed to market, your utilities. … As you continue to de-risk the process for them, you start to stand out.” The Columbus region’s life sciences ecosystem is broadening as a whole,
ColumbusCEO • Fall 2026 / NEW ALBANY / SUBURBAN GROWTH
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Tapping Local Talent While New Albany’s economic development infrastructure has been vital to establishing its thriving health and life sciences cluster, a qualified labor force
is another key to its success. Stipkovich calls workforce “probably the single largest factor” when companies consider a new investment. Matt McQuade, managing director of economic and business development for The New Albany Company, describes it as “the most important input” for a biopharmaceutical manufacturing operation. “Where I view the workforce as being incredibly impactful is throughout the whole evaluation process. A company will not look here if it doesn’t think the skillsets needed either currently exist or can be developed over time,” McQuade says. McQuade adds that companies aren’t just looking at the talent pool in a particular city, but at the wider labor market in the region or state. That means a training center located in New Albany can strengthen the Columbus region and Ohio as a whole, while also making New Albany a more competitive option for the next company deciding where to invest. “This isn’t just an asset to support companies already here,” he says. “I’ve been in economic development my entire career and have never seen the state of Ohio in the game for as many biopharmaceutical manufacturing opportunities. This is the state looking into the future and seeing Ohio as having a right to compete in this industry.” Eddie Pauline, president and CEO of the Ohio Life Sciences Association and Ohio Life Sciences Institute, says workers considering a move to the
Columbus region are drawn by the presence of multiple companies in a particular sector. Seeing many potential employers and employment opportunities makes the market more attractive to specialized workers and in turn gives employers a deeper pool from which to hire. “People coming to work in this environment know that maybe if something doesn’t work out at one of these companies, they can pivot to another one,” Pauline says. “They’re coming in knowing if they’re going to make the move to Columbus or New Albany, there’s going to be more opportunities to stay.” Pauline says cities such as New Albany have benefitted from a shift in the way corporations select places to build or expand. Rural options with large parcels of land often were preferred more than 20 years ago, but companies have pivoted to locations closer to urban cores. Workers are less willing to make long-distance commutes and prefer places with diverse housing stock where they also can enjoy amenities like dining, shopping and events. New Albany checks all those boxes, and also has a trained and educated talent pool that continues to develop as the health and life sciences sector grows. The Ohio Life Science Training Center will help the workforce keep pace, Pauline says. The facility is expected to include simulated wet-lab and biomanufacturing space where trainees can learn current Good Manufacturing
Photo courtesy James D. DeCamp
stretching from research and development to production, logistics and medical device manufacturing, Stipkovich says. As more companies succeed and expand, it makes the region more attractive for new opportunities. Allchin of JobsOhio says in the past two years in particular, the health and life sciences sector has seen an increased emphasis on biomanufacturing and manufacturing of medications and therapeutics. Business opportunities have grown due to post-pandemic supply chain rebuilding, increased onshoring and national and global companies bringing manufacturing and packaging processes to the U.S. “We have been privileged to chase these opportunities and win a handful with our partners in New Albany and The New Albany Company,” he says. Once companies have chosen New Albany, many tend to stay—and grow. They make an initial investment, have a positive experience with local partnership and workforce, then choose New Albany again for a second or third project. Amgen’s expansion, which will bring its total investment in Central Ohio to more than $1.4 billion, will add three manufacturing lines and grow its automated warehouse, adding 350 jobs for a total of 750. Additionally, American Regent is completing a multimillion-dollar expansion, and Hims & Hers in late 2025 announced a $200 million investment for a new facility and the addition of 400 jobs. “We’re attracting new companies, but we’re serving our companies well and they’re expanding here, which is equally as exciting for us,” Zeigler says. “We also know having this training center will make New Albany and Ohio even more competitive when it comes to attracting the health and life science cluster companies.”
The American Regent Inc. campus
NEW ALBANY / SUBURBAN GROWTH / Fall 2026 • ColumbusCEO
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Practices, or cGMP, along with fundamentals such as requirements of personal protective equipment, documentation and working in an environment regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Early cohorts are expected to enroll about 20 students in eight- to 10-week programs, with more advanced programming added over time on topics such as compounding or making biologicals. Columbus State Community College will deliver the curriculum, along with industry partners, and will modify training based on employer needs. Rodriguez-Toledo of Amgen, a member of the training center’s advisory board, envisions the facility helping employees and future hires gain the qualifications they need to work at Amgen—or anywhere in New Albany and beyond. She recalls the start of the company’s journey in New Albany, and how one employee asked when the
Photo courtesy City of New Albany
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A Pharmavite employee works on a Nature Made vitamins line.
company would get a new operation there. She replied that Amgen first needed to deliver for its patients before considering an expansion. “So, we delivered,” she says. “And
now, we are expanding. That delivery is because of our work and that secret sauce of working together, with the rest of the organization, [with] New Albany and the state.”
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ColumbusCEO • Fall 2026 / NEW ALBANY / SUBURBAN GROWTH
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Photo courtesy James D. DeCamp
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Intel’s Ohio One site
Driving Jobs and Growth
Ongoing investment in the New Albany International Business Park is creating ample opportunity for construction and skilled trades workers. You could say the New Albany International Business Park is Central Ohio’s field of dreams: If you build it, industry will come. And although it opened in 1998, growth in New Albany’s 9,000-acre Silicon Heartland shows no signs of slowing. The business campus is home to 43 million square feet of development totaling $85 billion in investment. The master-planned park spans four school districts in Franklin and Licking counties, with a series of industry sectors devoted to corporate office and research and development; personal care and beauty; information technology; health and life sciences; high-tech manufacturing and logistics; and semiconductor manufacturing. Beyond the thousands of jobs at existing companies, the continued 10
development of those operations provides a staggering 25,000 full-time construction positions. That’s a big economic benefit for the growing city of about 11,000 residents, as well as the region and the state. “You think about the impact on the restaurant business, on the hospitality business, up and down the line,” says Brian Mooney, managing director for Turner Construction Co. “That has a lasting impact on many different industries, not just on the jobs themselves that are being done.” “Our first project in New Albany was in 2019,” says Phil Rasey, executive vice president of development for the Columbus office of VanTrust Real Estate. “Since then, we’ve developed 11 buildings, totaling 5.2 million square feet in seven years, which is kind of crazy.”
That’s an investment of $520 million, mostly on spec properties. The company delivered a 300,000-square-foot building in May and then broke ground on another 300,000-square-foot building that will be finished later this year, Rasey says. Those types of builds usually require 200 to 300 workers each, he says. Turner could have 500 to 600 people on the job at a time at the peak of an average project, Mooney says. Pharmaceutical and life science sites could utilize 400 to 600 people, and other large sites could require as many as 2,000 workers a day. Pipefitters and electricians are probably the workers most in demand, says Mooney, providing stable jobs with great earning potential. Bryan Stewart is chairman and CEO of Superior, one of the largest electrical contractors in the United States, which
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was recently acquired by MasTec Inc. for $1.65 billion. Superior has about 1,000 employees currently working in New Albany. “Every job is a permanent job for us,” he says. “We hire people based on demand and assign them to projects and locations every day.” After completing a four- to five-year apprenticeship, Stewart says a journeyman electrician can make $150,000 in annual compensation before overtime. “These are amazing careers that are fundamental to the economy and really build our middle class,” he says. “The scale and size of these jobs make them not only local and regional, but they’re national,” Mooney says. “You’ll have craft workers come in from all over the United States.” While he says most workers are local, some projects have attracted specialty workers from Texas and California. “This kind of growth in Columbus has been going on for the last decade
plus,” he says, noting workforce development programs, like Meta’s America’s Workforce Academy, “are massive investments that are being employed to help drive participation in the [construction] industry.” Contruction Fuels Growth Nick Savko & Sons Inc. has been involved in New Albany site development since the early days of the village’s transformation. “We built a lot of the road systems all through New Albany,” says Martin Savko, chairman of the company his father started in 1946. “We’ve seen an awful lot of change over the years. It’s unbelievable. “We have 400 great people that help us operate and grow our company every day,” he says. Company supervisors earn in the $150,000 range; heavy equipment operators can make $40 an hour, and other laborers have an hourly rate in the upper $30s.
In addition to developing residential sites in the city, the company’s Scioto Ready Mix concrete operation regularly hauls concrete to sites across the New Albany International Business Park, including Intel’s 1,000-acre semiconductor manufacturing campus, where two leading-edge chip factories are under construction. Intel’s Ohio One campus has been utilizing 1,200 workers a day, and the company has invested more than $1 billion in the site in 2026, according to city officials. Savko likens the tech sector boom to the new industrial revolution. “We’ve seen steel. We’ve seen automobiles. We’ve seen computers. Now it’s AI,” he says. Superior has been working in the business park for more than two decades, including work for Discover and Nationwide. More recently, it has worked with clients like Google, Amazon Web Services and Meta to
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build, maintain and expand facilities. “It’s a busy space to be in,” Stewart says. But technology isn’t the only sector driving employment. The business park has become a hub for the health and life sciences industry, which employs more than 60,000 workers across the state. Companies such as Amgen Inc. and American Regent Inc., both of which work in pharmaceuticals, are expanding their footprints in New Albany. The Ohio Life Science Training Center, expected to open in 2027, will support workers in the industry and build the regional talent pipeline. Between new builds, maintenance and retrofit work, construction projects create jobs that last for decades, Stewart says. “The economic impact is truly significant,” he says, calling the business park “one of the best examples of economic development and community building that I have seen in the country.” Turner Construction has worked in multiple industries in the business park, building facilities for clients including Amgen, Pharmavite, Meta and Vantage. “We’re always looking for projects in the area,” Mooney says. “[The] work that’s being developed in there is a game changer, not only for New Albany and Columbus but for the state of Ohio,” he says. “If you look at the park from a decade ago to today, it’s quite extraordinary what’s been done. It really is a model for how economic development should be done. “The scale of it and the complexity of investment is massive,” Mooney says. “We’re talking billions, not millions, of dollars. You don’t see that in many places globally, the type of investment that’s going on in New Albany. Everybody in Columbus is a beneficiary of that type of investment—directly or indirectly.” “There’s nothing like what’s going on in New Albany in the five counties in Central Ohio,” Savko says. “A lot of towns in the United States could pay attention to the city of New Albany and learn a lot.”
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Photos from top: courtesy City of New Albany; courtesy James D. DeCamp
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A view of the New Albany Village Center
Community Gathering Place
New Albany’s Village Center continues to evolve, with new parks, businesses and housing options to meet residents’ needs. By Laura Newpoff New Albany’s Village Center is a lively gathering place for all ages. More than just a town square, it offers a walkable business district, cultural opportunities, ample green space and even a wetland. The latter came about in the 1990s, when the New Albany Bypass Project was designed to route heavy highway traffic around the heart of the Village Center. To compensate for the impact on wetlands associated with the project, the Ohio Department of Transportation created a wetland conservation basin just south of the highway as part of the entrance into the village along New Albany Road. Vernal pools became breeding areas for amphibians, and other areas developed as an important habitat for flora and fauna diversity, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
we continue with that same philosophy Today, the area is used by New of strategic land donations and preserAlbany-Plain Local Schools for envivation of natural and historic resources ronmental education. The project was that define our community.” possible thanks to a 30-acre The New Albany Company land donation in 1994 by has donated more than 200 The New Albany Company. acres for various projects in “The idea was to dedithe Village Center over the cate these 30 acres to start years, involving not only the a wetland park for perpetcity but also the school district ual green space that the and other organizations. One community and residents of its most recent gifts is 27 can experience as you acres for a new Nationwide enter the city from Route Tom Rubey Children’s Hospital Close To 161,” says Tom Rubey, Home facility. director of development for The New Albany Company. “It was Connecting the Community a seminal moment for our community. The New Albany Company donated 6 It helped to define what New Albany acres in 1996 for the creation of Rose is all about and what is so importRun Park, across from the school camant to us: preservation of wetlands, pus. An additional 14-acre donation in tree stands and historic homesteads. 2006 became William H. Resch Park, We were deliberate about where we which sits along Rose Run Creek surthought those commitments needed to rounding the Civil War-era Ealy House. be made from that point forward, and NEW ALBANY / SUBURBAN GROWTH / Fall 2026 • ColumbusCEO
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Photos from top: courtesy James D. DeCamp; courtesy City of New Albany (2)
Students attend a New Albany Lecture Series event at the McCoy Center for the Arts.
Creeking in Rose Run Park
The New Albany Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library 14
Rose Run Park serves as a backdrop for the Village Center’s Market Square, including a branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. A farmers market takes place here every Thursday during the summer, illustrating how this area has become the heartbeat of the community and a primary gathering place. It features restaurants and shops, access to parks and greenways, and adjacency to the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany. Concerts and cultural events are held at the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts and the Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater. Rose Run Park Phase II is underway as part of the city’s enhancement efforts. A new Veterans Memorial, located between Village Hall and the New Albany Police Department, will feature a heroes walk, a plaza and water feature designed to provide a space for reflection, and a sculpture honoring Gold Star families and New Albany resident Albert “Mike” Butsko, who died in the Vietnam War. The 2-acre site was donated by The New Albany Company. The city is working with landscape architect MKSK on the park project, which is expected to be completed in fall 2027. Over a period of more than five years, community officials and residents collaborated on decisions about where the memorial would be located and how it would be designed. “It will be an interactive piece of the community and a place of contemplation,” says Mayor Sloan Spalding. “It became clear during the discussions we didn’t want to put this on the outskirts of the community. We wanted it in the Village Center.” On the Horizon More residential options will be coming online to enhance existing opportunities in the area. A new community called Edgehill, developed by M/I Homes Inc., will bring a new concept to the city with a 243-unit mix of row homes and townhouses. It sits south of the new Nationwide Children’s facility and east of 20 acres of parkland
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donated by The New Albany Company that fold into the area near Rose Run Park. The units will be marketed to empty nesters and young professionals to minimize impact on the school district and diversify housing opportunities for future residents, Rubey says. Additionally, a Mershad Development project called Upper East will contain a mixture of residential and commercial/retail uses on a 2.96-acre site in the Village Center. It will be a pedestrian-oriented development, as envisioned in the Engage New Albany Strategic Plan. As the Village Center has grown, city officials have been careful to keep tabs on traffic and pedestrian patterns. A new roundabout on the Market Street extension was designed to handle current and future traffic needs, and it also features a scenic overlook along the road’s multiuse path. Residents soon will have more recreational opportunities via a new park now in the planning stages. Kitzmiller Wetland Park will be the city’s third destination park, built along land acquired through Clean Ohio more than a decade ago between Kitzmiller Road and U.S. Route 62. Community feedback identified a desire for more passive recreational amenities. The project will preserve access to natural resources such as wetlands, mature tree stands and prairies. Adrienne Joly, deputy city manager, says the park projects reflect New Albany’s four core pillars: lifelong learning, health and wellness, arts and culture, and environmental sustainability. “You can tie the parks back to those pillars that increase the quality of life for people who live here, work here and come to visit,” she says. “They also tie into connectivity and giving people space to enjoy family and friends and invest in health and happiness. Community connects us. Our Village Center is the epitome of that connectivity and what that strategy to connect us looks like in real life.”
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NEW ALBANY / SUBURBAN GROWTH / Fall 2026 • ColumbusCEO
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New Albany Is Building an Ecosystem This year, the BIO International Convention in San Diego brought together over 20,000 life science leaders. A recurring theme emerged from those leaders in the various state pavilions showcasing why they are a life science hub: The regions that win in life sciences won’t be the ones with the single best company or the single best lab. They’ll be the ones with the strongest connected ecosystem—research, talent, manufacturing capacity and capital that reinforce one another. That takes a community willing to invest in the whole system. New Albany has done exactly that. Start with biomanufacturing, the tenet where competitor states have landed the biggest wins—and where Ohio, until recently, had a gap. New Albany closed part of it. The Ohio Life Science Training Center, now backed by the state’s first-ever capital appropriation for life sciences workforce development, sits in the New Albany International Business Park because the City of New Albany and The New Albany Company chose to be founding investors, not bystanders. That commitment helped unlock JobsOhio’s transformational funding support of up to $30 million over five years—capital that only moves when local partners show up. That same pattern extends to talent development. The training center’s current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) curriculum, delivered by Columbus State Community College, fills the entry-level manufacturing and quality roles that make up nearly 40 percent of life sciences employment. These jobs don’t require a Ph.D., but they do require a community willing to build the pipeline. The Ohio Life Science Training Center advisory board, which includes representation from New Albany
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Photo courtesy Ohio Life Sciences Association
By Eddie Pauline
Eddie Pauline
employers like Pharmavite, Hims & Hers and Amgen Inc., will keep the curriculum relevant to ever-changing industry demands and Food and Drug Administration regulations. Such communitywide commitment is also why New Albany recently earned a “Premier” designation through our Life Science Ready Community program. The designation is reserved for communities that have done the work: zoning, utility infrastructure, workforce partnerships and site readiness that let a life sciences company move fast. On behalf of the Ohio Life Sciences
Association and Institute, I want to thank the City of New Albany and The New Albany Company for their transformational investment in the Ohio Life Science Training Center. Their willingness to fund ecosystem infrastructure before a single ribbon is cut is exactly the kind of local commitment that unlocks state and private capital behind it. New Albany isn’t just hosting a building. It’s helping build the infrastructure the whole state needs and will use. Eddie Pauline is president and CEO of the Ohio Life Sciences Association and Ohio Life Sciences Institute.
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An Independence Day celebration in Rose Run Park
A Shared Vision for the Future By Adrienne Joly When you explore New Albany, you may notice the miles of leisure trails, parks designed for all ages and abilities, thoughtful architecture and the white horse fences that tell you you’ve arrived somewhere special. I’ve watched New Albany grow for years, and I know our success is the result of decades of strategic planning, the discipline to follow through and strong public-private partnerships. Throughout that time, we’ve remained committed to a common vision: The choices we make today should serve the New Albany our children will inherit. “Community Connects Us” is more than a phrase on our signs and letterhead; it’s a mantra for how we live and do business. We’ve collaborated with our residents and our public and private partners for decades to strengthen public services and create new places for people to connect. Rose Run Park is a great example. It
Local Schools, we’re planning a new combegan as a stream restoration project munity athletic campus to serve students and now showcases the heart and soul and create recreational opportunities for of our community: the Village Center. residents of all ages. This reflects how colIt is the connective tissue between laboration lets us invest in facilities that vibrant businesses, the New Albanybenefit everyone. That same approach Plain Local Schools campus, the Hinson has also led to transformative investAmphitheater, the McCoy Center for ments like the Ohio Life Science Training the Arts and the Philip Heit Center Center. It will prepare the for Healthy New Albany. workforce for one of Ohio Expanding the park with a and New Albany’s fastestnew Veterans Memorial will growing industries while provide another meaningful creating new opportunities place to gather and reflect. that will keep our children You also feel that conin the state. nection when we gather The real test of our to enjoy music at the strategic plan isn’t what’s amphitheater, share rich printed on a page; it’s what traditions during Diwali our community accomplishand Juneteenth, embrace Adrienne Joly es together over time. As we the feeling of gemütlichkeit look ahead, I’m confident at Oktoberfest, celebrate collaboration will remain one of our greatIndependence Day with a parade and est strengths and the clearest proof that fireworks, and take time to say thank you Community Connects Us. during our Veterans Day breakfast. Adrienne Joly is the New Albany depuThat same spirit is shaping what comes ty city manager. next. Together with New Albany-Plain NEW ALBANY / SUBURBAN GROWTH / Fall 2026 • ColumbusCEO
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Amp Up the Arts 2025 at the Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater
A Focus on Civic Principles
New Albany relies on four pillars to guide growth: lifelong learning, arts and culture, health and wellness, and environmental sustainability. By Nicholas Dekker While New Albany and its surrounding community have grown by leaps and bounds over recent decades, that growth has come with careful planning. Multiple community organizations, nonprofits, city officials, business leaders and individuals have banded together to forge a growing city that incorporates a robust school district, abundant green spaces, dining and attractions, and neighborhoods friendly to businesses large and small. When the New Albany Community Foundation was formed in 1995, it articulated four pillars to guide the growth of the community: Lifelong Learning, Arts & Culture, Health & Wellness, and Environmental Sustainability. Those pillars have laid the foundation for successful community planning ever since. Many of New Albany’s organizations touch on all four pillars through their work. “Strong businesses don’t exist in isolation or as islands,” says Cherie 18
Nelson, president and CEO of the New Albany Chamber of Commerce. “The whole thing comes together for businesses. If you think about lifelong learning, you think great schools; if you think about healthy employees, you think the public spaces. I think we’re in a unique position to support and love and nurture all four pillars in some capacity.” Lifelong Learning The city’s commitment to lifelong learning is readily apparent in the centralized, 200-acre campus for New AlbanyPlain Local Schools. In 2024, voters approved a levy to support new schools and upgraded facilities through 2031, including a new elementary school and high school technology hub, updated science labs, renovations to existing facilities and a new fine arts hub for students in grades 5-12. “Another example of learning is that it also crosses over into leadership development and business growth, like our Leadership New Albany program,”
Nelson says. “It’s an eight-month leadership program where they learn everything A to Z about New Albany. That helps us take existing leaders, bring them to the next level and also prepare them to hopefully serve on boards in New Albany. The whole thing is like an ecosystem to me, and each piece helps and nurtures the other pieces.” “There was a discussion about, ‘Do you describe it as education or lifelong learning,’ ” says Craig Mohre, president of the foundation. “And the reason we landed on lifelong learning is we wanted it to be multigenerational. We really wanted it to be everybody of all ages.” To that end, the foundation created the New Albany Lecture Series, which is nationally recognized for speakers ranging from actors to journalists, generals to policymakers. The impact extends to students around Central Ohio with the Student Lecture Series; Mohre estimates more than 50 area high schools representing over 37,000 students have participated.
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the most prominent public art piece in New Albany,” says Kerri Mollard, president of the Plain Township trustees. “We only have one Gold Star family. The statue is Eleanor, the mom, in the act of placing the star above the door. It’s going to be beautiful.” Health & Wellness New Albany’s commitment to health and wellness is apparent in amenities like walking paths, playgrounds and recreation facilities. Spalding sees it as a success story for the community, with centerpieces like Rose Run Park, a winding green space featuring bridges, walking paths and children’s play areas. “If you’re familiar with New Albany, we put a lot of time and energy into
making sure that Rose Run Park is sort of the front door, the front porch of New Albany,” he says. “Just to have that access to nature right in the center of town was super important to us.” The forthcoming Rose Run Park Phase II extends the space between Village Hall and the police department; the Veterans Memorial will honor those who have served through a heroes walk, a contemplative plaza and the statue honoring Gold Star families. Likewise, the nearly 100-acre Taylor Farm Park, which opened in phases in 2023 and 2024, features boardwalks and trails, a playground, a community garden and preserved wetland migration areas. These connected greenspaces have been dubbed the Emerald Bracelet.
A scene from the Healthy New Albany Farmers Market
Photos courtesy James D. DeCamp
Arts & Culture The New Albany Community Foundation played a key role in getting a local branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library built in 2003. When construction on the project had paused, the foundation offered to assist with fundraising and arranged for historian David McCullough to be a guest speaker for an event. (McCullough was so charmed he returned to New Albany multiple times over the years.) The library ties into New Albany’s rich cultural district, which features significant infrastructure that allows for concerts, dance, theater, film screenings and more. The Jeanne B. McCoy Center for the Arts opened in 2008 as a partnership between the foundation, the city, Plain Township and the school district. It hosts dozens of events annually, including dance festivals, concerts from community groups, school performances and guest speakers. Likewise, the 800-seat Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater next door was a collaborative project that brought an outdoor performance space connecting the cultural campus, Rose Run Park and the Market Square district. The New Albany Symphony Orchestra plays at both venues. New Albany Mayor Sloan Spalding is particularly proud of the amphitheater and its unique impact. “The Hinson Amphitheater was a long project,” he says. “It took us a lot of time to get the community support, but that one I think we definitely got right. Sometimes things take a while and you’re patient with it, but most times those delays are because you’re trying to make it the best actual product you can.” New Albany is expanding public art, too, and in ways that are meaningful to the community. Sculptor Mike Kraus was commissioned to create a statue memorializing New Albany resident Albert “Mike” Butsko, who served and died during the Vietnam War. The statue will serve as a centerpiece of the new Veterans Memorial Park in Rose Run Park Phase II. “This statue will be
A fall leaf walk at the Easton E3 Learning Lab on the New Albany-Plain Local Schools campus NEW ALBANY / SUBURBAN GROWTH / Fall 2026 • ColumbusCEO
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The New Albany Symphony Orchestra and Chorus hosts an annual holiday show.
Hundreds of acres have been donated by The New Albany Company, allowing for growth of the central park campus, an addition of a scenic overlook connected to Rose Run Park Phase II, extended parkland for Taylor Farm Park and even the creation of Rocky Fork Metro Park. Various organizations within the city promote healthy lifestyles, too. Healthy New Albany has offerings for all ages with cooking classes, nature workshops, a food pantry, a farmers market, a community garden and the annual Healthy New Albany Walking Classic. Healthy New Albany also collaborates with Innovate New Albany on a series called Healthy Habits for High Achievers. The program is designed for business professionals. “The message of this program is: If you’re not taking care of yourself, you will be much less effective at utilizing the skills and experiences that are being shared here,” says Neil Collins, onsite leader at Innovate New Albany. “So, taking care of your own health is not selfish. It’s actually good for you, your family, all the people that depend on you, including the teams you might lead or the customers you’re trying to serve.” To that end, New Albany Parks & Recreation is opening a new
185,000-square-foot fieldhouse and community center in late 2026. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center operates the fitness center in the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany, offering primary care, sports medicine and mental health services. The facility also includes spaces managed by Healthy New Albany, such as a demonstration kitchen, and community gathering and meeting rooms. A prime example of city partnerships serving health and wellness is the addition of Fire Station 122, Plain Township’s second fire station, which broke ground in June 2026. The station is built on more than 6 acres of land donated by The New Albany Company. The concept began in 2023 as part of the township’s master plan, and funding was included in the 2024 fire levy request. It’s strategically located in north New Albany to improve emergency response coverage for the community today and for years to come. Environmental Sustainability The city’s fourth pillar is increasingly being embraced by organizations around the community, and leaders are looking to make a bigger impact. Mohre says the foundation is leaning more into sustainability. “Last year we
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started with a denim drive,” he says. “This was inspired by Abercrombie & Fitch. They had been doing a denim drive internally, and we thought, well, we could take this community-wide.” The foundation originally partnered with a recycling company to repurpose the denim into insulation, but discovered many of the 1,000 pieces collected were in good enough condition to donate. “Some of them still had tags on them,” Mohre says. “There were about 700 that were in good enough shape that we cleaned and donated them to the food pantry so they could distribute them to their clients.” New Albany’s commitment to sustainability also shows up in practical ways. Each year, the city provides convenient options to responsibly dispose of electronic and household hazardous waste, shred sensitive documents and recycle textiles. By making sustainable choices easier, city officials aim to help
Photo courtesy City of New Albany
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A walking path in Taylor Farm Park
residents reduce waste and protect the environment. Spalding sees potential in New Albany’s commitment to sustainability. “Lifelong learning, health and wellness, arts and culture, we’ve done really
well in those three pillars,” he says. “Hopefully in four or five years we’re going to have a real signature project to look at, to say, ‘Here’s what we did to embrace and really lift up sustainability in New Albany.’ ”
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Rendering and photo courtesy Nationwide Children’s Hospital
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Nationwide Children’s is set to open its latest Close To Home center in late 2027.
Expanding Community Health Care Nationwide Children’s new Close To Home center reflects New Albany’s decades-long commitment to planning for the future. By Jill Moorhead A teenager breaks an arm during a lacrosse game and needs X-rays. A toddler develops a stubborn fever that won’t go away. A routine visit uncovers something far more serious than anyone expected. Beginning in late 2027, families in New Albany will have a pediatric center close to home designed to handle all three health care situations. You can’t predict the future, especially when children are involved. But you can prepare for it. That philosophy has shaped New Albany’s approach to growth for decades. As the community has expanded, so has its health care footprint, bringing hospitals, specialty care and medical services closer to where people live. The next addition comes in late 2027, when Nationwide Children’s Hospital opens its 25th Close To Home center with advanced urgent care and pediatric specialty services. For community leaders, the investment reflects New Albany’s long-standing approach to strategic planning. The city has grown to more than 11,000 residents and has long-range plans for approximately 17,000. Health care infrastructure is considered with the same 22
clinics inside the Philip Heit Center long-term intentionality as roads, parks for Healthy New Albany since 2015, and schools. The city already offers a offering services such as sports medbroad range of medical care from the reicine, orthopedic care, sleep medicine gion’s three other major health systems, and physical therapy. During that time, including Ohio State University Wexner annual patient visits doubled from Medical Center’s 250,000-square-foot about 6,500 to 13,000, evidence that outpatient care facility and Mount demand for pediatric specialty care had Carmel New Albany, a specialty orthooutgrown the available space. pedic hospital that also offers a 24-hour As young families emergency department. continue to settle in New Additionally, OhioHealth Albany and the surroundpurchased the former Big ing northeast quadrant of Lots offices in the Hamilton Central Ohio, Nationwide Quarter development and is Children’s sees both existevaluating use options. ing demand and room for “We’ve embraced health continued growth, Hoang and wellness as a pillar of our says, adding they expect to community,” Mayor Sloan see roughly 25,000 to 30,000 Spalding says. “Having one of Libbey Hoang annual visits upon opening. the nation’s preeminent hospiCoupled with the area’s raptals in our backyard is exciting id residential growth (the quadrant is for our community.” home to approximately 47,000 children and adolescents), hospital officials view Filling a Growing Need New Albany as an opportunity to bring Nationwide Children’s has steadily more pediatric expertise and specialty expanded its Close To Home network care closer to where families live. across the Columbus region, and New The new campus will dramatically Albany was a natural location, says broaden the services available locally, Libbey Hoang, vice president of planning adding an advanced urgent care cenand the Close To Home Network. ter, expanded imaging and laboratory The system has operated specialty
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services, rehabilitation therapies, and specialty clinics ranging from cardiology and neurology to dermatology and urology. While New Albany already has a broad range of health care services, Hoang emphasizes that Close To Home is designed specifically for children and their unique medical and developmental needs. Even the building will reflect that focus, with child-sized features and spaces designed to make visits easier for both children and families. Cultivating Opportunities Nationwide Children’s will occupy a prominent site in the Village Center on 27 acres donated by The New Albany Company. The gift provides room to expand as community needs evolve; when the facility opens, it will become the health system’s largest single-building Close To Home center. Within a short walk are schools, a branch of the Columbus Metropolitan
Library, the Philip Heit Center, parks, trails and the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts. Outside the center’s doors, families will find themselves connected to miles of walking trails and Rose Run Park. The setting reflects the community’s broader vision that parks, trails and civic spaces are integral to quality of life. Hoang says these amenities will create a welcoming environment—and moments of respite—for patients, their families and the staff who care for them. “We had so many different opportunities to develop this ground,” says Bill Ebbing, president and CEO of The New Albany Company. “Every time we thought about it, it was like, ‘Nope. It’s just not the right use. Something’s going to come along that’s critical to the expanding community.’ ” When Nationwide Children’s Hospital began looking for a Close To Home site, Ebbing believed that
opportunity had arrived. Rather than targeting the parcel for commercial development, The New Albany Company donated the acreage, not only ensuring the facility could be built, but also that it would have room to grow. Hoang says the donated site gives Nationwide Children’s the flexibility to add outpatient services and expand the campus as community needs evolve. “We always think farther ahead,” Ebbing says. The goal is to make decisions today that leave room for future growth and potential needs. Someday, a family will pull into the parking lot focused on just one thing: the well-being of their child. They won’t think about the decades of planning that made that moment possible. They’ll simply be grateful the care they need is close to home. After all, no one can predict the future. But the best communities prepare for it.
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Axium’s Competitive Advantage When Axium Packaging was looking for a place to anchor its future, we weren’t simply searching for land or tax incentives. We were looking for an ecosystem where manufacturing, innovation, customers and talent could come together. We found exactly that in New Albany, Ohio. Looking back, choosing New Albany was the single most transformative decision in our company’s history. At Axium, we manufacture rigid plastic packaging, in an industry where speed, efficiency and supply chain reliability are critical. New Albany recognized this early. Through the vision of The New Albany Company and the City of New Albany, the Personal Care and Beauty Innovation Park was developed within the New Albany International Business Park. The result was something unique: a vertically integrated manufacturing hub that brings together raw material compounders, packaging manufacturers, label suppliers and logistics providers in one location. For Axium, that changed everything. Instead of shipping empty bottles across the country, we manufacture packaging just minutes from our customers’ operations. That proximity dramatically reduces freight costs, shortens lead times, lowers inventory requirements and significantly decreases our environmental footprint. What was once a fragmented supply chain has become a highly efficient, collaborative manufacturing ecosystem that allows our customers to move faster than ever before. That speed and proximity have been especially valuable in serving major consumer brands such as Bath & Body Works, Procter & Gamble, Unilever, L’Oréal, SC Johnson, Nestlé and many more, where quality, agility and speed
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Photo courtesy Axium Packaging Inc.
By Paul Judge
Paul Judge
to market are essential. Being located within this ecosystem allows us to collaborate more closely, respond more quickly to changing customer needs and support the kind of innovation that global brands require. But a world-class ecosystem requires more than neighboring businesses. It depends on infrastructure, leadership and a community committed to growth. New Albany has consistently delivered all three. Shovel-ready sites, dependable utility infrastructure and an efficient permitting process have enabled us to expand at a pace that would be difficult to match elsewhere. As our customers’ needs have grown, the city has allowed us to grow alongside them without unnecessary delays. Equally important, Central Ohio has provided access to an exceptional workforce whose talent, work ethic and commitment have been instrumental to our success.
When Axium opened its first New Albany facility in 2011, we planned for 65 full-time employees and approximately 120,000 square feet of manufacturing space. Today, our campus has grown to 10 buildings encompassing more than 2 million square feet and employing over 1,200 people. New Albany also served as the foundation for Axium’s broader growth. Across North America, Axium now operates 33 facilities, employs more than 3,500 people and occupies more than 4.7 million square feet of space. Along the way, we also launched Vertix Inc., a state-of-the-art plastics recycling facility that recovers more than 50 million pounds of high-density polyethylene each year, advancing our commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. Our story demonstrates what is possible when long-term public vision aligns with private investment and entrepreneurial ambition. New Albany didn’t simply provide Axium with a place to build factories. It created an environment where companies can innovate, invest, attract talent and compete on a global stage. That competitive advantage has helped transform Axium from a startup manufacturer into one of North America’s leading packaging companies. As communities across the country seek to attract advanced manufacturing, New Albany offers a blueprint worth studying. Its success wasn’t built on incentives alone, but on decades of thoughtful planning, strategic infrastructure investments and a commitment to creating an ecosystem where businesses can thrive together. Axium is proud to be part of that story. Paul Judge is the president and co-founder of Axium Packaging Inc.
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Photos from top: courtesy City of New Albany; courtesy James D. DeCamp
Businesses Are Showing Up for Our Community By Richard Roggenkamp Building a community requires more than just housing and roads. It requires a sustainable economic engine that fuels public services, supports public education and elevates the quality of life for every resident. In New Albany, that engine is the New Albany International Business Park. The New Albany Company first envisioned this master-planned business cluster in the mid-1990s and collaborated with the city to make it a reality. The goal was to attract world-class enterprises and job opportunities. Today, the 12,000acre business park is a bustling hub of 25,000-plus employees who work at a multitude of companies, such as retail powerhouses Abercrombie & Fitch and Bath & Body Works; life sciences leaders Amgen Inc., American Regent Inc. and Pharmavite; and global technology firms such as Meta, Google, Microsoft and Amazon Web Services (AWS). The financial impact of the business park is a cornerstone of our city’s success. Tax revenue from local businesses generates the majority of the city’s general fund income tax revenue. Those revenues fund critical infrastructure, community-wide parks and leisure trails, and exceptional public safety services, all while significantly easing the tax burden on individual households. The true value of these companies extends far beyond corporate balance sheets and tax revenue; it is measured by their deep commitment to the community. Business park companies are deeply invested in the community, with a strong
Students work in the Amazon Think Big Space.
thousands of visitors to its campus and focus on nurturing the next generation. raises millions of dollars in support of These philanthropic efforts are mental health programs for teens and reflected in robust scholarship funds young adults here and around the world. and educational grants distributed Ultimately, the New Albany through the New Albany Community International Business Park proves Foundation or awarded directly to local that true economic development schools, and in donations made directly extends far beyond corto nonprofit organizations. porate bottom lines. It Tech leaders like Meta represents a shared vision and AWS have underwritten where business growth fuels experiential STEAM (science, local prosperity and civic technology, engineering, arts well-being. The companies and math) programs across within the park are not just the New Albany, Johnstown corporate tenants; they are and Licking Heights school vital pillars ensuring a prosdistricts. AWS recently perous future for the entire funded an Amazon Think Big New Albany community. Space to provide students Richard Roggenkamp We proudly celebrate the with hands-on, experiential engaged companies that drive this STEAM experiences. In March, Meta premier business hub, and the local announced its 2026 Meta Data Center community, forward. The New Albany Community Action Grants to 10 local Company remains dedicated to fostereducational and nonprofit organizations. ing an environment where business Together, these collaborations help growth and community well-being go ensure students are equipped to excel in hand in hand. a rapidly changing global economy. Richard Roggenkamp is the managEach September, Abercrombie & ing director of real estate for The New Fitch hosts The Challenge, an annual Albany Company. music festival and fundraiser that draws NEW ALBANY / SUBURBAN GROWTH / Fall 2026 • ColumbusCEO
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Innovate New Albany moved to a new space on Walton Parkway in 2025.
Businesses Supporting Business
Organizations around the community work together to foster long-term, sustainable growth. By Nicholas Dekker One of the most powerful factors in the growth of both new and existing businesses in New Albany is the support organizations offer each other, whether it’s networking opportunities, financial resources, training centers or spaces to gather and innovate. Here’s a look at some of the organizations working to further the city’s economic growth, both now and in the future. New Albany Chamber of Commerce “As a chamber, we do the traditional things you’re familiar with: the ribbon cuttings and welcoming new companies and groundbreaking,” says Cherie 26
Nelson, president and CEO of the New Albany Chamber of Commerce. “Networking events, especially for small and medium businesses, can really help them get business. It brings people together, but on a regular basis. It’s about relationships.” The chamber is focused on building connections and helping businesses solve problems. “I think a lot of what we can do is information,” Nelson says. “I always say, if we can be part of a solution that helps our community, we’ll jump into it with two feet. “Another thing we do that’s kind of outside of events is advocacy,” she adds. “A lot of small businesses and
medium-sized businesses, they don’t have time. If you put yourself in the shoes of a small business owner, whether it’s a restaurant or a shop or a small brokerage, you’re typically the person that’s opening up and closing and filling in if somebody doesn’t show up. You don’t have time to follow the legislature in the Statehouse, so we try to fill that niche.” Innovate New Albany One of the area’s leaders in developing entrepreneurs and new businesses is Innovate New Albany, an incubator and business resource hub. “People have always asked me, what is Innovate New Albany?” says
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Brick House Blue When Innovate New Albany moved to its new location, the city and the New Albany Community Improvement
Corporation turned to Brick House Blue to manage the site. Brick House Blue operates five venues around Central Ohio, offering co-working spaces, suites, offices, studios and more. “City council and the CIC and the city saw that there’s a ton of entrepreneurs, people building businesses in New Albany. There’s a nice innovation culture there, and we really didn’t have a place for them to go,” says Philip Smith, president of the CIC. “We really hatched this idea of creating a co-working facility. That’s something we wanted to leverage, people that had the experience and the market relevance to do it. We think New Albany is an amazing community, and we like to do stuff in an amazing fashion.” Dazzling Event Spaces Brick House Blue at Innovate New Albany is among several event spaces that are ideal for area businesses. These range from upscale to casual, metropolitan to rural. Set amongst rolling greenery and a 27-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus, the New Albany Country Club is capable of hosting business meetings, corporate retreats, fundraisers and other get-togethers. The Estate at New Albany is a modern venue tucked into 5 wooded acres featuring indoor and outdoor spaces,
a Grand Hall, a dramatic foyer with a 28-foot fireplace, plus private suites. It is ideally suited for corporate functions and getaways, as well as private events and weddings. Jorgensen Farms connects visitors with nature through multiple event spaces, from the modern Farmhouse, to stunning gardens and arboretums, to the secluded Oak Grove with towering trees. The venue hosts corporate events, retreats, holiday parties, weddings and more. Training for the Future New Albany also is home to multiple education centers, with more on the way. In 2024, Columbus State Community College opened the Northeast Franklin County Accelerated Training Center. The facility, located in the New Albany International Business Park, offers customized workforce training and upskilling opportunities, especially those geared toward businesses in the park. Likewise, the Ohio Life Sciences Association has committed to building a new Ohio Life Science Training Center at the business park in partnership with JobsOhio and the city of New Albany. Announced in September 2025, the $35 million facility will focus on developing entry-level employment, manufacturing and lab skills. It is expected to open in 2027.
Photo courtesy City of New Albany
Neil Collins, onsite leader for the organization. “And a phrase I’ve used is, it’s a hub for entrepreneurs as well as other innovators. But at its core, it’s a resource for the entire New Albany community. “When it first started, the people that I work with at the city were very clear that the ultimate goal was to do things to grow the economy,” Collins says. “That really influenced everything we’ve done since then. I always remember those words: Its point is economic development, and to provide resources for residents and local businesses to enable them to make that happen for themselves and the economy more broadly.” In 2025, Innovate New Albany moved to a new 22,000-square-foot campus on Walton Parkway that includes meeting and co-working spaces, offices, podcast studios and more. One of its flagship programs is the TIGER event series, focused on Technology, Innovation, Growth, Entrepreneurship and Responsibility. TIGER events include “Talks” from educational speakers, “Tools” that often feature software and “Tales” from successful business leaders. “We want people that come here to a TIGER event to learn from a great speaker. We want them to meet other people here, other innovators here that have at least one thing in common,” Collins says. “Then we want them to enjoy themselves, have some fun and leave imagining new and/or better possibilities. And if all of those things happen, then innovation is the likely result, we believe.” TIGER events just scratch the surface of Innovate New Albany’s offerings. Collins points to their Expert Office Hours, where visitors can meet one-onone with specialists in different topics, as well as their “So You Want To…?” events that help professionals explore new business interests.
Mayor Sloan Spalding (center), Innovate New Albany’s Neil Collins (right) and councilmembers (from left) Kasey Kist, Andrea Wiltrout and Marlene Brisk at the opening of Brick House Blue at Innovate New Albany
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A Stronger Community By Nanette Nardi Triplett
global educational travel opportunities, extracurriculars and the Easton E3 Learning Lab, where students explore engineering, energy and environmental sciences through hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for future STEM careers. Families facing hardship receive assistance. When unexpected challenges arise, donor support allows NACF and its partners to respond quickly and effectively. Many community assets residents enjoy were made possible through philanthropic investment. The Charlotte P. Kessler New Albany Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Safety Town, the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts and the Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater enrich students and residents through performances and educational programming.
For more than 30 years, the New Albany Community Foundation has demonstrated how donor-driven philanthropy can strengthen an entire community and create lasting impact through long-term investment, thoughtful stewardship and a shared commitment to future generations. NACF has awarded over $25 million in grants to nonprofit organizations serving the New Albany-Plain Local Schools community through donor annual contributions and funds, supporting four pillars: lifelong learning, health and wellness, arts and culture, and environmental sustainability. The impact of this support is deeply integrated into daily life. Students benefit from the Author Residency Program,
Donor support also enables the highly regarded New Albany Lecture Series. Students from over 50 area high schools have had the unique Nanette Nardi Triplett opportunity to interact, broadening perspective and inspiring future leadership. Across all four pillars, donors ensure that New Albany remains a vibrant and thriving community for generations to come. For more information, visit newalbanyfoundation.org. Nanette Nardi Triplett is a board member of the New Albany Community Foundation.
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Photo courtesy Lucille Pagán/Hey Lucy Photography
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ColumbusCEO • Fall 2026 / NEW ALBANY / SUBURBAN GROWTH
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A Diversified Path to Economic Growth For decades, New Albany has approached economic development with a simple philosophy: Grow with purpose, broaden the mix of employers, and make sure new investment supports the quality of life our residents expect. That steady approach is a big reason why businesses, from advanced manufacturing to health and life sciences, have decided to put down roots here. As the technology cluster in New Albany has grown, data centers have become one part of the city’s broader economic landscape. As demand for digital infrastructure increases, communities across the country are weighing both the opportunities and challenges data center developments present. In New Albany, data center projects are located within the New Albany International Business Park, where infrastructure planning has occurred over many years. Our approach reflects decades of strategic planning and infrastructure investment. At the same time, we recognize that every community has its own priorities, opportunities and challenges, and that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to economic development. Like other forms of commercial development, data centers contribute to the city’s revenue base and support long-term investments in infrastructure and public services. Through income taxes, infrastructure financing tools and long-term agreements, that investment helps fund roads, parks, public safety facilities and other amenities that benefit our residents and Central Ohio. None of this erases the questions residents have. Concerns about water
Photo courtesy City of New Albany
By Jennifer Chrysler
Jennifer Chrysler
use, power demand, noise and environmental conservation are fair, and they deserve clear, fact-based answers. The city continues to monitor infrastructure capacity, apply development standards and work directly with companies if issues arise. The industry continues to evolve, with companies moving toward more efficient cooling, stronger water-saving practices and alternative power options. No one industry is the whole story for New Albany. What keeps us resilient is balance: a diversified economy that includes research, manufacturing, health
care, corporate offices, logistics and technology. Data centers are simply one piece of that mix. Our responsibility is to keep growth consistent with the values that have guided New Albany for decades: careful planning, responsible public finance and protecting the high quality of life that makes this community what it is. I encourage you to learn more about our approach to data centers by visiting DataCenters.NewAlbanyOhio.org. Jennifer Chrysler is the New Albany community development director.
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Businesses seeking legal advice have numerous options in the Columbus region, where a variety of global firms and boutique practices can fulfill almost any need. Our annual list of Top Lawyers is a good place to start. We’ve partnered again with Professional Research Services to present a directory of legal professionals who come highly recommended by their industry peers. This year, the list includes 531 attorneys in 59 practice areas. PRS, based in Troy, Michigan, conducts peer-review surveys of licensed professionals in multiple industries, including law, health care and real estate. PRS conducted an online survey of Central Ohio attorneys, who were asked to nominate local lawyers they view as the best in their area of practice. Attorneys on this list were screened by PRS for licensing verification, as well as infractions through applicable boards, agencies and rating services. Columbus CEO was not involved in the selection process. Attorneys cannot pay to appear in Top Lawyers. Listings are presented alphabetically by practice area, then attorney name. Information was supplied by PRS. Due to the size of the list, CEO did not independently verify practice areas or firm affiliations. Some attorneys are recognized in more than one area of practice. For more information or to update an attorney listing, go to prscom.com, or contact PRS marketing research director Sofia Shevin at sshevin@prscom.com.
Our annual directory of peerrecommended attorneys features 531 practitioners in 59 practice areas. Photos by Getty Images
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ADMINISTRATIVE/ REGULATORY LAW Thomas W. Hess Dinsmore & Shohl LLP 191 W. Nationwide Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-227-4260
Luther LeRoy Liggett
Luther LeRoy Liggett, Attorney at Law 5053 Grassland Dr., Dublin 43016 614-561-2892
Michele Shuster
Mac Murray & Shuster LLP 6525 W. Campus Oval, Suite 210, New Albany 43054 614-939-9955
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION Mary Beth Fisher Mary Beth Fisher, Attorney at Law 117 W. Main St., Suite 207B, Lancaster 43130 614-907-4014
Frank A. Ray
Shawn Judge
Troutman & Judge LLC 1700 Lake Shore Dr., Suite 220, Columbus 43204 740-866-0630
Woods Law & Dispute Resolution LLC 877 Pullman Way, Grandview Heights 43212 614-361-9729
Alyson B. Miller
ANTITRUST LAW
Miller Bahnson Law LLC 2 Miranova Place, Suite 330, Columbus 43215 614-747-6955
David W. Pryor Pryor Mediation
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Services 538 E. Rich St., Columbus 43215 614-754-8000 Frank A. Ray Co. LPA P.O. Box 21444, Columbus 43221 614-302-3066
C. Craig Woods
Kimberly Weber Herlihy
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-8283
Kara M. Mundy
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5669
APPELLATE LAW Drew H. Campbell Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2319
Paul Giorgianni
Giorgianni Law LLC 614-205-5550
Gerhardt “Gage” Gosnell II
Arnold & Clifford 115 W. Main St., Suite 400, Columbus 43215 614-460-1600
David K. Greer
The Law Office of
David K. Greer 1150 Morse Rd., Suite 230, Columbus 43229 614-842-2200
L. Bradfield Hughes
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2053
Marion H. Little Jr. Zeiger, Tigges & Little LLP 8000 Walton Parkway, Suite 260, New Albany 43054 614-365-9900
Anne Marie Sferra
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2394
ARBITRATION David T. Ball
Rosenberg & Ball Co. LPA 205 S. Prospect St., Granville 43023 614-316-8222
BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICE LAW Nicholas I. Bass Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-6061
Adam J. Biehl
Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3214
Darrell L. Dreher
Dreher Tomkies LLP 3000 E. Main
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St., Suite B #147, Columbus 43209 614-628-1601
James G. Ryan Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3247
John C. Cannizzaro
Ice Miller LLP 250 West St., Suite 700, Columbus 43215 614-462-1070
Jeffrey R. Corcoran
Kenneth M. Richards
Luper Neidenthal & Logan 1160 Dublin Rd., Grandview Corporate Center, Suite 400, Columbus 43215 614-229-4447
Justin W. Ristau
Dagger Law 144 E. Main St., Lancaster 43130 740-730-1269
Allen Stovall Neuman & Ashton LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2400, Columbus 43215 614-221-8500
David K. Stein
Jim Coutinho
Lucas Ruffing
Jeff J. Spangler
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-334-6105
Eric M. Stoller
Kayne Law Group 612 Park St., Suite 100, Columbus 43215 614-223-8800
Matthew L. Strayer
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2345
BANKRUPTCY AND CREDITOR DEBTOR RIGHTS/ INSOLVENCY AND REORGANIZATION LAW Thomas R. Allen
Allen Stovall Neuman & Ashton LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2400, Columbus 43215 614-591-9578
David A. Beck
Carpenter Lipps LLP 280 N. High St., Suite 1300, Columbus 43215 614-365-9145
Allen Stovall Neuman & Ashton LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2400, Columbus 43215 614-221-8500
Karen E. Hamilton
The Law Offices of Karen E. Hamilton 2025 S. High St., Columbus 43207 614-443-7920
William B. Logan Jr.
Luper Neidenthal & Logan 1160 Dublin Rd., Grandview Corporate Center, Suite 400, Columbus 43215 614-229-4449
Pamela N. Maggied
The Law Office of Pamela N. Maggied Co. LPA 11 E. Gay St., Suite 301, Columbus 43215 614-464-2236
Laura M. Nesbitt The Nesbitt Law Firm 6037 Frantz Rd., Suite 102, Dublin 43017 614-800-0262
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-4857
Lucas Ruffing Law 82 N. Franklin St., Delaware 43015 740-815-1114
Philip K. Stovall Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP 65 E. State St., Suite 2500, Columbus 43215 614-233-5148
Myron N. Terlecky Strip Hoppers Leithart McGrath & Terlecky Co. LPA 575 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-228-6345
David Whittaker
Allen Stovall Neuman & Ashton LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2400, Columbus 43215 614-591-9581
Ronald A. Wittel Jr.
Wittel Law 1335 Dublin Rd., Suite 211A, Columbus 43215 614-445-3000
BET-THE-COMPANY LITIGATION James E. Arnold
Arnold & Clifford 115 W. Main St., Suite 400, Columbus 43215 614-460-1600
Tyler Tarney
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 2495, Columbus 43215 614-917-1953
COMMERCIAL LAW Kwame O. Christian
Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP 950 Goodale Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43212 614-628-0828
Stefanie Lynn Coe
Arnold & Clifford 115 W. Main St., Suite 400, Columbus 43215 614-460-1600
Judith L. Marsh Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5494
Michael D. Martz
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-6451
Matthew T. Schaeffer
Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3289
Beatrice Wolper
Emens Wolper Jacobs & Jasin Law Firm 1 Easton Oval, Suite 340, Columbus 43219 614-414-0888
CONSTRUCTION LAW Nicholas S. Bobb
Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter 65 E. State St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-462-5414
Laura J. Bowman Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-4842
Jeff Knight
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2346
Rex W. Miller II
Daniel Edwards
Central Ohio Associated General Contractors 1755 Northwest Blvd., Columbus 43212 614-486-6446
Peter W. Hahn Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-327-8563
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-6207
CORPORATE LAW Steve Barsotti Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter 65 E. State St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-462-5458
Brian A. Basil
Tarik M. Kershah Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-8814
Murray Murphy Moul + Basil LLP 1114 Dublin Rd., Columbus 43215 614-599-0404
Alexander M. Brown
Lindsay M. Nelson
Allen Stovall Neuman & Ashton LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2400, Columbus 43215 614-221-8500
Christopher O’Shaughnessy
The O’Shaughnessy Law Firm LLC 102 W. Main St., Suite 370, New Albany 43054 614-758-7529
Stephen P. Withee FBT Gibbons LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7265
COPYRIGHT LAW
Dickinson Wright PLLC 180 E. Broad St., Suite 3400, Columbus 43215 614-744-2939
Dave Carroll
Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3263
Shamus B. Cassidy
Cassidy Law Ltd. 7650 Rivers Edge Dr., Suite 101, Columbus 43235 614-888-4911
Patrick D. Cornelius
Barnes & Thornburg LLP Fall 2026 • ColumbusCEO
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Benjamin L. Luftman
Luftman, Heck & Associates LLP 150 E. Mound St., Suite 300, Columbus 43215 614-954-8890
Chase Mallory
Sabol Mallory LLC 743 S. Front St., Columbus 43206 614-300-2311
Diane Menashe
41 S. High St., Suite 3300, Columbus 43215 614-628-1461
Suite 150, Powell 43065 614-763-2314
153 S. Liberty St., Powell 43065 614-785-1811
David S. Jackson
Thomas J. Riley
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-4818
Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP 65 E. State St., Suite 2500, Columbus 43215 614-233-5100
Robert J. Tannous
Todd M. Kegler
James S. Savage
Baker & Hostetler LLP 200 Civic Center Dr., Suite 1200, Columbus 43215 614-462-4754
James V. Maniace Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-334-6151
Maribeth Meluch Kohrman Jackson & Krantz LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2500, Columbus 43215 614-427-5747
William E. Nakasian
Lape Mansfield Nakasian & Gibson LLC 9980 Brewster Lane,
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Luper Niedenthal & Logan 1160 Dublin Rd., Grandview Corporate Center, Suite 400, Columbus 43215 614-702-7697
Alex Shumate
Squire Patton Boggs LLP 41 S. High St., Huntington Center, Suite 2000, Columbus 43215 614-365-2739
Andrew H. Stevens
Stevens Law Firm 1689 E. Main St., Suite 201, Columbus 43205 614-826-3100
Zachary Swisher
Sybert Rhoad Lackey & Swisher LLC
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-1953
J. Troy Terakedis Dickinson Wright PLLC 180 E. Broad St., Suite 3400, Columbus 43215 614-744-2589
Brett P. Thornton
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2194
Joseph Trammell Skinner & Associates LLC 1500 W. Third Ave., Suite 125, Columbus 43212 937-499-0479
Jameel S. Turner
Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3260
Jeffrey R. Wahl JRW Esquire Ltd. 1733 W. Lane Ave., Columbus 43221 380-239-8500
Anthony D. Weis Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5465
CRIMINAL DEFENSE: NON WHITE-COLLAR Dustin Blake
Blake Law Firm Co. LLC 492 S. High St., Suite 300, Columbus 43215 614-705-2290
Mark C. Collins
Cloppert Latanick Sauter & Washburn 225 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215 614-443-3100
Brad Koffel
The Koffel Law Firm 1801 Watermark Dr., Suite 350, Columbus 43215 614-656-4401
The Menashe Law Group LLC 1330 Dublin Rd., Columbus 43215 614-221-6500
Will Nesbitt
The Koffel Law Firm 1801 Watermark Dr., Suite 350, Columbus 43215 614-665-8317
Jon J. Saia
The Law Offices of Saia, Marrocco & Jensen Inc. 713 S. Front St., Columbus 43206 614-444-3036
Samuel H. Shamansky
Samuel H. Shamansky, Attorney at Law 523 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-242-3939
Kaitlyn C. Stephens
Mark C. Collins Co. LPA 150 E. Mound St., Suite 308, Columbus 43215 614-443-3100
CRIMINAL DEFENSE: WHITE-COLLAR Bradley Barbin Barbin Law Inc. 52 W. Whittier St.,
Columbus 43206 614-445-8416
David DeVillers Barnes & Thornburg LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 3300, Columbus 43215 614-628-1446
Kort W. Gatterdam
Carpenter Lipps LLP 280 N. High St., Suite 1300, Columbus 43215 614-365-4115
Terrence A. Grady Grady Dodson Law 100 E. Broad St., Suite 2310, Columbus 43215 614-849-0378
Regina Griffith
Griffith Law Group 20 S. Third St., Suite 210, Columbus 43215 614-324-3243
Todd A. Long
Eastman & Smith Ltd. 250 Civic Center Dr., Suite 280, Columbus 43215 614-564-1443
Diane Menashe
The Menashe Law Group LLC 1330 Dublin Rd., Columbus 43215 614-221-6500
Stephen E. Palmer
Palmer Legal Defense 511 S. High St., Suite 100, Columbus 43215 614-224-6142
Karl H. Schneider Eastman & Smith Ltd. 250 Civic Center Dr., Suite 280, Columbus 43215 614-564-1470
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David H. Thomas Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-284-2010
Kathryn S. Wallrabenstein Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-220-0238
ELDER LAW Louis M. Borowicz Baxter, Borowicz, and Brunckhorst Co. LPA 2875 W. Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus 43235 614-431-8110
William J. Browning
Isaac Wiles Burkholder & Miller LLC 2 Miranova Place, Suite 700, Columbus 43215 614-221-2121
Kimberly M. Cutler Cutler Law Office LLC 302 S. Main St., Marysville 43040 937-645-4568
Russell C. Golowin Golowin Legal LLC 5060 Parkcenter Ave., Suite A, Dublin 43017 614-453-5208
Larae Schraeder Schraeder Law LLC 1161 Bethel Rd., Suite 101, Columbus 43220 614-810-1221
Maggie L. Sutton Taps Sutton & Roshon LLC
400 S. Fifth St., Suite 103, Columbus 43215 614-443-8000
ENERGY LAW
EMINENT DOMAIN AND CONDEMNATION LAW
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2368
Thomas H. Fusonie
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-8261
Joseph R. Miller Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-6233
Jeremy S. Young Roetzel & Andress LPA 41 S. High St., Huntington Center, Floor 21, Columbus 43215 614-723-2030
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS LAW Matthew T. Anderson
Luper Neidenthal & Logan 1160 Dublin Rd., Grandview Corporate Center, Suite 400, Columbus 43215 614-229-4473
Seth J. Hanft
Baker & Hostetler LLP 200 Civic Center Dr., Suite 1200, Columbus 43215 614-462-4778
Christine M. Poth
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5612
Sally W. Bloomfield
Dylan F. Borchers Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-4914
Robert Dove
Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter 65 E. State St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-462-5443
Paul N. Garinger Barnes & Thornburg LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 3300, Columbus 43215 614-628-1454
Andrew Good
Oliva Gibbs PLLC 580 N. Fourth St., Columbus 43215 614-340-9880
Kara Herrnstein Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-4908
Devin D. Parram Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-8813
Matthew R. Pritchard
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2391
Anna Sanyal
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5424
Brett P. Thornton
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2194
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW Robert Brubaker
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2033
Joseph R. Durham
Eastman & Smith Ltd. 250 Civic Center Dr., Suite 280, Columbus 43215 614-564-1442
Shane A. Farolino Roetzel & Andress LPA 41 S. High St., Huntington Center, Floor 21, Columbus 43215 330-849-6680
Eric B. Gallon
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2190
Frank L. Merrill Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-8871
Stephen P. Samuels
Law Group 1650 Lake Shore Dr., Suite 380, Columbus 43204 614-482-3218
FBT Gibbons LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7259
Eric M. Brown
Christine Rideout Schirra Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-8810
Jon M. Cope
Kristin L. Watt
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-8398
FAMILY LAW Arianna Atkins
Atkins and Atkins, Attorneys at Law LLC 503 S. Front St., Suite 203, Columbus 43215 614-485-8248
Anthony R. Auten Grossman Law Offices 32 W. Hoster St., Suite 100, Columbus 43215 614-344-4311
Eimear M. Bahnson
Miller Bahnson Law LLC 2 Miranova Place, Suite 330, Columbus 43215 614-747-6955
Joanne S. Beasy Isaac Wiles Burkholder & Miller LLC 2 Miranova Place, Suite 700, Columbus 43215 614-220-5154
Dmitriy Borshchak
Wolinetz, Horvath & Brown LLC 250 Civic Center Dr., Suite 600, Columbus 43215 614-954-7317 Cope Law Offices 3600 Olentangy River Rd., Building 501, Columbus 43214 614-459-4300
John Cousins
Cousins Family Law LLC 2130 Arlington Ave., Floor 2, Columbus 43221 614-441-8777
C. Gustav Dahlberg
Babbitt & Dahlberg Law LLC 4400 N. High St., Suite 415, Columbus 43214 614-665-8515
Sheldon Goodrum Goodrum Law Group 175 S. Third St., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-484-9100
Gary J. Gottfried
Gary J. Gottfried Co. LPA 608 Office Parkway, Suite B, Westerville 43082 614-297-1211
Andrew S. Grossman
Grossman Law Offices 32 W. Hoster St., Suite 100, Columbus 43215 614-344-4311
Borshchak
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James A. Hanneman
Dougherty, Hanneman & Piccin LLC 3010 Hayden Rd., Columbus 43235 614-932-5000
Chris Heckert
Heckert & Moreland Co. LPA 825 E. Long St., Columbus 43203 614-705-2457
Dennis E. Horvath Wolinetz, Horvath & Brown LLC 250 Civic Center Dr., Suite 600, Columbus 43215 614-954-7317
Kenneth R. Kline
The Law Offices of Kenneth R. Kline LLC 341 S. Third St., Suite 201, Columbus 43215 614-484-0177
Eugene B. Lewis Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-334-6107
Jefferson E. Liston
Law Office of Jefferson Liston LLC 536 S. High St., Columbus 43215 614-407-9630
Amy M. McKinlay McKinlay Law Offices LLC 65 E. State St., Suite 2530, Columbus 43215 614-954-8130
Denise Mirman
Friedman & Mirman 1320 Dublin Rd., Suite 101, Columbus 43215 614-221-0090
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Briana L. Morris Miller Bahnson Law LLC 2 Miranova Place, Suite 330, Columbus 43215 614-747-6955
Joseph A. Nigh
The Nigh Law Group LLC 300 S. Second St., Columbus 43215 614-954-7978
Joseph L. Piccin Dougherty, Hanneman & Piccin LLC 3010 Hayden Rd., Columbus 43235 614-354-1099
Tara R. Price
Langhals Law 404 E. Fifth St., Marysville 43040 937-738-6700
Ryan M. Scott
Ryan M. Scott, Attorney at Law 300 S. Second St., Columbus 43215 614-463-1299
Jodi R. Smilack Grossman Law Offices 32 W. Hoster St., Suite 100, Columbus 43215 614-344-4311
Heather B. Sobel
Wolinetz, Horvath & Brown LLC 250 Civic Center Dr., Suite 600, Columbus 43215 614-954-7317
Chris Trolinger Trolinger Law Offices LLC 175 S. Third St., Suite 720, Columbus 43215 380-266-2502
Laken Wise
Schodzinski Law
4200 Regent St., Unit 200, Columbus 43219 614-747-2333
Barry H. Wolinetz Wolinetz, Horvath & Brown LLC 250 Civic Center Dr., Suite 600, Columbus 43215 614-954-7317
Jefferson Yates Petroff Law Offices LLC 140 E. Town St., Suite 1070, Columbus 43215 614-222-4288
Tracy Younkin Grossman Law Offices 32 W. Hoster St., Suite 100, Columbus 43215 614-344-4311
Courtney A. Zollars
The Nigh Law Group LLC 300 S. Second St., Columbus 43215 614-954-7978
Liz Zuercher
Zuercher Law Firm 6265 Riverside Dr.,
Suite 1N, Dublin 43017 614-633-4774
FRANCHISE LAW Deanna R. Cook Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-6349
Marc J. Kessler Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-229-0237
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS PRACTICE John P. Carney
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2179
Rachael Guastella Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-4851
JB Hadden
Murray Murphy Moul + Basil LLP 1114 Dublin Rd., Columbus 43215 614-440-2168
Erica Hollar
Mac Murray & Shuster LLP 6525 W. Campus Oval, Suite 210, New Albany 43054 614-939-9955
Matthew R. Koppitch
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-8824
Gregory J. Lestini Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-4893
Helen Mac Murray
Mac Murray & Shuster LLP 6525 W. Campus Oval, Suite 210, New Albany 43054 614-939-9955
Sean Mentel
Kooperman Mentel Crossley Yaross Ltd. 250 E. Town St., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-227-7024
Betty Montgomery
Mac Murray & Shuster LLP 6525 W. Campus Oval, Suite 210, New Albany 43054 614-939-9955
Terrence O’Donnell
Dickinson Wright PLLC 180 E. Broad St., Suite 3400, Columbus 43215 614-744-2583
Leah Pappas Porner
Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP 41 S. High St., Huntington Center, Suite 1200, Columbus 43215 614-621-7007
Alex Shumate Squire Patton Boggs LLP 41 S. High St.,
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Huntington Center, Suite 2000, Columbus 43215 614-365-2739
191 W. Nationwide Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-227-4212
604 E. Rich St., Columbus 43215 614-228-5800
Christopher N. Slagle
John P. Carney
Dinsmore & Shohl LLP 191 W. Nationwide Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-227-4260
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-8826
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2179
William V. Vorys
Frank Carsonie
Dickinson Wright PLLC 180 E. Broad St., Suite 3400, Columbus 43215 614-744-2936
HEALTH CARE LAW David M. Abromowitz
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-220-0232
Robin P. Amicon Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2383
Stacey A. Borowicz
Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
Thomas W. Hess
Kevin M. Hilvert
Benesch 41 S. High St., Suite 2600, Columbus 43215 614-223-9361
Epstein Becker & Green PC 250 West St., Suite 300, Columbus 43215 614-872-2413
Kris M. Dawley
David M. Johnston
Ice Miller LLP 250 West St., Suite 700, Columbus 43215 614-462-2290
Lloyd DePew
Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3224
James F. Flynn Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-8855
Douglas E. Graff Graff & McGovern LPA
Epstein Becker & Green PC 250 West St., Suite 300, Columbus 43215 614-872-2414
Allen R. Killworth
Epstein Becker & Green PC 250 West St., Suite 300, Columbus 43215 614-872-2415
John M. Kirsner Jones Day 325 John H. McConnell Blvd., Suite 600, Columbus 43215 614-469-3939
Stephen R. Kleinman
Epstein Becker & Green PC 250 West St., Suite 300, Columbus 43215 614-872-2410
Andrea Musker Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-6052
Timothy P. Nagy Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-220-0220
Jennifer M. Nelson Carney Epstein Becker & Green PC 250 West St., Suite 300, Columbus 43215 614-872-2430
Lisa Pierce Reisz
Epstein Becker & Green PC 250 West St., Suite 300, Columbus 43215 614-872-2440
Eric J. Plinke Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
191 W. Nationwide Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-227-4213
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5459
Diane M. Signoracci
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-6222
Radha Desai
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2333
N. Bradford Wells Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-4844
IMMIGRATION LAW David S. Bloomfield
Bloomfield & Kempf LLC 1880 MacKenzie Dr., Suite 209, Columbus 43220 614-224-9221
Robert H. Cohen
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2066
David W. Cook Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
Robert A. Harris Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-8373
Angelyne (Angel) Lisinski The Lisinski Law Firm LLC 6377 Emerald Parkway, Dublin 43016 614-333-6033
George H. Martinez Jr.
The Law Firm of Shihab & Associates Co. LPA 5900 Wilcox Place, Suite A, Dublin 43016 888-915-5057
Gus M. Shihab
The Law Firm of Shihab & Associates Co. LPA 5900 Wilcox Place, Suite A, Dublin 43016 888-915-5057
Payam Yazdani
Yazdani Law LLC 175 S. Third St., Suite 1010, Columbus 43215 614-961-4414
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LAW Jason C. Elvers
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5490 Fall 2026 • ColumbusCEO
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INSURANCE LAW Belinda S. Barnes Gallagher, Gams, Tallan, Barnes & Littrell LLP 471 E. Broad St., Floor 19, Columbus 43215 614-228-5151
Frank S. Carson FBT Gibbons LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7233
James R. Gallagher
Gallagher, Gams, Tallan, Barnes & Littrell LLP 471 E. Broad St., Floor 19, Columbus 43215 614-228-5151
Mark A. Glumac Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3261
David A. Goldstein
David A. Goldstein
Co. LPA 511 S. High St., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-222-1889
Daniel J. Hurley
Plunkett Cooney PC 716 Mount Airyshire Blvd., Suite 150, Columbus 43235 614-629-3005
Kelly Grigsby Jones
Perez Morris 445 Hutchinson Ave., Suite 600, Columbus 43235 614-431-1500
Brian Jordan
Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3236
Darius N. Kandawalla
Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3255
Robert J. Kidd
Gallagher, Gams, Tallan, Barnes &
Littrell LLP 471 E. Broad St., Floor 19, Columbus 43215 614-228-5151
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND PATENT LAW Craig R. Auge
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5684
Leon D. Bass
Leon Bass Law 614-706-5366
Kessia Cericola Cericola Legal Solutions LLC 4200 Regent St., Suite 200, Columbus 43219 614-371-4183
Todd Fichtenberg Emerson Thomson Bennett 3841B Attucks Dr., Powell 43065 380-243-9155
Gregory J. Krabacher
Epstein Becker & Green PC 250 West St., Suite 300, Columbus 43215 614-872-2447
Rex W. Miller II Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-6207
Aaron Parry
Mac Murray & Shuster LLP 6525 W. Campus Oval, Suite 210, New Albany 43054 614-939-9955
Adam J. Smith
Standley Law Group LLP 6300 Riverside Dr., Dublin 43017 614-792-5555
Jocelyn C. Smith
UB Greensfelder LLP 65 E. State St., Suite 1100, Columbus 43215 614-229-0044
Rachel Smoot
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-220-0222
Anthony Tomusko
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-220-0233
INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAW
Daniel Bryant
Bryant Legal LLC 4400 N. High St., Suite 310, Columbus 43220 614-683-2080
Christopher B. Burch
Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3295
Kacie N. Davis
Chelsea L. Canaday
Katja Garvey
Daniel J. Clark
Vinita Mehra
Nicole M. Donovsky
Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter 65 E. State St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-462-5402
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2069 Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter 65 E. State St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-255-5508
LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT LAW Abigail Barr
Ice Miller LLP 250 West St., Suite 700, Columbus 43215 614-462-1077
Jill K. Bigler
Epstein Becker & Green PC 250 West St.,
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Suite 300, Columbus 43215 614-872-2418
Dickinson Wright PLLC 180 E. Broad St., Suite 3400, Columbus 43215 614-591-5496 Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-6436
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-4866
Anne E. Duprey FBT Gibbons LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7203
Amy E. Flowers
Ice Miller LLP 250 West St., Suite 700, Columbus 43215 614-462-5022
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LAND USE & ZONING
Marshall Forman and Schlein LLC 250 Civic Center Dr., Suite 480, Columbus 43215 614-683-8564
Yazan S. Ashrawi FBT Gibbons LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7202
Peter G. Friedmann
Lisa M. Kathumbi
Littler Mendelson PC 41 S. High St., Suite 3250, Columbus 43215 614-463-4232
Marie-Joelle C. Khouzam
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2311
Laren E. Knoll
The Knoll Law Firm LLC 7240 Muirfield Dr., Suite 120, Dublin 43017 614-372-8890
Mark A. Knueve Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-6387
Pamela S. Krivda Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-334-6159
Isaac Wiles Burkholder & Miller LLC 2 Miranova Place, Suite 700, Columbus 43215 614-340-7422
FBT Gibbons LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7293
Rhiannon Herbert Mansell Law LLC 1457 S. High St., Columbus 43207 614-515-2885
James C. Carpenter
Thaddeus M. Boggs
The Friedmann Firm LLC 3740 Ridge Mill Dr., Hilliard 43026 380-246-8494
Jeffrey N. Lindemann
FBT Gibbons LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7216
John S. Marshall
Marshall Forman and Schlein LLC 250 Civic Center Dr., Suite 480, Columbus 43215 614-683-8564
Morgan M. Masters
Albeit Masters LLC 4200 Regent St., Suite 210, Columbus 43219 614-454-1200
Thomas M. Metzger
Littler Mendelson PC 41 S. High St., Suite 3250, Columbus 43215 614-463-4216
William A. Nolan Barnes & Thornburg LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 3300, Columbus 43215 614-628-1401
Jessica Olsheski
Olsheski Law Co. LPA 600 E. Rich St.,
Columbus 43215 614-252-5500
Keona R. Padgett Reminger Co. LPA 200 Civic Center Dr., Suite 800, Columbus 43215 614-232-2703
Chris Page McGinnis
Epstein Becker & Green PC 250 West St., Suite 300, Columbus 43215 614-872-2426
James G. Petrie
Epstein Becker & Green PC 250 West St., Suite 300, Columbus 43215 614-872-2420
Stephen P. Postalakis
Haynes Kessler Myers & Postalakis 300 W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Suite 100, Worthington 43085 614-892-9909
Rachel A. Sabo Friedmann
The Friedmann Firm LLC 3740 Ridge Mill Dr., Hilliard 43026 380-246-8494
Michael T. Short
Littler Mendelson PC 41 S. High St., Suite 3250, Columbus 43215 614-463-4226
Jeffrey A. Stankunas
Isaac Wiles Burkholder & Miller LLC 2 Miranova Place, Suite 700, Columbus 43215 614-220-5113
Rayl L. Stepter
Stepter Law Office 7100 N. High St., Suite 205, Worthington 43085 614-468-4100
George L. Stevens III
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-6328
Abigail M. Thederahn
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-334-6122
& Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2225
Timothy E. Grady
Jill S. Tangeman Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5608
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2105
Allen L. Handlan
LEGAL MALPRACTICE LAW Edward G. Hubbard
Weston Hurd LLP 101 E. Town St., Suite 500, Columbus 43215 614-280-1125
Charles J. Kettlewell
Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter 65 E. State St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-462-5471
Chris Michael
Ice Miller LLP 250 West St., Suite 700, Columbus 43215 614-462-1148
Matthew L. Strayer
Charles J. Kettlewell LLC 1900 Polaris Parkway, Columbus 43240 614-436-2750
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2345
LITIGATION – ANTITRUST Kenneth J. Rubin Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5692
Christopher N. Swank
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-4895
Douglas A. Vonderhaar
LITIGATION – BANKING AND FINANCE Andrew M. Bojko
Porter Wright Morris
Baker & Hostetler LLP 200 Civic Center Dr., Suite 1200, Columbus 43215 614-462-2634
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LITIGATION – COMMERCIAL James D. Abrams Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-334-6162
Anthony T. Betta Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP 950 Goodale Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43212 614-628-0768
David J. Butler
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-334-6167
Andrew C. Clark
Onda LaBuhn Ernsberger & Boggs Co. LPA
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35 N. Fourth St., Suite 100, Columbus 43215 614-716-0501
10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7280
Loriann E. Fuhrer
John Miller
Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter 65 E. State St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-462-5474
Christopher P. Gordon
Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., One Columbus Building, Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3274
Joel H. Mirman
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2307
The Mirman Law Firm LLC 1631 Roxbury Rd., Suite B1, Columbus 43212 614-500-8080
Gerhardt “Gage” Gosnell II
Christopher R. Pettit
Arnold & Clifford 115 W. Main St., Suite 400, Columbus 43215 614-460-1600
Russell J. Kutell FBT Gibbons LLP
Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote PC 10 W. Broad St., Suite 1950, Columbus 43215 614-251-1839
Kevin T. Shook FBT Gibbons LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7214
Janica Pierce Tucker
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-334-6182
Tony White
Thompson Hine LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1700, Columbus 43215 614-469-3235
LITIGATION – CONSTRUCTION Lucas P. Baker
Collins Roche Utley & Garner LLC 655 Metro Place S.,
Suite 200, Dublin 43017 614-652-5509
Suite 280, Columbus 43215 614-564-1450
Joshua C. Berns
Adam Florey
Thomas I. Blackburn
Rebecca J. Johnson
Weston Hurd LLP 101 E. Town St., Suite 500, Columbus 43215 614-280-1122
Weston Hurd LLP 101 E. Town St., Suite 500, Columbus 43215 614-280-1136
Michael Britt
FLC Legal Counsel 5 E. Long St., Suite 600, Columbus 43215 614-427-1556
Perez Morris 445 Hutchinson Ave., Suite 600, Columbus 43235 614-396-3832
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-1985
Tarik M. Kershah
Stephen E. Chappelear
Eric B. Kjellander
Eastman & Smith Ltd. 250 Civic Center Dr.,
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-8814
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800,
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Sherri B. Lazear Lazear Capital Partners 401 N. Front St., Suite 250, Columbus 43215 614-221-1701
Donald B. Leach Dinsmore & Shohl LLP 191 W. Nationwide Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-227-4262
Samuel Lewis Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-8856
Mike Madigan Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter 65 E. State St.,
Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-462-5478
Christopher L. McCloskey Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2385
Steve Moyer
Moyer Law Offices LPA 9 E. Kossuth St., Columbus 43206 614-444-2000
Nelson M. Reid Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-8812
Thomas L. Rosenberg Roetzel & Andress LPA
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bakerlaw.com
41 S. High St., Huntington Center, Floor 21, Columbus 43215 614-325-5077
LITIGATION – INSURANCE William M. Harter FBT Gibbons LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7226
Sabrina C. Haurin Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3253
David W. Orlandini
Kevin W. Kirsch
Collins Roche Utley & Garner LLC 655 Metro Place S., Suite 200, Dublin 43017 614-652-5505
Christopher P. Santagate
Gallagher Sharp LLP 35 N. Fourth St., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-340-2304
Rohrbacher Trimble & Zimmerman Co. LPA 1900 Polaris Parkway, Suite 425, Columbus 43240 614-918-7150
LITIGATION – INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
LITIGATION – LABOR EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Rachael L. Rodman
Matthew J.P. Coffman
Andrew E. Samuels
Carrie Dyer
Thompson Hine LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1700, Columbus 43215 513-382-4734
Brennan Manna & Diamond 41 S. High St., Suite 3750, Columbus 43215 614-431-6914
Todd Zimmerman
Steven A. Keslar
Columbus 43215 614-227-2045
Baker & Hostetler LLP 200 Civic Center Dr., Suite 1200, Columbus 43215 614-462-2673
Coffman Legal LLC 1550 Old Henderson Rd., Suite 126, Columbus 43220 888-619-2729 Mansell Law LLC 1457 S. High St., Columbus 43207 614-610-9899
Baker & Hostetler LLP 200 Civic Center Dr., Suite 1200, Columbus 43215 614-462-2699
Jennifer E. Edwards
David P. Shouvlin
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200,
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2046
Rodger Eckelberry
Seth Hanft
Todd Kegler
Kevin Kirsch
Andrew Samuels
Doug Vonderhaar
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Kevin E. Griffith
Littler Mendelson PC 41 S. High St., Suite 3250, Columbus 43215 614-463-4210
Allen S. Kinzer
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-8318
Samuel Lillard
Ogletree Deakins 88 E. Broad St., Key Bank Building, Suite 2025, Columbus 43215 614-494-0411
Steven M. Loewengart
Fisher & Phillips LLP 250 West St., Suite 400, Columbus 43215 614-453-7606
Traci L. Martinez Squire Patton Boggs LLP 41 S. High St., Huntington Center, Suite 2000, Columbus 43215 614-365-2807
Matthew Parker Ogletree Deakins 88 E. Broad St., Key Bank Building, Suite 2025, Columbus 43215 614-494-0412
Sarah Crabtree Perez
Perez Morris 445 Hutchinson Ave., Suite 600, Columbus 43235 614-396-3818
Drew C. Piersall
Littler Mendelson PC 41 S. High St., Suite 3250,
Columbus 43215 614-463-4251
Todd M. Seaman
Thompson Hine LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1700, Columbus 43215 614-469-3257
LITIGATION – REAL ESTATE John (Jack) C. Beeler
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-1959
Matt Burkhart
Gallagher Kavinsky & Burkhart LPA 617 McCorkle Blvd., Suite 1516, Westerville 43086 614-885-9022
John I. Cadwallader
Courtney Hanna
FBT Gibbons LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7212
Richard Craven Sikora Law LLC 175 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-444-7777
Jay E. Michael Law LLC 729 S. Front St., Columbus 43206 614-443-6262
Willis Law Firm LLC P.O. Box 2290, Columbus 43216 614-324-0450
John J. Joseph
Michael L. Dillard Jr.
Steven M. Katz
Arnold & Clifford 115 W. Main St., Suite 400, Columbus 43215 614-460-1600
Jay E. Michael
Dimitri Hatzifotinos
Robert K. DiCuccio
Katz & DiCuccio LLP 10 N. High St., Suite 405, Columbus 43215 614-363-3500
250 E. Town St., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-344-4804
Joseph & Joseph & Hanna 155 W. Main St., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-449-8282
Allen J. Reis
Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co. LPA 5475 Rings Road, Suite 200, Dublin 43017 614-801-2771
Joseph & Joseph & Hanna 155 W. Main St., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-449-8282
David L. Van Slyke
Katz & DiCuccio LLP 10 N. High St., Suite 405, Columbus 43215 614-363-3500
Plunkett Cooney PC 716 Mount Airyshire Blvd., Suite 150, Columbus 43235 614-629-3006
Brian Kooperman Kooperman Mentel Crossley Yaross Ltd.
LITTLER IS PROUD TO CONGRATUL ATE THE FOLLOWING ATTORNEYS
for their recognition as Top Lawyers in Columbus 41 South High Street Suite 3259 Columbus, OH 43215
KEVIN GRIFFITH
DREW PIERSALL
With attorneys around the world, Littler provides labor and employment solutions that are local, everywhere. Our diverse team and proprietary technology foster a culture that celebrates original thinking, and helps prepare employers for workplace issues today and in the future.
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LISA KATHUMBI
THOMAS METZGER
MICHAEL SHORT
41 South High Street Labor & Employment 3250 LawSuite Solutions Columbus, OH 43215 littler.com
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LITIGATION – TRUSTS AND ESTATES Brandon A. Borgmann
Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP 950 Goodale Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43212 614-628-0867
Stacey A. Dettwiller
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2314
Michael P. Ferguson
Kemp, Schaeffer & Rowe Co. LPA 88 W. Mound St., Columbus 43215 614-665-5833
John F. Furniss III
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5444
Suzanne R. Galyardt
614-232-2414
7259 Sawmill Rd., Suite 150, Dublin 43016 614-210-1840
Geoffrey S. Kunkler
Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP 950 Goodale Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43212 614-628-0806 Reminger 955 Yard St., Suite 330, Columbus 43212 614-232-2442
Karen M. Moore
Jared Connors
Sheena Sjostrand
Laura Jane Durfee
Adriann S. McGee
Erika L. Haupt
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-6231
Mary Kraft
Reminger Co. LPA 200 Civic Center Dr., Suite 800, Columbus 43215
Michael J. Boyle Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman LLC 4200 Regent St., Suite 200, Columbus 43219 212-697-6484
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5682 Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2309
MASS TORT LITIGATION/CLASS ACTIONS
Barrett, Easterday, Cunningham & Eselgroth LLP
Meyer Wilson Werning 305 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus 43215 614-756-6637
Jones Day 325 John H. McConnell Blvd.,
Bailey Cavalieri proudly spotlights our distinguished team members who have been recognized by Columbus CEO Magazine as Top Lawyers for 2026. We commend their dedication to the legal profession and enduring commitment to our firm’s values
Adam Biehl - Christopher Burch - David Carroll - Lloyd DePew Robert Dunn - Mark Glumac - James Groner - Sabrina Haurin Brain Jordan - Darius Kandawalla - Harlan Louis John Marsh - John Miller - David Onega - James Ryan Matthew Schaeffer - Jameel Turner Bankruptcy & Reorganization I Business Labor & Employment I Business Litigation Corporate & Transactional I Directors & Officers Liability I Healthcare I Real Estate Representations & Warranties I Taxation I Trade Secrets & Noncompetes Trusts, Estates & Wealth Transfer I Unclaimed Property
www.baileycav.com
614-221-3155
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Suite 600, Columbus 43215 614-469-3939
Rodger L. Eckelberry
BUSINESS | INTERNATIONAL LAW
Over a decade of experience helping local and international clients build a strong legal foundation through a proactive and solution-focused approach - in English, Brazilian Portuguese and Spanish. 4200 Regent St., Suite 200 Columbus, OH 43219
Kessia C. Cericola, Esq. cericolalegalsolutions.com
Baker & Hostetler LLP 200 Civic Center Dr., Suite 1200, Columbus 43215 614-462-5189
Joyce D. Edelman
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2083
Geoffrey J. Moul Murray Murphy Moul + Basil LLP 1114 Dublin Rd., Columbus 43215 614-599-0403
Brian K. Murphy
Shana Ortiz See Partner
Jocelyn Smith Associate
Recognizing Excellence Congratulations to UB Greensfelder attorneys Shana Ortiz See and Jocelyn Smith, along with their fellow honorees, on being named to Columbus CEO’s 2026 Top Lawyers list. This welldeserved recognition highlights their dedication to clients and the legal profession.
ubglaw.com
Murray Murphy Moul + Basil LLP 1114 Dublin Rd., Columbus 43215 614-599-0402
Matthew R. Wilson
Meyer Wilson Werning 305 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus 43215 614-756-6637
MEDIATION Douglas B. Dougherty
Dougherty, Hanneman & Piccin LLC 3010 Hayden Rd., Columbus 43235 614-798-1933
Scott N. Friedman UBG was created in 2024 through the merger of Ulmer & Berne and Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, two strong, growth-focused firms who joined forces creating an Am Law 200 legal powerhouse.
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Friedman & Mirman 1320 Dublin Rd., Suite 101,
Columbus 43215 614-221-0090
Robert B. Hawley II
Haynes Kessler Myers & Postalakis 300 W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Suite 100, Worthington 43085 614-892-9909
John P. Johnson II Cooke Demers LLC 260 Market St., Suite F, New Albany 43054 614-939-0930
Jessica G. King The King Law Group LLC 165 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus 43215 614-324-0602
Alyson B. Miller Miller Bahnson Law LLC 2 Miranova Place, Suite 330, Columbus 43215 614-747-6955
Frank A. Ray
Frank A. Ray Co. LPA P.O. Box 21444, Columbus 43221 614-302-3066
Ehren Slagle
Collins & Slagle Co. LPA 351 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus 43215 614-228-1144
Allison Tracey
Collins & Slagle Co. LPA 351 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus 43215 614-228-1144
Craig P. Treneff Treneff Cozza Law LLC 155 Commerce Park Dr., Suite 5,
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Brianna J. Walsh Miller Bahnson Law LLC 2 Miranova Place, Suite 330, Columbus 43215 614-747-6955
Kelly Wick
Baker & Wick LLC 400 S. Fifth St., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-697-2627
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAW Jonathan Brollier
Epstein Becker & Green PC 250 West St., Suite 300, Columbus 43215 614-872-2412
Mark E. Defossez Donahey Law Firm LLC 471 E. Broad St., Suite 1520, Columbus 43215 614-224-8166
Gordon Douglas Evans II Donahey Law Firm LLC 471 E. Broad St., Suite 1520, Columbus 43215 614-224-8166
Gregory B. Foliano
Arnold Todaro Welch and Foliano 2075 Marble Cliff Office Park, Columbus 43215 614-324-4533
Gerald S. Leeseberg
Penthouse 1, Columbus 43215 866-985-4524
Timothy M. Mahler
Rourke & Blumenthal 495 S. High St., Suite 450, Columbus 43215 614-321-3212
Theodore P. Mattis
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-6468
Robert P. Miller Rourke & Blumenthal 495 S. High St., Suite 450, Columbus 43215 614-220-9200
Voted a Top Lawyer for 2026!
Willis The Firm Legal Services, LLC
987 S High St, Columbus, OH 43206
614-460-0671
Over five decades of experience in AmLaw Top 100 global corporate and M&A practices
Focus on personal attention, responsiveness and cost-effective rates
Danny Newman Jr.
Donahey Law Firm LLC 471 E. Broad St., Suite 1520, Columbus 43215 614-224-8166
Gerald J. Todaro Arnold Todaro Welch and Foliano 2075 Marble Cliff Office Park, Columbus 43215 614-324-4510
MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS LAW Nicholas I. Andersen
Arenstein & Andersen Co. LPA 655 Metro Place S, Suite 900, Dublin 43017 614-602-6550
Leeseberg Tuttle 175 S. Third St.,
Jeff Wahl
Matt Bailey
Diana Saliceti *
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in: Corporate Law Mergers and Acquisitions Law *Admitted in New York Authorized to practice in Ohio under Gov. Bar R. I, Sec. 19 (Practice Pending Admission) Ohio Application for Admission Without Examination Pending
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Matthew S. Bailey
JRW Esquire Ltd. 1733 W. Lane Ave., Columbus 43221 380-239-8500
COLUMBUS PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS
Alexander M. Brown
Helping Injury Victims for
FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHTS OF INJURY VICTIMS SINCE 1968
614-224-8166
www.donaheylaw.com
Dickinson Wright PLLC 180 E. Broad St., Suite 3400, Columbus 43215 614-744-2939
Jack C. Butler
Client Centered Community Focused Results Driven Congratulations to Sarah Perez, Kelly Grigsby Jones, and Rebecca Johnson for being recognized as Columbus CEO’s Top Lawyers of 2026.
Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP 950 Goodale Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43212 614-628-0873
Patrick D. Cornelius
Barnes & Thornburg LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 3300, Columbus 43215 614-628-1461
Scot C. Crow
Dickinson Wright PLLC 180 E. Broad St., Suite 3400, Columbus 43215 614-744-2585
Emily J. Cunningham
Barrett, Easterday, Cunningham & Eselgroth LLP 7259 Sawmill Rd., Suite 150, Dublin 43016 614-210-1840
Diana Lingyu Jia
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2035 445 Hutchinson Ave., Suite 600, Columbus, Ohio 43235 (855) 580-7530 | perezmorris.com
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Todd M. Kegler Baker & Hostetler LLP
200 Civic Center Dr., Suite 1200, Columbus 43215 614-462-4754
Richard C. McQuown
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-1975
Bruce P. Paige Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-6359
Russell R. Rosler
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-8294
Thomas C. Washbush
Washbush Business Law LLC 4140 John Shields Parkway, Dublin 43017 614-565-4542
Megan E. West
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2195
MUNICIPAL LAW Thaddeus M. Boggs
FBT Gibbons LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7293
Steven Carlino Weston Hurd LLP 101 E. Town St.,
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Suite 500, Columbus 43215 614-280-1124
Jeffry D. Harris Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-4860
Philip K. Hartmann
FBT Gibbons LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7206
Paul-Michael La Fayette
Freeman Mathis & Gary LLP 65 E. State St., Suite 2550, Columbus 43215 614-683-8471
Bradley S. Nicodemus
Nicodemus Law Office 1409 W. Market St., Columbus 43105 740-422-9280
Christopher R. Schraff
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-277-2097
Jesse J. Shamp FBT Gibbons LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7275
Andrew Yosowitz
Teetor Westfall LLC 200 E. Campus View Blvd., Columbus 43235 614-368-0410
NONPROFIT/ CHARITIES LAW
David T. Ball
Rosenberg & Ball Co. LPA 205 S. Prospect St., Granville 43023 614-316-8222
Christopher M. Hammond
Dinsmore & Shohl LLP 191 W. Nationwide Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-628-6960
OIL AND GAS LAW Gregory D. Russell
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5468
Congratulations to our attorneys recognized on the 2026 Top Lawyers list featuring more than 800 Central Ohio attorneys. • Joanne Beasy
• James Carpenter
• William Browning
• Jeffrey Stankunas
Sommer L. Sheely
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-8870
PERSONAL INJURY Sean Alto
The Law Firm for Truck Safety 8740 Orion Place, Suite 320, Columbus 43420 440-749-4146
Steven C. Babin Jr.
Babin Law LLC 10 W. Broad St., Suite 900, Columbus 43215 614-761-8800
David A. Bressman
Bressman Law 255A E. Livingston Ave, Columbus 43215 614-877-6303
Congratulations to
JEFFERSON YATES for being voted for
2026 TOP LAWYER! 140 E Town St #1070, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 222-4288
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Jedidiah Bressman
Roger R. Soroka
Bressman Law 255A E. Livingston Ave., Columbus 43215 614-418-6777
Soroka & Associates LLC 503 S. Front St., Suite 205, Columbus 43215 614-414-3692
Ben Cooper
Paul W. Steele III
Eleni A. Drakatos
James Tyack
Sean Harris
PRODUCT LIABILITY
Cooper & Elliott LLC 305 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus 43215 614-918-4508 Yacobozzi Drakatos LLC 6797 N. High St., Suite 100, Worthington 43085 844-935-2948 Harris Law Office LLC 250 W. Old Wilson Bridge Rd., Suite 270-D, Worthington 43085 614-696-0905
JESSICA G. KING, ESQ. FOUNDER, MANAGING PARTNER
Awards + Achievements Best Lawyers in America Peer-Rated AV Preeminent Columbus CEO Top Lawyer Columbus Business First Forty Under 40
Practice Areas
Heit Law LLC 2600 Corporate Exchange Dr., Suite 109, Columbus 43231 614-898-5300
Elizabeth A. Mote
Mote Law Firm LLC 400 S. Fifth St., Suite 101, Columbus 43215 614-370-6359
Divorce Dissolution Mediation High-Asset Divorce Prenuptial Agreements Custody Matters
Zach Schiff
“
Craig Scott “
I would highly recommend Jessica for any difficult family law case. She has succeeded in ways our previous representation was not able.
Schiff & Associates Co. LPA 115 W. Main St., Columbus 43215 614-490-1035
(614) 324-0602 | ADMIN@JKGLEGAL.COM | KINGDIVORCELAW.COM
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Corey Heit
The Law Office of Craig Scott & Co. LPA 300 E. Broad St., Suite 190, Columbus 43215 614-227-7063
Dittmer, Wagoner & Steele 107 W. Johnstown Rd., Gahanna 43230 866-274-1842 The Tyack Law Firm Co. LPA 536 S. High St., Columbus 43215 614-221-1342
Daniel N. Abraham
Colley Shroyer Abraham 536 S. High St., Floor 2, Columbus 43215 614-678-5072
Sarah M. Benoit Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-220-0261
Todd A. Cook
The Cook Law Group LLC 4200 Regent St., Suite 200, Columbus 43219 614-741-4300
Joyce D. Edelman
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2083
Aneca E. Lasley Ice Miller LLP 250 West St.,
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PUBLIC FINANCE LAW
Elizabeth A. Mote
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2384
Mote Law Firm LLC 400 S. Fifth St., Suite 101, Columbus 43215 614-370-6359
Brian Noethlich Oliver Law Office 7240 Muirfield Dr., Suite 1200, Dublin 43017 614-220-9100
Gary J. Saalman Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5678
Shana Ortiz See
UB Greensfelder LLP 65 E. State St., Suite 1100, Columbus 43215 614-229-0048
PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE LAW Mary Barley-McBride Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote PC 10 W. Broad St., Suite 1950, Columbus 43215 614-258-5706
Zachary B. Pyers
Reminger Co. LPA 200 Civic Center Dr., Suite 800, Columbus 43215 614-232-2411
Chris Weber
Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter 65 E. State St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-440-2632
John Caleb Bell
Colin J. Kalvas Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-4998
Rebecca C. Princehorn
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2302
Jason Tiemeier Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-6067
Columbus Attorneys Earn Top Lawyer Recognition STEPHEN CHAPPELEAR JOSEPH DURHAM TODD LONG
KARL SCHNEIDER MARK SHAW
RESPONSIVE • RESOURCEFUL • RELIABLE
eastmansmith.com | 419-241-6000 Cleveland | Columbus | Detroit | Findlay | Toledo
REAL ESTATE LAW Laing P. Akers Barnes & Thornburg LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 3300, Columbus 43215 614-628-1442
Karim A. Ali
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2023
Principal and founder of David A. Goldstein Co., L.P.A., a Columbus law firm concentrating on insurance defense and general litigation.
Amy S. Bartemes
Over Two Decades Of Experienced Litigation And Advocacy In Columbus.
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2379
Nicholas I. Bass Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St.,
511 South High Street, Suite 200, Columbus, OH 43215 614-222-1889 • dgoldsteinlaw.com Fall 2026 • ColumbusCEO
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Michael D. Bridges
VOT ED
2026
TOP LAWYERS
Dickinson Wright PLLC 180 E. Broad St., Suite 3400, Columbus 43215 614-744-2577
James J. Chester Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-334-6103
James (Jamey) S. Gray
Brian Basil
JB Hadden
Geoffrey Moul
www.mmmb.com 1114 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215
Brian Murphy
614-488-0400
WOLINETZ | HORVATH | BROWN F A M I LY L A W AT T O R N E Y S COLUMBUS • WESTERVILLE
FBT Gibbons LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7248
James M. Groner
COLUMBUS OFFICE 250 Civic Center Drive, Suite 600 Columbus, OH 43215
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Roetzel & Andress LPA 41 S. High St., Huntington Center, Floor 21, Columbus 43215 614-723-2062
Nicklaus J. Reis 614-341-7775
wolinetzlaw.com
FBT Gibbons LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7241
Brent D. Rosenthal
Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP 950 Goodale Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43212 614-628-0772
Carol A. Sheehan
Judith D. Levine
WESTERVILLE OFFICE 670 Meridian Way, Suite 259 Westerville, OH 43082
Harlan W. Robins
Stephen Intihar
Katz & DiCuccio LLP 10 N. High St., Suite 405, Columbus 43215 614-363-3500
HEATHER B. SOBEL | DENNIS E. HORVATH | BARRY H. WOLINETZ | ERIC M. BROWN
Barnes & Thornburg LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 3300, Columbus 43215 614-628-1444
Tom Schmitt
Steven M. Katz
Congratulations to our attorneys recognized among Columbus CEO’s 2026 Top Lawyers in Family Law.
Erik Rickard
Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3267
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2376
Recognized Among Columbus CEO’s 2026 Top Lawyers
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5409
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
Eques Law Group 577 Office Parkway, Westerville 43082 614-324-3654 Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP 950 Goodale Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43212 614-628-0787
Bryan J. Venesy
Barnes & Thornburg LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 3300, Columbus 43215 614-628-1453
Kyle R. Walker
Katz & DiCuccio LLP 10 N. High St., Suite 405, Columbus 43215 614-363-3500
Philip R. Westerman
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
ColumbusCEO • Fall 2026
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41 S. High St., Suite 3300, Columbus 43215 614-628-1450
100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-8834
SECURITIES/ CAPITAL MARKETS LAW
Allen Stovall Neuman & Ashton LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2400, Columbus 43215 614-591-9460
Dennis J. Concilla
Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP 950 Goodale Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43212 614-628-0771
Curtis A. Loveland
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2004
David P. Meyer
Meyer Wilson Werning 305 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus 43215 614-756-6637
Chadwick P. Reynolds
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-6340
SECURITIES REGULATION Dennis J. Concilla
Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP 950 Goodale Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43212 614-628-0771
TAX LAW Jerry O. Allen
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP
Rick L. Ashton
Jack C. Butler
Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP 950 Goodale Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43212 614-628-0873
Justin D. Cook
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-220-0252
Katherine R. Dodson
Grady Dodson Law 100 E. Broad St., Suite 2310, Columbus 43215 614-849-0376
Stephen K. Hall Zaino Hall & Farrin LLC 41 S. High St., Suite 3600, Columbus 43215 614-284-1253
Edward C. Hertenstein
Roetzel & Andress LPA 41 S. High St., Huntington Center, Floor 21, Columbus 43215 614-723-2066
Harlan S. Louis
CELEBRATING COLUMBUS WITH STORIES THAT INFORM, INSPIRE AND ENGAGE
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3225
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Vince Nardone Benesch 41 S. High St., Suite 2600, Columbus 43215 614-223-9326
MCDANIEL LAW CONGRATULATES JENNIFER MCDANIEL, MARISA BARTLETTE WILLIS, RON WITTEL & JEFF WILLIS FOR THEIR RECOGNITION IN TOP LAWYERS McDaniel Law is a women-owned law firm providing advisory, litigation, and consultation services to Ohio employers in workers’ compensation matters. Let us help you navigate the complexities of Ohio workers’ compensation law so you can focus on what matters: your business
M C D A N I E L L AW. C O M
Nicholas M.J. Ray Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5640
Thomas M. Zaino Zaino Hall & Farrin LLC 41 S. High St., Suite 3600, Columbus 43215 614-349-4810
Scott J. Ziance Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-8287
TRADE SECRETS John F. Marsh Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3230
TRANSPORTATION LAW Marc S. Blubaugh Columbus CEO Top Lawyers Immigration The Law Firm of Shihab & Associates, A Legal Professional Association, Gus Shihab, Esq., Founder A Global Immigration Firm 5900 Wilcox Place, Dublin, Ohio 43016
877-479-4USA (4872)
www.shihabimmigrationfirm.com
Benesch 41 S. High St., Suite 2600, Columbus 43215 614-223-9382
R. Leland Evans
Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote PC 10 W. Broad St., Suite 1950, Columbus 43215 614-258-5718
Joseph J. Golian Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote PC 10 W. Broad St.,
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Suite 1950, Columbus 43215 614-258-6000
Alexander C. Karcher
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-636-1966
TRUSTS AND ESTATES Alan S. Acker
Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP 950 Goodale Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43212 614-628-0849
Robert R. Dunn Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3284
Victor J. Ferguson
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP 52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-6227
Jane Higgins Marx
Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP 950 Goodale Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43212 614-628-0809
Miranda E. Morgan
Ice Miller LLP 250 West St., Suite 700, Columbus 43215 614-462-1064
David A. Onega Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3200
Kelly C. Parks
Parks Legal LLC 5131 Post Rd., Suite 305, Dublin 43017 614-618-5932
Logan K. Philipps Philipps & Graham LLC 5880 Venture Dr., Suite A, Dublin 43017 614-760-1801
Thomas Taneff
Thomas Taneff Co. LPA 250 S. Civic Center Dr., Suite 610, Columbus 43215 614-241-2181
Alan K. Veatch
Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP 950 Goodale Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43212 614-628-0866
Christopher S. Vonau
Decker Vonau & Carr LLC 620 E. Broad St., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-744-4145
Michelle H. Wong-Halabi
Melissa A. Black Dinsmore & Shohl LLP 191 W. Nationwide Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-628-6932
C. Russell Canestraro
Agee Clymer Mitchell & Portman Law 140 E. Town St., Suite 1100, Columbus 43215 614-221-3318
William R. Creedon
Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-4830
Troy A. Duffy
Reminger Co. LPA 200 Civic Center Dr., Suite 800, Columbus 43215 614-232-2412
Philip J. Fulton Philip J. Fulton Law Office 89 E. Nationwide Blvd., Suite 300, Columbus 43215 614-618-7471
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP 41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2075
Preston J. Garvin
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAW
Kevin E. Hess
John C. Barno
Roetzel & Andress LPA 41 S. High St., Huntington Center, Floor 21, Columbus 43215 614-532-9620
Garvin & Hickey LLC 181 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus 43215 614-225-9000
Fisher & Phillips LLP 250 West St., Suite 400, Columbus 43215 614-453-7607
Michael J. Hickey Garvin & Hickey LLC 181 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus 43215 614-225-9000
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Paulette Ivan
Reminger Co. LPA 200 Civic Center Dr., Suite 800, Columbus 43215 614-232-2425
Lauren A. Kemp
Mark A. Shaw
Eastman & Smith Ltd. 250 Civic Center Dr., Suite 280, Columbus 43215 614-564-1441
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-334-6131
Noel C. Shepard
Sam Marcellino
Matthew D. Shufeldt
Nager Romaine Schneiberg Co. LPA 2600 Corporate Exchange Dr., Suite 150, Columbus 43231 855-468-4878
Jennifer M. McDaniel
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FBT Gibbons LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7223
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William A. Thorman
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Kevin R. Sanislo The Sanislo Firm LLC 570 N. State St., Suite 230, Westerville 43082 614-392-1007
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Garvin & Hickey LLC 181 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus 43215 614-225-9000
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ON THE FIELD. IN THE LOCKER ROOM. ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL.
Stewart Jaffy & Associates Co. LPA 5701 N. High St., Suite 104, Worthington 43085 614-228-6148 Willis The Firm 987 S. High St., Columbus 43206 614-460-0671
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Thursday, November 12 The Bluestone 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
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Marion General Manager Dispatch Magazines
Morrow
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Logan
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Licking
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CONTENTS 12 About One Columbus and Its Executive Committee
13 Building the Next Chapter
Columbus is a compelling place to invest and grow.
16 High-Growth Hub
The Region continues to garner national accolades as population and business investment continue on an upward trajectory.
20 Joining Columbus
After moving here, these five business professionals can’t imagine living anywhere else.
Adam Trabitz Production Designer
Rebecca Zimmer
27 Investing in Columbus
Get to know four companies that located or expanded in the metropolitan area.
32 Business Builder
Deborah Scherer leads the charge on attracting global companies to the Region.
36 Workforce of the Future
Colleges and universities are rolling out new programs, and a life sciences training center will boost the talent pipeline.
44 The Region at a Glance The area’s 11 counties offer a diverse mix of assets and amenities for businesses and residents
Subscriptions/Customer Service
614-923-9566 columbusceo@subscriptionteam.com Editorial/Advertising Offices
605 S. Front St., Suite 300 Columbus, OH 43215
One Columbus, a supplement to Columbus CEO, is published annually by USA Today Co. Inc. All contents of this magazine are copyrighted © USA Today Co. Inc. 2026, all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited materials.
On the cover: Skyline courtesy Randall L. Schieber, other photos courtesy One Columbus.
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ABOUT ONE COLUMBUS One Columbus serves as the economic development arm of the Columbus Partnership, leading a comprehensive growth strategy across the 11-county Columbus Region that develops and attracts the world’s most competitive companies, grows a highly adaptive workforce, prepares our communities for the future, and inspires corporate, academic and public innovation.
THE COLUMBUS REGION The thriving 11-county area in Central Ohio isn’t just home to more than 2.3 million people, it’s also home to some of the world’s most recognizable brands, innovative small businesses, powerhouse research hubs and topnotch academic institutions. Go online to ColumbusRegion.com to learn more.
COLUMBUS REGION VISION To be the most prosperous region in the United States. The process of building prosperity requires sustained focus on the social and economic advancement of all residents within the Columbus Region. An array of private, public and nonprofit leaders across the Columbus Region support this vision and work together toward its realization. Results-driven: Since 2021, the One Columbus team has helped more than 248 companies achieve their growth goals by locating or expanding in the Columbus Region, resulting in over $44 billion worth of capital investment and more than 31,000 new jobs and $2.5 billion in payroll committed.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Mark Berven, Chair President and Chief Operating Officer, Nationwide Property & Casualty Gregory R. Overmyer, Treasurer CEO, Overmyer Hall Associates, a HUB International company Marc D. Reitter, Secretary President and Chief Operating Officer, AEP Ohio and American Electric Power Company Inc. Melody Birmingham Executive Vice President and Group President of Utilities, NiSource Kevin Boyce County Commissioner, Franklin County Board of Commissioners Lawrence Geise Executive Vice President, Honda Development and Manufacturing of America Lori Gillett CEO, CK Construction Group Andrew J. Ginther Mayor, City of Columbus Phil Greenberg Chief of Staff, JobsOhio Becky Griffin Columbus Location Leader, JPMorgan Chase & Co. Tim Hall Area President, M/I Homes Inc. Rebecca McGrath Senior Vice President, Government Relations and Public Policy, Cardinal Health John McWhorter Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, OhioHealth Brant Standridge Senior Executive VP and President, Consumer and Regional Banking, Huntington National Bank Rick Szabrak Director of Economic and Workforce Development, Fairfield County Matt Vaughan President, Applied Science & Technology, Battelle
EX-OFFICIO Corrine Burger CEO, the Columbus Partnership Jonas Peterson Chief Economic Development Officer and President, One Columbus
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Photos courtesy One Columbus
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★
Building the Next Chapter
The map of American growth is shifting, and the Columbus Region is one of the places redrawing it. Companies are making larger investments here. More people are choosing to build their careers here. New industries are taking shape alongside a remarkably durable base of established employers. Across the Region, that growth is creating an economy with reach, depth and increasing national consequence. Columbus is no longer a wellkept secret. I chose to make this region my home, so I have had the chance to experience its character, as well as study its economy. There is a seriousness here about growth. Communities compete for opportunity, but they also understand that the strength of the Region raises the prospects of everyone in it. Employers work closely with educators. Public and private leaders solve problems together. When a com-
pany is ready to move, this region knows how to move with it. One Columbus investors are central to that regional effort. Their commitment gives us the capacity to compete with confidence while sustaining an economic development strategy built to serve the
entirety of the Region. That kind of regional alignment is part of what makes Central Ohio such a compelling place to invest and grow. A company can find very different opportunities across our 11 counties while remaining connected to the same growing labor market, business network and economic ecosystem. An urban headquarters, an advanced manufacturing operation or the next generation of technology infrastructure can each find a place here built for its needs. Success at that level creates its own gravity. Talent follows opportunity, investment follows performance and strong companies attract more of both. That cycle is already at work in the Columbus Region. And it is accelerating. Jonas Peterson Chief Economic Development Officer and President, One Columbus
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THOUGHT LEADER OF THE QUARTER
THE STRONGEST STARTUP ECOSYSTEMS ARE BUILT TOGETHER
O
PHOTO COURTESY REV1 VENTURES
ver the past several years, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside both entrepreneurs and corporate leaders across Central Ohio. One lesson stands out - the startups that succeed aren’t simply the ones with the best ideas, they’re the ones surrounded by the right partners. That’s why Rev1 Ventures has always believed that supporting startups requires more than capital. It requires an ecosystem built on collaboration, where entrepreneurs have access to experienced advisors, engaged corporate partners, investors, universities and public leaders who are all committed to helping innovation thrive. We know this approach works. Research shows startups are twice as likely to survive their first five years when funding is paired with advisory support. Capital helps founders get started. Strategic guidance, customer connections and industry expertise help them build companies that last.
Corporate Partners Are Essential When established companies engage with startups, they’re not simply giving back to the community. They’re strengthening their own organizations while helping shape the future of our regional economy. Whether it’s mentoring founders, piloting emerging technologies, sharing market expertise or becoming an early customer, these partnerships create value on both sides. Startups gain the insights and relationships they need to grow, while corporations gain early access to new ideas, entrepreneurial talent and emerging technologies that can inform their own innovation strategies.
Julia Dewey
Collaboration as Competitive Advantage For decades, Ohio has made intentional investments in innovation, enabling organizations like Rev1 to connect entrepreneurs with the capital, expertise and networks they need to grow. Since 2013, Rev1 has supported more than 1,700 startups, invested in 150 companies and helped generate more than $7.6 billion in statewide economic impact. Those outcomes didn’t happen because one organization worked harder than everyone else. They happened because businesses, investors, and public and private partners came together to invest in a shared vision for Ohio’s future. Another Defining Moment Central Ohio is attracting talent, investment and national attention at an unprecedented pace, but momentum alone won’t keep us competitive. Other regions are increasing their
investments in startups and innovation infrastructure, and long-standing programs that helped build Ohio’s innovation economy are evolving. If we want to maintain our leadership, now is the time to double down on our commitment to entrepreneurship. Key ways Columbus can continue to maintain and strengthen its position as a hub for startups: • Focus on building the relationships, spaces and networks that allow innovation to flourish. • Create opportunities for corporate leaders to engage with founders, share expertise and help promising companies navigate the challenges of growth. • Recognize that innovation isn’t someone else’s responsibility - it’s a shared investment in the future of our region. The strongest startup ecosystems aren’t built by startups alone. They’re built by communities that choose to work together. That’s the approach that has helped Central Ohio become one of the Midwest’s leading innovation hubs, and it’s how we’ll ensure our region remains competitive for decades to come. Julia Dewey is Chief Partnerships Officer at Rev1 Ventures, the Midwest venture studio that partners with innovators in Saas/AI, deep tech, and life sciences to turn bold ideas into scalable companies.
Rev1 Ventures 330 Rush Alley, Suite 100 Columbus 43215 614-487-3700 rev1ventures.com
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Photo courtesy One Columbus
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A Fury drone on the production floor at Anduril Industries Inc.
High-Growth Hub The Region continues to garner national accolades as population and business investment continue on an upward trajectory. By Julanne Hohbach
★
Ohio might be No. 1 in America’s Top States for Business 2026 according to CNBC, but the Columbus Region is leading the way in the Buckeye State and beyond on multiple metrics, including population and job growth. Ohio came away with CNBC’s top ranking just a year after cracking the top five for the first time; the Buckeye State finished 30th in the inaugural rankings in 2007. Two contributors to the state’s top finish, according to CNBC, were its No. 1 rankings in both Infrastructure and Cost of Doing Business. “The Buckeye State offers companies broad market access, with more than 143 million people living within a day’s drive, low real estate costs, reasonable utility and insurance
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costs, generous incentives and shovel-ready sites,” CNBC opined. Those are advantages the Columbus Region has carefully cultivated and touted for years. “There’s a lot of companies choosing to invest in our market. The world’s leading companies, many of them have made significant investments in Central Ohio. Those investments derisk it for other opportunities,” says Tom Stipkovich, vice president of corporate investment at One Columbus. Stipkovich has managed a number of significant projects since joining One Columbus in 2015, notably Anduril Industries Inc.’s Arsenal-1 site near Rickenbacker International Airport in Pickaway County. The Anduril project, expected to cost nearly $1 billion, is touted as the largest job-creation project in state
history, with more than 4,000 new jobs anticipated by 2035. The company rolled its first Fury autonomous air vehicle off the production line in July and plans to add two other products by the end of 2026. “Anduril is changing the defense industry in a big way,” Stipkovich says. “Their investment in Ohio is going to be tremendously impactful. I think right now, we’re probably a little bit at the tip of the iceberg with what the defense tech industry can become across the state.” About 26 miles northeast of Arsenal-1 is Intel’s Ohio One campus, where construction is ongoing on two semiconductor fabrication plants. The company’s planned $28 billion commitment to the project, located in Licking County in the New Albany International Business Park, will be the largest private-sector
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The Columbus Region By the Numbers #1 Ohio’s rank in America’s Top States for Business 2026 –CNBC One of the fastest-growing regions in United States, at double the national rate of population growth –U.S. Census Bureau 96% Columbus Region’s share of Ohio’s growth in the last decade –U.S. Census Bureau 15th-largest city in the United States –U.S. Census Bureau #1 for job growth in the Midwest –U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 18 Number of Fortune 1000 companies in 2026 14 consecutive top 10 rankings on the Tier 1 Top Metros for economic development by projects per capita (No. 7 in 2025) –Site Selection magazine #4 top job market in the U.S. for college graduates 2025-26 –ADP #48 Best-Performing Cities 2026 (large cities category) –Milken Institute $28 billion Largest privatesector capital investment in state history, by Intel 4,000 jobs Largest job-creation project in state history, by Anduril Industries Inc.
investment in Ohio history. But advanced manufacturing is just one of the industries experiencing recent growth. The life sciences and biotechnology sector has blossomed, particularly at the business park, where Amgen Inc., American Regent Inc., Pharmavite and others have significant operations. Amgen invested $474 million in a 300,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that opened in February 2024. In April 2025, the company announced a $900 million expansion, which is expected to increase local headcount from 400 to 750 when it opens in 2027. “It’s such a good and fun success story,” Stipkovich says. “The pace at which they were able to become operational, staff that facility up and then reinvest in the market, you can’t do that everywhere. You have to have really strong alignment from the state to the Region to the local level to be able to do that, and it sends a signal to the rest of the market and other companies looking to make investments.” One of the keys to the Region’s economic success is its broad base. Beyond technology-centric sectors is a wide variety of other enterprises, from longtime stalwarts such as financial services, insurance and health care to nationally known fashion brands, restaurants, and automotive manufacturers and suppliers. Central Ohio has five companies on the 2026 Fortune 500 list and 18 on the Fortune 1000. But smaller enterprises and family businesses fare well here, too. “We’re blessed in this market because it’s incredibly diverse. No single industry sector makes up more than 16 or 17 percent of our regional employment. So, we have a really balanced economy,” Stipkovich says. “Sectors ebb and flow. The professional services space was really active the last decade. Logistics was really active the last decade with the rise of e-commerce,” he says. “Post-pandemic, the percentage of opportunities in our pipeline for manufacturing has increased, and so that’s where we’re focusing a lot of
time because there’s so much activity and opportunity in that space.”
Population Growth Follows As business in the Region has grown so, too, has its population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s metropolitan statistical areas estimates, the Columbus MSA population was 2,242,028 on July 1, 2025, up from 2,141,983 five years prior—an increase of 4.7 percent. The most recent one-year rate of growth (0.96 percent) is nearly double the national rate, placing the area as one of the fastest growing in the country. International migration accounted for more than half the one-year population growth, while 35 percent came from births. The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, which tracks population trends and economic indicators over 15 counties, projects the area will reach 3.15 million people by 2050. Meanwhile, the city of Columbus remains the 15th-largest city in the nation at 938,396 residents as of July 1, 2025, according to Census Bureau counts. Many of these new residents come for employment. The area has one of the best job-growth rates in the country, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures. BLS numbers analyzed by One Columbus show the metropolitan area added 11,977 jobs from March 2025 to March 2026, ranking it No. 6 among the top 56 U.S. metros. The year-over-year growth rate of 1.1 percent is the highest in the Midwest and more than 18 times the national average. Ron Starner, executive vice president of Conway Data Inc., which publishes Site Selection magazine, says people are a critical factor to the Region’s ongoing success. “First and foremost,” he says, “it’s the talent. I describe it as both talent migration and talent development in Central Ohio.” Beyond a strong flow of workers relocating here, he says, Ohio State University, Columbus State Community College and other schools turn out graduates with a variety of
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2026 Fortune 500 Companies 15. Cardinal Health 69. Nationwide 209. American Electric Power Company Inc. 350. Huntington Bancshares Inc. 414. Vertiv Holdings Co.
skillsets needed to fill both whitecollar and industrial jobs. Stipkovich says the One Columbus team spends significant time working with K-12 school districts, trade schools, colleges and universities. “We are developing that pipeline of talent that those companies need to be successful,” he says. “They wouldn’t choose to continue to invest and expand in our market if they couldn’t find the right talent.”
In the National Spotlight The Columbus Region continues to collect accolades, with recent nods from the influential Site Selection and nonprofit public-policy organization Brookings Institution. In July, One Columbus scooped up its eighth Mac Conway Award for Economic Development Excellence in the past nine years from Site Selection. The award is given annually to economic development groups across the country. Additionally, the Region ranked as the No. 1 metro area on the magazine’s 2025 Global Groundwork Index, which evaluates development projects and associated job creation and expenditures. And it has earned 14 straight top 10 placements among Site Selection’s Tier 1 Top Metros, ranked by projects per capita. The Region placed No. 7 on the 2025 list, which was released this spring. Starner says the Region benefits from physical assets like site preparation and readiness, transportation infrastructure and utilities, as well as “deeply committed stakeholders,” including One Columbus, JobsOhio
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Star Hub honoree in Mapping the AI Economy –Brookings Institution 8 Mac Conway Awards for Economic Development Excellence won by One Columbus –Site Selection magazine $100 million commitment by entrepreneur Ratmir Timashev to attract 100 AI companies to Columbus through OH.io Ventures Holding Inc. $2 billion new terminal investment at John Glenn International Airport, which ranked No. 5 in flight growth among the 50 busiest U.S. airports in 2025 –Columbus Regional Airport Authority 2028 Columbus becomes the first Olympic city in Ohio 2028 Columbus’ National Women’s Soccer League expansion team takes the field Top 5 metro areas for young professionals –Forbes
you have to be able to execute when you actually get an opportunity, and that means everybody’s got to be on the same page, rowing in the same direction, and the local teams make all the difference,” Stipkovich says. “When Central Ohio competes for a project, they compete to win. Anduril had 50 suitors. Amgen had 13. The Columbus Region emerged No. 1 in both of those,” Starner says. “They know how to take on all comers and win, which means you’ve got to have everyone at the table, and everyone who’s at the table has to be all in. And there are very few places in the country that are able to pull that off. Greater Columbus is one of those.”
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and local groups, as well as the retooling of JobsOhio itself. “That definitely elevated Ohio into a higher tier of how they are perceived by site selectors and CEOs around the country. The fact that JobsOhio is armed now with one of the biggest war chests in the country, that moves the needle,” he says. The Region’s technology is getting noticed, too. In July 2025, Brookings named Columbus a Star Hub in its “Mapping the AI Economy” report, recognizing it as one of 28 metropolitan areas with strong AI ecosystems spanning talent, adoption and innovation, says Mark Muro, a senior fellow with Brookings. “The Region really has a strong regional technology base at this point, and I think you can’t overestimate the importance of OSU in that. But now you’re seeing these additional investments coming in, obviously the Intel plant is going to be tremendously important in the next five to 10 years. This Anduril hard tech effort in the defense area is going to be important. “Places like Columbus that have a strong manufacturing history, have a major technology-oriented university and a sort of pro-growth atmosphere are going to do very well in an era that is based on AI and defense industries, and that’s sort of where the nation is right now,” Muro says. “I think the name of the game is having a layered economy that is fairly deep in multiple areas.” “First and foremost, I think it’s an advantage to be a growth market,” Stipkovich says. “We’re leading the charge in terms of Ohio’s population growth, and that’s a really important consideration.” Other assets include numerous higher education institutions, a central location, a strong tax environment and shovel-ready sites, he says. “The rankings are one thing. They’re incredibly helpful in getting your foot in the door on certain opportunities and generating buzz and momentum around Central Ohio. But
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Giordano Albertazzi
Dr. Kimryn Rathmell
Vatsal Shah
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Joining Columbus
Alexandra Scheiman
After moving to the Region, these business professionals can’t imagine living anywhere else. Photos by Tim Johnson
★
It’s no secret the Columbus Region is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for companies of all shapes and sizes. But its appeal is likewise growing among business professionals, who are drawn to factors such as a robust economy,
welcoming environment, educational offerings and quality of life. Get to know these five men and women who chose to move here for their careers—one of whom left and came back. Their stories are unique, but each has a shared experience with thousands of other professionals who sampled what the area has to offer and never looked back.
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Giordano Albertazzi The Italian tech executive has embraced the city’s arts scene. By Amy Bodiker Baskes
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When Giordano “Gio” Albertazzi first visited Columbus during his career with Vertiv, his experience rarely extended beyond the airport, office and hotel. It wasn’t until he was named CEO and moved here in 2022 that he discovered what he calls the city’s understated appeal. Raised in Milan, Italy, Albertazzi originally joined the company, then known as Emerson Network Power, in 1998. The business has roots that stretch back 80 years in Columbus. He spent much of his career leading Emerson’s operations around the world before taking the reins as CEO of Vertiv Holdings Co. in January 2023. Today, he leads the global provider of critical digital infrastructure in data centers and communication networks from its Westerville headquarters. What has impressed him most about Columbus is not just its growing business climate but also the people. “There is a sense of community here that makes you feel extremely welcome,” he says. “That’s quite genuine; people you meet are just genuinely nice.” Living in Downtown Columbus also has changed his perception of the city. Beyond what business travelers typically see, Albertazzi
has found a vibrant arts scene and become an enthusiastic supporter of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, where he serves on the board of trustees. A lifelong fan of classical music, he calls the orchestra one of the city’s “pleasant surprises.” Professionally, Albertazzi has overseen Vertiv during a dynamic period of growth, fueled by demand for data center infrastructure. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its engineering capabilities, strengthened partnerships with industry leaders and grown into an S&P 500 and Fortune 500 company. Albertazzi credits the Columbus Region’s role in Vertiv’s success, notably its collaborative business community and the pipeline of engineering talent from Ohio State University. If Albertazzi has one wish for his adopted hometown, it’s more international flights to support the Region’s expanding global business connections, something that may be
Giordano Albertazzi CEO, Vertiv Holdings Co. Age: 60 Hometown: Milan, Italy Previous: Chief operating officer and president of Vertiv, Americas Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Politecnico di Milano; master’s in management, Stanford University Graduate School of Business Involvement: Co-vice chair of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra board of trustees, member of the Columbus Partnership Resides: Downtown
realized when the new airport terminal is finished in 2029. Otherwise, he believes Columbus offers an uncommon combination of opportunity, innovation and quality of life—advantages that continue to surprise even a veteran international executive.
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Dr. Kimryn Rathmell The renowned cancer expert was drawn to a job at Ohio State but discovered plenty more to appreciate. By Amy Bodiker Baskes
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When Dr. Kimryn Rathmell became CEO of the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute in May 2025, she wasn’t expecting to return to the Midwest after three decades away. A kidney cancer specialist who was serving as director of the National Cancer Institute, Rathmell took advantage of the unexpected opportunity. “I hadn’t been looking for this, but I loved it,” she says. Rathmell, a Nebraska native who grew up in Sheffield, Iowa, was drawn to Ohio State’s potential to improve cancer care for rural communities while advancing discoveries with national impact. She was especially attracted by the land grant university’s mission and statewide reach, as well as its unique position as the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center with a freestanding cancer hospital and academic medical center on the campus of a large public university. Since arriving in Columbus, Rathmell has been equally impressed by the city itself. “It’s a lovely place to
Dr. Kimryn Rathmell CEO, OSUCCC – James Age: 56 Hometown: Sheffield, Iowa Previous: Director, National Cancer Institute; chair of medicine and physician-in-chief, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; leadership and faculty positions, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Education: Bachelor’s degrees in biology and chemistry, University of Northern Iowa; Master of Management in Health Care, Vanderbilt University; M.D. and Ph.D. in biophysics, Stanford University Resides: Harrison West Family: Husband Jeffrey Rathmell and two adult children
live and work. I wish I’d discovered it a little bit sooner,” she says. She admits the return to the Midwest came with one surprise: “I forgot how cold it gets here.” Rathmell has been struck by Columbus’ collaborative business culture and growing technology sector. “I hadn’t really appreciated
how much of an industry and technology center it is and how many things are headquartered here.” She points to the Columbus Partnership as a model for bringing together business and civic leaders and sees tremendous potential to expand the biotechnology industry by commercializing Ohio State discoveries and attracting new companies. Her first year at OSU has been a busy one marked with new facilities and programs. The new University Hospital, which opened in February, has expanded the James’ inpatient capacity by nearly 150 beds, and a new Powell campus will extend cancer services into the northwest suburbs. Rathmell also launched the BRIDGE (Building Research Innovation and Care Delivery for Groups with Early Onset Cancers) program for adolescents, young adults and other patients to offer specialized care and advanced research opportunities. Away from work, Rathmell enjoys walking and cycling on the Olentangy Trail, where she trained for Pelotonia. Living just steps from the trail, she says being able to hop on her bike after work has become one of her favorite parts of life in Columbus.
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Alexandra Scheiman The Path Robotics executive sought quality of life when she relocated with her family to Central Ohio. By Lucy Clark
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When Alexandra Scheiman started working at Path Robotics, the company had just 25 employees. Now, she oversees more than 250 in her role as vice president of people. “We are the leader in physical AI for manufacturing, so we are adding human-level intelligence to traditional robotics to help solve a huge labor shortage for many manufacturers,” Scheiman explains. Scheiman is originally from Manhattan, but says she and her husband, Jordan, were looking to relocate to a job market where they could grow their family and careers—goals that can be difficult to accomplish in New York City. In late 2019, Scheiman moved here with her husband and two children, as well as her parents, her grandmother and her sister, brother-inlaw and their children. “We want to all be together and have a great life where family is so important, and let’s do it in a market where we’re set up for success,” she says. “Quality of life is critical, and it’s really hard in Manhattan where cost of living is so expensive. … It just made it significantly easier in a
Alexandra Scheiman Vice president of people, Path Robotics Age: 40 Hometown: New York City Previous: Recruiting manager, Meta; global talent acquisition manager, Spotify Education: Bachelor’s degree in human and organizational development, Vanderbilt University Resides: Bexley Family: Husband Jordan Scheiman and two children
city like Columbus.” The Scheimans live in Bexley, as does Jordan’s family. Though they are Vanderbilt University alumni, the Scheimans are Buckeye fans. “Our kids are super into it,” she says. The family enjoys visiting the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Franklin
Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, as well as eating out at The 1126 Restaurant in the Short North, Mitchell’s Ocean Club in Easton and Scotty’s Cafe in Bexley. On the business side, Scheiman lauds the workforce skills fostered in the region’s colleges and universities, and she hopes to continue pulling in top talent from around the country at Path Robotics. “It’s really easy as we keep telling these stories of all the amazing things the city has to offer, and having the support from state institutions to help us make that a reality,” she says. “The hugest piece for families or people moving is that you don’t have to give anything up. You get to have it all,” Scheiman says. “You get to have the quality of life where you can grow your family with the top schools and no traffic. You’ll be able to have the vibrant city experience with concerts and sports teams and Broadway shows and great restaurants. I’m a big Columbus fan.”
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Vatsal Shah The engineering firm founder grew his business and is now moving its headquarters to Columbus. By Amy Bodiker Baskes
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Vatsal Shah never intended to leave New Jersey. When the CEO of ANS arrived in Columbus in 2022, it wasn’t part of a long-term business strategy. His wife, a plastic surgeon, had accepted a fellowship at Ohio State University, and the lifelong East Coast residents planned to stay for just one year. Instead, Columbus changed their minds. “We were blown away,” he says. “There is a great quality of life here. … The pace of life here was really good, and we enjoyed how friendly people were and how much more community we have here.” Upon arriving in Columbus, Shah ran ANS out of the Versa co-working space on Dublin Road. The couple chose an apartment nearby in Grandview Heights, in part because he could kayak across the Watermark Island lake to his office. The unconventional commute allowed him to quickly settle into local life. What followed was a remarkable period of growth for ANS, the multidisciplinary engineering firm Shah founded in 2005. Since 2020, ANS has expanded from three employees to more than 400 across 20 offices
and broadened its work from geotechnical engineering into structural, civil and electrical engineering, as well as supporting projects in power transmission, substations, solar, wind and battery storage. As ANS grew, Columbus became the natural choice for its headquarters. Shah credits the region’s collaborative business climate and the support of partners like JobsOhio and the city of Columbus, as much as its affordability. “It just felt like a better place to run a business,” he says. “Columbus is growing as a city, it’s attracting talent and investing in that talent.” In June, ANS announced its purchase and renovation of a historic building on West Gay Street to support the company’s continued national expansion and bring operations together in one location. More than anything, Shah credits Columbus’ friendliness as its draw. “Business here is person to person,” he says. “That sort of hospitality, ser-
Vatsal Shah CEO, ANS Age: 38 Hometown: Green Brook, N.J. Previous: Principal engineer and vice president, Mott MacDonald Education: Bachelor’s, masters and Ph.D. in civil engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology Resides: German Village Family: Wife Rohini Kadle and two young daughters
vice or care for one another, I can’t find anywhere else.” Today, Shah and his wife, Rohini Kadle, live in German Village with their two young daughters, enjoying neighborhood parks, restaurants and the arts while continuing to put down roots. What began as a temporary move has become a permanent home—for both his family and ANS.
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Evan Spencer Football and family took the Illinois native across the country, but he kept coming back to Columbus. By Linda Lee Baird
★
Technically, Evan Spencer has moved to the Columbus area three times. First as an infant in 1994, when his dad, NFL player Tim Spencer, retired and got a job as a running backs coach at Ohio State University. Ten years later, his dad joined the coaching staff of the Chicago Bears and took the family to the Windy City, where Spencer spent the rest of his youth. But Columbus called Spencer back in 2011, this time as a player for Ohio State, where his father played from 1979 to 1982. Eventually, he became a captain, another parallel with his dad. “I think we’re … one of the few father-son captains in Ohio State history,” he says. Spencer was drafted in 2015 by the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) where his brother, Cole Spencer, was a scout. He joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that fall and spent about a year with the team before retiring and returning to Columbus. A decade later, he appears poised to stay, with a home in Westerville, a recent engagement and a career in finance. Since
2023, he has worked as a business operations officer at KBK Enterprises, where he helps oversee the management of more than 1,670 affordable housing units in Columbus, Wichita, New Orleans and Pittsburgh. “Financial reporting, property stats, insurance placement, coverage from a claims perspective, managing and negotiating renewals on our insurance portfolios—that’s all within my realm,” he says. Spencer also owns the development consulting and private equity firm PA Partners, which he operates outside KBK. Hobbies also keep him busy. Golf is a longtime passion, and though Scioto Country Club is a favorite, he logs the most rounds at New Albany Country Club or New Albany Links Golf Club. Volunteering is also important to him. He met his fiancee, Katelyn Pollock, at an event for A Kid Again and later joined the organization’s board. Now a board member of Opera Columbus, he speaks passionately about the importance of the performing arts
to the city’s infrastructure. Like sports, he says, they are a vital component of a thriving region. Spencer says anyone considering Columbus should know it’s a dynamic place. “You have the ability to make an impact in an area that is exponentially growing in national importance,” he says. “There are so many different nationally important vendors that call Columbus home.”
Evan Spencer Business operations officer, KBK Enterprises Principal, PA Partners Age: 33 Hometown: Vernon Hills, Illinois Previous: Associate, Loud Capital; NFL player, Washington Redskins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics, Ohio State University Involvement: Board member, Opera Columbus; former board member, A Kid Again Resides: Westerville Family: Fiancee Katelyn Pollock
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cultivating value, enriching lives
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Photo courtesy Randall L. Schieber
The Scioto Mile and Downtown skyline
Investing in Columbus In a climate where the competition is stiff, these four businesses committed significant capital to new or expanded U.S. operations.
By Mark Williams
★
The success One Columbus is having attracting companies to Central Ohio is helping the Region turn in some of the best job gains among the country’s biggest metro areas. The 11-county Region added 11,977 jobs for the year ended March 2026, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data analyzed by One Columbus, the economic development
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arm of the Columbus Partnership. That’s a growth rate of 1.1 percent, more than 18 times the national rate, sixth highest among the country’s 56 largest metro areas and No. 1 in the Midwest. In 2025, One Columbus announced 39 projects, representing 7,000 jobs and $5 billion in capital investment. Nearly half of those projects involved foreign-owned companies, and a third of the organization’s project pipeline represents international companies. “We are creating jobs, securing investment and building the foundation for broader prosperity across the Region,” says Mark Berven, chair of the One Columbus executive committee and president and chief operating officer of Nationwide Property & Casualty. “Our competitive advantages are real, our strategy is working, and we are focused on turning today’s momentum into lasting opportunity for the people and communities we serve.” Because of its success, One Columbus has been recognized eight times by Site Selection magazine with the Mac Conway Award for Economic Development Excellence. For the 2026 award, the magazine cited the Region’s momentum in advanced manufacturing and technology infrastructure along with business growth and public infrastructure investment. The magazine also has ranked the Region multiple times on its annual Global Groundwork Index, which evaluates where private-sector growth and public infrastructure are advancing together in ways that allow communities to pair business investment with the sites, utilities, regional coordination and transportation assets needed for sustained growth. (For more on these and other accolades, see “High-Growth Hub” on Page 16.) “Companies that have operated here for decades continue to reinvest because they see long-term value in our workforce, our logistics position and our ability to support
advanced industrial growth,” said Tom Stipkovich, vice president of corporate investment at One Columbus, when PPG Industries Inc. announced a $280 million expansion in March 2026. Here’s a look at a few of the recent projects One Columbus has won, including U.S. and foreign companies that picked the Region for new or expanded operations.
PPG Industries Expands Its Investment in Delaware Paint and coatings company PPG Industries Inc. is undertaking a $280 million expansion, building on its longstanding presence in Delaware and highlighting the Region’s position in advanced manufacturing and automotive innovation. When it opens in 2028, PPG’s new 100,000-square-foot plant will make products for automakers and parts suppliers. The project will complement capacity of the existing Pittsburgh Drive facility, which opened in 1965. The expansion is expected to add 100 jobs; Pittsburgh-based PPG’s current operations in Delaware em-
ploy 450 workers. According to the Ohio Tax Credit Authority, the project is estimated to generate $7.99 million in new annual payroll. “As the automotive OEM industry continues to evolve, PPG’s expanded capabilities in Delaware, Ohio, will help us deliver the next generation of high-quality, sustainably advantaged coatings technologies,” said Alisha Bellezza, PPG’s senior vice president for automotive and packaging coatings, in the expansion announcment. “This investment, which is included within PPG’s previously communicated capital spending targets, strengthens our ability to serve customers with improved efficiency, quality and responsiveness.”
SICCET USA Picks Grove City For Its Newest Factory An Italian company that makes high-performance cables has picked Grove City for its first U.S. manufacturing site, citing growing U.S. demand and proximity to its customers in the Midwest and on the East Coast. SICCET USA, the American
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subsidiary of SICCET SRL, is investing $2 million into a 20,000-squarefoot plant that will create 15 jobs. The company makes high-performance cables that help monitor and control temperature in demanding environments such as aircraft engines, power plants and industrial food equipment. The move by SICCET is part of a trend of overseas manufacturers seeking to establish a foothold in the
U.S., according to One Columbus. “This location offers strong infrastructure, a collaborative business environment and proximity to key markets that are vital for our longterm growth,” said Ivan Dall’Armellina, president of SICCET USA and co-owner of SICCET SRL, when the project was announced. “Columbus is a growing and multicultural region with a workforce shaped by a wide range of industries and education partners. This environment supports the kind of skilled team we need as we expand in the United States.”
European Workwear Company Establishes U.S. Headquarters Another European company, Engelbert Strauss Inc., has chosen Columbus’ Arena District for its U.S. headquarters, showroom, and learning and development center. The project will create 30 jobs and reinforces the city’s position as a market for global business expansion. Strauss, founded in Germany in 1948, has grown from a small family business to a global brand known for its workwear, design innovation and craftmanship. The company, now in its third generation, services customers in agricultural, construction, logistics, trades and technical fields. “Establishing our U.S. headquarters in Columbus is a major step in
Engelbert Strauss’ Arena District site
Photo courtesy Engelbert Strauss Inc.
A rendering of PPG Industries’ new Delaware plant
Rendering courtesy PPG Industries Inc.
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our international growth,” said Henning Strauss, the company’s CEO and grandson of its founder, in the project announcement. “We were drawn to its position as a central business hub, the creative industry here and the kind of pioneering spirit that matches our culture. This location gives us the ability to grow in the right way as Columbus grows, allowing us to be close to our customers.” The office, located at 285 Cozzins St., will include a branded showroom to showcase products and designs to North American clients.
Plotwork USA Invests in New Marysville Factory Union County has added another Japanese company to its portfolio. Plotwork USA Inc. opened its first overseas factory in Marysville in August 2025. The company provides precision machining services, primarily for prototypes, to customers in multiple industries including automotive, motorcycles, medical devices and home appliances. Company officials want to expand into the aerospace market, including flying vehicles. The company picked Central Ohio because of its location in the automotive-focused Midwest and accessibility to nearby states. “Columbus has a long history of small and mid-sized manufacturing giving it a complete supply chain suited to our business,” said Tsunehiro Takada, the company’s CEO. “Union County, in particular, hosts a large concentration of Japanese automotive companies centered around Honda. The area is highly welcoming to Japanese residents and provides strong community support and infrastructure for expatriate life.” The company has invested about $1.5 million so far in its U.S. operations. It currently has six workers with plans to hire between 30 and 50 over the next five years. Plotwork is located in the Pioneer Park 55 development on Industrial Parkway.
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Business Builder
Deborah Scherer
One Columbus’ Deborah Scherer leads the charge on attracting more global companies to the Region.
Photo courtesy One Columbus
★
Deborah Scherer might not be a household name in the Columbus Region, but in economic development circles, she’s a rainmaker. In her role as executive vice president of global development for One Columbus, she leads the organization’s international business development efforts. Her role is part recruiter, encouraging companies across the globe to create or expand operations here, and part project manager, helping those prospects see how the Columbus Region can meet their needs. Scherer joined One Columbus, then known as Columbus 2020, in January 2011 to build the organization’s international business recruitment strategy. Since signing on as one of the economic development organization’s first four employees, she has helped drive more than $4 billion in investment supporting over 50,000 jobs in the Columbus Region. She previously served as deputy director of the Ohio Department of Development’s Global Markets Division. Scherer was named one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers of 2022 by Consultant Connect, a consulting agency that works with economic developers and site consul-
tants. She also holds a Certified Global Business Professional designation. The Chillicothe native earned a bachelor’s in international business marketing from Ohio University in 1996, with a minor in Spanish. When she’s not at work, Scherer dedicates time to organizations that foster international engagement. She serves on the boards of the Columbus Council on World Affairs and the Greater Columbus Chinese Chamber of Commerce and is serving a twoyear term as president of the JapanAmerica Society of Central Ohio.
Why is it important to attract international companies to the Columbus Region? International
companies bring new perspectives, broaden our industry base and deepen the Columbus Region’s connections to the global economy. Their experiences in other markets can shape how they think about workforce, quality of life and community engagement. Many also establish lasting roots and become strong community partners. Why does foreign direct investment matter? Foreign direct investment brings new capital, jobs and global connections to the Columbus Region. It has also represented a significant share of our project pipeline in recent years.
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Companies such as Safelite, Honda and Anheuser-Busch have made major investments here and become important supporters of the communities where they operate. Is the Region seeing growth or a shift in interest from certain business sectors? Interest naturally ebbs and flows, but we are currently seeing increased international activity in life sciences, the digital infrastructure supply chain and defense technology. In the data center sector, much of that interest is coming from companies that manufacture components, supply equipment or provide services to the facilities. How much has international investment grown in the last 10 years? International investment has grown significantly as a share of our work. In the early years, international projects represented about 20 percent of our pipeline. That share has reached as high as 45 percent, and international companies accounted for 42 percent of our project wins last year. What makes the Region attractive to companies establishing or expanding U.S. operations? The Columbus Region offers international companies a strong combination of location, market access, supply chain depth, talent and affordability. Because much of our international investment is manufacturing-based, companies value Ohio’s proximity to suppliers and customers. Our central location helps them move products quickly, while higher education leaders like Ohio State provide a steady talent pipeline. Ohio’s broader business climate, including taxes, labor costs, workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance, also makes the all-in cost of operating here competitive. What amenities are important to these companies? Air service is one of the first considerations we
hear about. Executives want to reach the market quickly and give their employees convenient connections to customers, colleagues and headquarters. Quality of life also matters, particularly for executives relocating with their families. They look closely at schools, housing, restaurants, entertainment and whether Columbus feels like a place where their families can thrive. What surprises international executives when they visit the Region? I often say that if we can get a company to visit, we have a strong chance of making its shortlist. Executives are often impressed by how vibrant Columbus is and by the collaborative spirit they encounter here. Business, government and academic leaders can come together quickly, make the right connections and move work forward. That level of access and responsiveness leaves a strong impression. How does One Columbus help companies navigate the terrain as they enter the U.S. market? Companies typically begin considering a U.S. operation after they have established sales here. Once they are ready to evaluate a physical presence, One Columbus serves as a single point of contact and guides them through the process. We help them understand communities across the Region, identify potential sites and buildings and connect with legal, banking, real estate and other professional services. We also assist executives and their families with practical needs such as housing and schools. Our role is to make an unfamiliar process easier to navigate from the first conversation through the company’s launch. What unique considerations do these companies have compared with a U.S.-based business? International companies need
deeper guidance as they navigate unfamiliar legal, financial and business systems, often while relocating executives and their families. We can be a lifeline by providing trusted local knowledge and connecting them with the right people at each step. Have there been times when you went above and beyond to help a prospect? I try to bring that level of commitment to every prospect. We talk about providing “unreasonable hospitality,” which means listening closely, anticipating needs and making every interaction count. During a recent visit from a United Kingdom prospect, the executive opened his notes at dinner. He had titled them “Why Columbus Is Winning” and listed what had impressed him during two days in the Region. That was gratifying because it showed that the experience had translated Columbus’ strengths into something meaningful for the company. What’s the most rewarding part of your job? The reward is twofold. First, I get to help a company enter the U.S. market with the relationships and resources it needs to succeed. At the same time, that investment creates opportunities for people in our communities to build skills, advance their careers and work for strong companies. Seeing both sides of that impact is incredibly fulfilling. What changes or challenges do you foresee in the next five years? Competition among regions is getting sharper, so we will need to keep evolving with our clients and the global market. We also need to earn public confidence in growth. That requires thoughtful planning, early engagement with residents and clear answers about where growth will occur and how communities will prepare for it. I am competitive and optimistic about the challenge. • ColumbusCEO
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We Cannot Be Okay with Hunger. In a community with so much to offer, 1 in 5 children in Central Ohio experiences food insecurity.
For these children, hunger is more than an empty stomach. Limited access to nutritious food can affect their health, development, and future, placing them at greater risk for chronic disease. Together, we can put nourishing food where it belongs: on the tables of local families.
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Rendering courtesy Ohio Life Sciences Association
A rendering of the Ohio Life Science Training Center under construction in New Albany
Workforce of the Future Central Ohio colleges and universities are rolling out new programs, and a new training center will boost the life sciences talent pipeline. By Laura Newpoff
★
AssetWatch is a Central Ohio startup success story. Hundreds of facilities run by the world’s most well-known manufacturers rely on its platform to extend their asset life and prevent downtime. At No. 526 on the 2025 Inc. 5000, it is one of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The company has raised $170 million in funding and grown to employ more than 350 people. These milestones happened during its nearly 10-year run operating inside The Point at Otterbein University, where it
built a sensor-based equipment monitoring platform powered by artificial intelligence to help manufacturers maximize reliability. The business originally was founded in 2014 as Nikola Labs, based on wireless power technology developed at Ohio State University. In choosing The Point, AssetWatch found a home for its administrative office, supply chain functions and engineering space. It also gained access to the engineering, computer science and physics departments’ students who study there. The 60,000-square-foot experiential learning facility also contains
co-working, event and lab spaces and what’s billed as “one of the most advanced and dynamic makerspaces in the Midwest.” Will Zell, AssetWatch’s executive chairman and co-founder, says the company had a continuous flow of interaction with Otterbein’s students through instruction, internships and hands-on work inside the company. Engineering students were involved in the prototyping and initial testing of a vibration sensor, which has been successful commercially. “The Point is a very significant asset for the business community,” Zell says. “It rivals any other makerspace you can find out
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The Otterbein campus in Westerville
a company or startup can use to build out a vision or scale a product. It has equipment for design, prototyping, short-run manufacturing and technologies such as a laser engraver, vinyl printer, Computer Numerical Control automated cutting machine router and 3-D printers. “The makerspace was designed to be community accessible, and our students have completed many projects for organizations, and it’s been amazing to watch that growth,” Bender says. “Many students who worked in the makerspace go on to graduate and get a full-time job and bring their company back to be a member. There are tools there that these companies don’t have access to at their facilities. They realize they can make a product or prototype so much faster at The Point.” The Point typically has 12 to 14 full-time tenants and 1,500 to 1,800 students in the facility daily.
Ohio Wesleyan Adds A Degree to Meet Demand Ohio Wesleyan University has announced what it says is the most ambitious academic expansion in its 183-year history: the Conrades School of
Photo courtesy One Columbus
there. To have the integration of the students being able to learn about engineering and design as part of the coursework and also apply what they learn in the same facility for a for-profit business is a pretty powerful combination.” The company has hired several Otterbein students who remain with AssetWatch. It moved to a new, larger headquarters in Dublin in 2025. The Point, which opened in 2016, is an example of how institutions of higher education continue to innovate to respond to the workforce needs of Central Ohio employers. It was created in partnership with the city of Westerville and with the support of corporate partners and private donors. The facility was designed to provide an experiential learning opportunity for students and also support economic growth in the city, says Erin Bender, The Point’s executive director. Tenants are asked to provide student experiences as part of their lease agreement, whether through internships, working with them in the makerspace on capstone projects or hiring them for gigs. The 5,000-square-foot makerspace is equipped with bestin-class technology and tools
Engineering, which will welcome its first mechanical engineering majors in fall 2027. The new school within the liberal arts institution will ensure that future engineers blend their deep technical ability with humanity, curiosity and the confidence to lead, says President Matt vandenBerg. “Columbus is experiencing explosive growth, especially in advanced manufacturing,” he says. “With that growth comes an urgent, unmet need for engineers. We speak frequently with employers, and they’ve made it incredibly clear to us that the industry needs better engineering solutions and partnerships from higher education. It’s a big rallying cry. We exist to serve and saw an opportunity to do just that and to add value. Meanwhile, student demand for engineering is soaring right now. Even at a liberal arts college, among student applicants yearly, engineering is the most common degree requested. That was a powerful data point for us.” The Conrades School will be powered by $17 million in alumni philanthropy. It is named in recognition of university alumni George Conrades and Patricia Belt Conrades, who made a lead gift of $13 million. The university has forged industry partnerships with digital infrastructure technologies business Vertiv, which will give students priority interview consideration for summer internships. Engineering simulation and 3D design software business Ansys will provide access to its software through the Ansys Academic Program.
Denison Focuses On Data Sciences New in 2026 at Denison University is the Emily Hauser King and Robert E. King Center for Data & Innovation. It anchors the $30.5 million renovation and expansion of the historic Doane Hall, positioning the university to integrate data across the liberal • ColumbusCEO
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arts curriculum. Doane Hall was renamed the Dale and Tina Knobel Hall in recognition of a lead gift from the Sherman Fairchild Foundation to support the building’s renovation. Dale Knobel served as Denison’s president from 1998 to 2013. The King Center will house Denison’s computer science and data analytics departments and also will serve as a resource for mathematics, humanities, economics and data for political research. It is a “defining moment” for Denison, says President Adam Weinberg. “The liberal arts give the data sciences their heart, their soul and their greatness,” he said when the center was announced. “Our students will not only master technical skills, but also learn to ask the right questions, tell compelling stories and lead with integrity.” As a member of the Columbus Partnership, Weinberg says he frequently speaks with CEOs and human resources directors. They tell him they need future workers with three distinct but compatible sets of skills and habits: proficiency with data and AI; durable skills
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such as critical thinking, problem solving and communication; and workplace skills, including reliability, punctuality and the ability to work as part of a diverse team. The new center will make Denison a draw for students who want to build careers and thrive in a world increasingly shaped by data while staying true to a classical liberal arts education. “The future is all about talent,” Weinberg says. “In Columbus, companies really need Denison and colleges like us to be net importers of talent. We have a lot of Ohio students, but we pull in students from all over the country who never would have thought about living in Ohio. They spend four years here and stay and contribute to the economy for years to come.”
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Albany is contributing $5 million to the project, which will benefit from a growing health and life sciences industry cluster at the park, including businesses such as Amgen Inc., American Regent Inc., Hims & Hers and Pharmavite. The center will support employers across Ohio and strengthen the state’s biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce. According to the Ohio Life Sciences Association, the life science industry employs 18,000 people in the Columbus Region and 64,000 statewide. The investment will support Ohio’s capture of the $500 billion-plus domestic biomanufacturing expansion that the pharmaceutical industry has announced in the last year and the 3,300 Ohio-based life science jobs created over the past five years, according to the project announcement. Not only is the center expected to fill the need for skilled talent in biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing, it also will make Ohio a more attractive destination for companies expanding U.S.based drug manufacturing, says Eddie Pauline, president and CEO of the Ohio Life Sciences Association and Ohio Life Sciences Institute. That’s important in the context of being able to compete for projects like Eli Lilly and Co.’s $3.5 billion facility being built near Allentown, Pennsylvania, or Genentech Inc.’s $2 billion plant under construction in Holly Springs, North Carolina. “Ohio has been able to satisfy the industry’s current talent demands, but the concern is: How do we accommodate the next multibillion-dollar opportunity?” Pauline says. “Industry is asking, ‘Is all the talent taken already or do we have more to provide?’ That skepticism may have influenced some recent opportunities to choose other states to expand to. The direct feedback was, ‘Where is your training center?’ It was
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a wake-up call and a challenge to the state that JobsOhio quickly responded to with this transformational investment. We will now be in a better position to win more life sciences and biomanufacturing opportunities.” The Ohio Life Sciences Institute will operate the training center and collaborate with industry, higher education institutions, community colleges and technical schools to expand training across the state. Columbus State Community College will be the first training partner. In partnership with the Ohio Life Sciences Association, it offers a Biotechnology Manufacturing Bootcamp and was instrumental in training partnerships with Andelyn Biosciences and Amgen. It also offers an associate degree in biotechnology. The new center will be “transformational” for the life sciences industry in the state, says Michell Ward, Columbus State’s senior director of learning innovation and strategic partnerships. Employers will see how much it resembles a real manufacturing environment and be confident about the training that occurs there. “You can become an entry-level operator technician with training from the bootcamp and then move into the associate degree program or even transfer into a four-year program that will give you options for researcher or scientist roles,” Ward says. “This has all come together within the last five years. It’s a testament to how much Ohio comes together in a spirit of collaboration when there’s a workforce need. When there’s an opportunity to grow our region and provide lifechanging careers to our students, we go all in. That’s why we’re starting to see the new Ohio Life Science Center take flight. It is proven fertile ground for investment where results have been delivered really quickly.”
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BUILT FOR GROWTH
Photo courtesy One Columbus
Downtown Columbus
The Columbus Region at a Glance 11 counties offer a diverse mix of assets and amenities for businesses and residents.
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The Columbus Region is growing in population and prominence, with a location ideally suited for both business and residents. The metropolitan area is home to 2.35 million people who live in a variety of communities, from urban core to lively suburbs to bucolic, rural towns. Just as the population is expanding, so too are opportunities for businesses of all sizes. The 11-county Region attracts a diverse array of industries and sectors, including automotive, biotechnology, financial services, health care, insurance, life sciences, manufacturing, retail, restaurant headquarters and more.
Higher education has a significant presence via numerous colleges and universities, ranging from community colleges and liberal arts schools to the R1 research power of Ohio State University. Career and vocational programs are represented, as well. From Fortune 100 ranked powerhouses to family businesses, companies of all sizes prosper here. A communitywide spirit of cooperation and a culture of innovation set the Columbus Region apart, fostering an environment where people and businesses thrive. Data sources: population from 2025 Census estimates; population projections from Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission; age, households and income from Esri 2026
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Photos courtesy One Columbus (2)
D E L AWA R E
Game day at Ohio Wesleyan University
The City of Powell
Population
242,032 Median age
40.2
Median household income
$139,096
Percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher
60.96%
Projected population growth 2021-2050
DELAWARE COUNTY, the second-fastest-growing county in the Columbus Region, offers a thriving mix of business and residential communities. More than 60 percent of the county’s residents have a bachelor’s degree, and there are three higher education institutions: Ohio Wesleyan University, Columbus State Community College (Delaware Campus) and Methodist Theological School in Ohio. Recreational opportunities and parks abound. The county has 140 miles of shoreline along its rivers, lakes and reservoirs—the most in the state—yet sits just 25 miles north of Downtown Columbus.
80.17%
Photo by Adam Cairns/The Columbus Dispatch
Boats docked in Hoover Reservoir marina
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FA I R F I E L D
Rockside Winery and Vineyards near Lancaster
Population
169,752 Median age
40.3
Photo courtesy One Columbus
Median household income
$93,703
Percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher
33.85%
Projected population growth 2021-2050
33.41%
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Downtown Lancaster
Photo courtesy Bryan M. Everitt
Photo courtesy One Columbus
A student at the Fairfield County Workforce Center
FAIRFIELD COUNTY offers a blend of metropolitan and rural communities, all of which have a variety of amenities for both businesses and residents. The third-fastest-growing county in Ohio over the past decade, it is home to more than 4,300 businesses. Residents can take advantage of more than 5,000 acres of parkland and preserves, as well as a portion of the scenic Hocking Hills region. The county has a rich history in farming, as well as manufacturing.
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COLUMBUS IS OHIO’S capital city and the seat of Franklin County, creating a strong political center and a robust economic environment. The county has strong public-private sector alliances, as well as a robust mix of thriving businesses, highly ranked educational institutions, and lively arts and dining scenes. Capitalizing on its reputation as a growing tech hub, Franklin County attracts emerging industries, renowned researchers, entrepreneurs, young professionals and forward-thinking leaders.
A deer sculpture on the Rich Street bridge in Columbus
The Dublin Link bridge
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Photos courtesy One Columbus
Downtown Columbus, as seen from Grandview Heights
FRANKLIN
Population
1,361,536 Median age
35.5
Median household income
$81,392
Percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher
33.84%
Projected population growth 2021-2050
26.07%
Grandview Café
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A scenic waterway in Knox County
KNOX COUNTY is deeply connected to the Columbus metropolitan area, yet offers a rural lifestyle and some of the most beautiful landscape views in Ohio. Mount Vernon, the largest city and the county seat, is surrounded by development-minded communities. Knox County values education, with highly ranked schools and higher education institutions, including Kenyon College in Gambier and Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
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Lakefront homes at Apple Valley
KNOX
Population
64,002 Median age
39.9
Median household income
$78,482
Percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher
26%
Projected population growth 2021-2050
10.96%
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A rendering of Intel’s Ohio One campus Rendering courtesy Intel
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at columbusceo.com.
LICKING
Population
185,564 Median age
40.9
Median household income
$94,295
Percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher
30.81%
Projected population growth 2021-2050
30.93%
LICKING COUNTY offers a high quality of life and low cost of living. For many businesses and residents, it’s an ideal mix of small-town charm and big-city benefits. Existing infrastructure, land availability and incentives for new and growing businesses encourage economic growth. Significant investments are ongoing in the New Albany International Business Park, part of which sits in Licking County. Three higher education institutions—Denison University, Ohio State University at Newark and Central Ohio Technical College—help to foster a diverse and talented workforce.
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Court Avenue in Bellefontaine
Photo courtesy One Columbus
LOGAN
Population
46,302 Median age
43.5
Median household income
$73,831
Percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher
19.77%
Projected population growth 2021-2050
3.42%
LOGAN COUNTY, just 60 minutes from Downtown Columbus, is home to thriving communities such as Bellefontaine, Indian Lake and West Liberty. Industry is expanding and businesses continue to invest in the local economy; about 10,000 people commute to work here daily. The county is home to Campbell Hill, the highest point in Ohio, as well as Transportation Research Center Inc., which is the nation’s largest independent vehicle test facility and proving ground.
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MADISON
Population
46,985
Downtown London
41.6
Median household income
$90,840
Percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher
25.67%
Projected population growth 2021-2050
30.86%
MADISON COUNTY offers a rich agricultural heritage, a growing business sector and a strong sense of community. With 88 percent of its land used for farming, the county ranks fourth in Ohio for both corn and soybean production. It is also home to successful companies in a variety of industries, as well as a Battelle research facility and strong local school districts.
The Madison County Courthouse in London
Photos courtesy One Columbus
Median age
A great place to live, work and do business – today and for generations to come
The Columbus Region is experiencing extraordinary growth – and Gahanna is growing with it. Significant new private investment, a diverse economy, and a talent-rich community are fueling our momentum – and we’re investing in what comes next.
A new Civic Center and high school are investments designed to serve our community for decades to come. Plans to reimagine our downtown are creating new opportunities for a vibrant, connected hub at the heart of our community.
Gahanna is growing with purpose. There’s room to grow with us. Learn more at Gahanna.gov
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MARION
Photo courtesy One Columbus
The Harding Memorial in Marion honors President Warren G. Harding and his wife, Florence.
MARION COUNTY prides itself on innovation and workforce development. With a collaborative business environment and higher education offerings including a branch of Ohio State University and Marion Technical College, the county has amenities that allow both companies and families to thrive. Beyond higher education institutions, it is home to RAMTEC Ohio, a leader in robotics and advanced manufacturing certifications.
Population
65,115
Median age
41.8
Median household income
$67,553
Percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher
15.65%
Projected population growth 2021-2050
-1.36%
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MORROW
Population
36,305 Median age
43.2
Median household income
$76,702
Percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher
20.58%
Projected population growth 2021-2050
20.59%
The Morrow County Courthouse in Mount Gilead
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MORROW COUNTY is strengthening its employment opportunities and economic base with a mix of locally founded and nationally known businesses. Its smalltown atmosphere and strong manufacturing presence contribute to its growth. The county is home to global employers such as Cardington Yutaka Technologies Inc. and home-grown brands like Lubrication Specialties Inc. Proximity to Interstate 71 allows for an easy drive south to Columbus for business or pleasure.
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Population
62,978
Knowing when, why, and how to use it is what creates value.
Median age
40.7
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Median household income
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Percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher
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22.98%
Projected population growth 2021-2050
34.62%
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The Pumpkin Show Mural in Circleville
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The Pickaway County Courthouse in Circleville
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PICKAWAY COUNTY’S population of nearly 63,000 people is expected to grow by more than a third in the next 25 years. The area has rural charm but also offers the conveniences that come from being part of the Columbus metropolitan area. The county, situated along Interstate 71, has welldeveloped transportation and utility infrastructure systems to accommodate a variety of industrial and business needs. DuPont, PPG Industries Inc. and Geogia-Pacific all have local operations.
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Photo courtesy One Columbus
Uptown Marysville
UNION
Population
73,446 Median age
38.7
Median household income
$125,907
Percentage of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher
40.78%
Projected population growth 2021-2050
48.84%
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UNION COUNTY is one of the fastest-growing counties in Ohio, and local leaders place a strong emphasis on economic diversification. The county offers many advantages, including a diverse and highly skilled workforce and low costs of living and doing business. Workers and residents also enjoy direct access to surrounding metropolitan areas. The Beta District innovation corridor along U.S. Route 33 hosts a variety of companies, as well as the 33 Smart Mobility Corridor, which allows companies to test vehicle innovations in real-world conditions.
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Thank You,
INVESTORS ■ ONE COLUMBUS INVESTORS • PRIVATE INVESTORS • 3c Industries • 3 Pillar Homes • Abbott Laboratories • Accenture • ACP of Ohio • Adena Corporation • Advanced Civil Design • Advanced Drainage Systems • Alston Construction • Altafiber • Amazon.com • Amazon Web Services • American Electric Power • American Structurepoint • Anderson Aluminum Corporation • Anderson Concrete Corporation • AndHealth • Archall • ARCO Design/ Build • Artemis Consultants • Ascension Construction Solutions • AT&T • B&S Site Development, Midwest Division • Bank of America, National Association • Barnes & Thornburg • Battelle Memorial Institute • Bechtel • BeecherHill • Bob Evans Farms • Bread Financial • Bricker Graydon Wyatt • Buckeye State Bank • Builders Exchange of Central Ohio • Building Industry Association of Central Ohio • Burgess & Niple • Burns McDonnell • Byers, Minton & Associates • Calfee, Halter & Griswold • Capital Choice Office Furniture • Cardinal Health • CAS • Casto • CBC Companies • CBRE • Central Ohio Associated General Contractors • Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) • Centric Consulting • Charter Communications • CK Construction • Colliers International • Columbia Gas of Ohio • Columbus Blue Jackets • Columbus/ Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council • Columbus Micro Systems • Columbus REALTORS • Compass Homes • Connect Housing Blocks • Construction One • Continental Building Company • Continental Office • Contract Lumber • CoverMyMeds • Crane Group • Crawford Hoying • CTL Engineering • CT Realty • Cushman & Wakefield • Danbert • Danis Building Construction Company • Del-Co Water Company • Deloitte • Denier Electric Co. • DesignGroup • DHL Supply Chain • Dispatch Media Group • DLR Group • DLZ Corporation • Dublin Building Systems • Dugan & Meyers • Dune Companies • Dupler Office • EDGE • Edwards Companies • Electrical Specialists • Elford • EMH&T • Encova Holdings • ENGIE North America • Environmental Management • Ernst & Young • EXXCEL Project Management • Fahlgren Mortine • FBT Gibbons • Feazel • Fifth Third Bank • First Commonwealth Bank • First Financial Bank • First Merchants Bank • G & J Pepsi-Cola Bottlers • g2o • Gallagher • GBQ Partners • Geis Companies • Gensler • George J. Igel & Co. • Gilbane Building Company • Glo Fiber • Global Recruiters–Dublin • Gold Development Company • Google Cloud • Grange Insurance Company • GRN Columbus • Hamilton Capital Management • Hamilton Parker Company • HDR • Heapy Engineering • Heartland Bank • HGC Construction • HNTB • Holder Construction • Honda • Huntington • Ice Miller • IGS Energy • Illuminate USA • InnoSource • Installed Building Products • Intel Corporation • Interior Supply • Jezerinac, Geers & Associates • JobsOhio • Jones Lang LaSalle • JPMorganChase • Kegler, Brown, Hill & Ritter Co. • KEMBA Financial Credit Union • KeyBank • King Business Interiors • Kohr Royer Griffith • Kokosing Industrial • Korda/Nemeth Engineering • KPMG • LeadingEDJE • Lehman Daman Construction Services • Lincoln Property Company • Lockton Companies • Loeb Electric and Loeb Lighting Services • LOTH • LXP • M/I Homes • Malone Workforce Solutions • Marker • Marous Brothers Construction • Marsh & McLennan Agency • McDaniel’s Construction Corporation • McGohan Brabender Insurance • MCPC • Meacham & Apel, Architects • Messer Construction Co. • Metro Development • Mid-City Electric • Midwest Motor Supply Co. • Miles-McClellan Construction Company • Miller Brothers Construction • Miller Valentine Group • Moody Nolan • Morgan Stanley & Co. • Mount Carmel Health System • MPW Industrial Services • ms consultants • Nationwide Children’s Hospital • Nationwide • NBBJ • NetJets • Norfolk Southern Corporation • North Coast Gas Transmission • Northeast Ohio Natural Gas/Hope Utilities • Northwest Bank • ODW Logistics • Ohio Equities • OhioHealth Corporation • Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives • Osborn Engineering • Oswald Companies • Overmyer Hall Associates, A Hub International Company • Park National Corporation • Paul Werth Associates • Peoples Bank • Pepper Construction • Plante Moran
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The Columbus Region’s success story is written by those who invest in it. To our partners in progress: thank you. Your investment fuels economic growth, drives innovation and builds stronger communities across our region.
• PNC Bank • Porter Wright Morris & Arthur • Power Connect • Prater Engineering Associates • Prologis • PSC Crane & Rigging • Quantum Health • Rackspace Technology • Radiant Technologies • Re/Max Town Center • Rea & Associates • Refectory Restaurant and Bistro • Regional Council of Carpenters • Resource International • Robertson Construction Services • Roetzel & Andress • Rudolph Brothers & Co. • Ruscilli Construction Co. • S&ME • Safelite • Salas O’Brien • Sands Decker CPS • Schneider Downs & Co. • ScottsMiracle-Gro • Settle Muter Electric • Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio • Southeastern Equipment • Southgate Corporation • Squire Patton Boggs • Stewart Title Company • Stonehenge Partners • Supreme Builders • Team Fishel • Telhio Credit Union • Tenby Partners • Terracon • The Cleary Company • The Collaborative • The Daimler Group • The Energy Cooperative • The Kleingers Group • The Kroger Co. • The Mannik & Smith Group • The Marzetti Company • The Montrose Group • The New Albany Company • The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center • The Painting Company • The Robert Weiler Company • The Ruhlin Company • The Village Network • The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company • Thompson Hine • Trident Capital Group • Trillium Staffing • Triversity Construction • TS Tech Americas • Turner Construction Company • Tuttle Construction • U.S. Bank • USI Insurance Services • Valley Interior Systems • VanTrust Real Estate • Verdantas • Vertiv • Vorys • Ware Malcomb • Wellogy Design • Whitestone Companies • WillScot • Woolpert • Worthington Enterprises • Wright-Patt Credit Union • WSA Studio PUBLIC INVESTORS/ MID-OHIO DEVELOPMENT EXCHANGE • Delaware County • Fairfield County/ Fairfield 33 Alliance • Franklin County • Grow Licking County • Knox County Area Development Foundation • Logan County Chamber • Madison County • Marion CAN DO! • Morrow County • Pickaway Progress Partnership • Union County Chamber • City of Canal Winchester • City of Columbus • City of Delaware • City of Dublin • City of Gahanna • City of Grandview Heights • City of Grove City • City of Groveport • City of Hilliard • City of New Albany • City of Powell • City of Reynoldsburg • City of Upper Arlington • City of Westerville • City of Whitehall • City of Worthington • Village of Plain City ACADEMIC INVESTORS • Bowling Green State University • Capital University • Columbus State Community College • Denison University • Kenyon College • Otterbein University • The Ohio State University • Tolles Career & Technical Center ■ COLUMBUS PARTNERSHIP MEMBERS • Abbott • Accenture • Advanced Drainage Systems • American Electric Power • AndHealth • AT&T • Axium Packaging • Bath & Body Works • Battelle • Bread Financial • Calfee, Halter & Griswold • Cameron Mitchell Restaurants • Cardinal Health • CAS • CK Construction Group • Columbus Crew • Columbus Regional Airport Authority • Columbus State Community College • Columbus Zoo and Aquarium • CoverMyMeds • Crane Group • Crawford Hoying • Deloitte • Denison University • DHL Supply Chain • Donatos Pizza • EMH&T • Encova Insurance • Ernst & Young • Fifth Third Bank • Grange Insurance • Greif • Hexion • Honda • Huntington • IBM • IGS Energy • InnoSource • Installed Building Products | Edwards Companies • JMAC • Jones Day • JPMorganChase • KeyBank • KPMG • Lower • Marzetti Company • M/I Homes • Modular Assembly Innovations • Moody Nolan • Mount Carmel Health System • Nationwide • Nationwide Children’s Hospital • NCT Ventures • NetJets • NiSource • OH.io Ventures Holding • OhioHealth • Orange Barrel Media • Pelotonia • PNC Bank • PwC • Quantum Health • Rockbridge • Root Insurance • Rumpke Waste and Recycling • Safelite • ScottsMiracle-Gro • Smoot Construction • Squire Patton Boggs • The Champion Companies • The Columbus Foundation • The Memorial Tournament • The New Albany Company • The Ohio State University • The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center • The Pizzuti Companies • Vertiv • Victoria’s Secret • Vorys • Worthington Enterprises [as of 9/1/2026]
9/15/26 1:03 PM
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9/15/26 1:02 PM
Everyday Kindness Heroes
Kindness is all around us. We look to honor those who improve, heal, and unite our community, one selfless and extraordinary act of kindness at a time.
Look for quarterly stories in Columbus CEO celebrating kindness in Central Ohio.
The Center for HumanKindness at The Columbus Foundation has partnered with The Columbus Dispatch to highlight those making our community a better place. Help us inspire kindness by suggesting people, initiatives, or organizations to feature by emailing kindness@dispatch.com. The Dispatch retains full editorial independence for all content.
Nominate your heroes:
Learn more at ColumbusCEO.com/Kindness.
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9/14/26 4:13 PM
BY KATY SMITH
Photo by Doral Chenoweth/The Columbus Dispatch
Breakdown
COSI, the Scioto River and Downtown Columbus
Strong Showing for Columbus Tourism New midyear data show tourism in Columbus is robust, with trips to the region and overnights here up 3.3 percent and 3.7 percent. Bed tax collections also grew significantly for the first half of the year. “We are thrilled to see visitation to Columbus continue to grow and reach an all-time high,” said Experience Columbus President and CEO Brian Ross, in a press release. “Visitors have a huge impact on our community. New data from Tourism Economics from 2025 shows that the local travel economy supports 83,306 jobs in Columbus and Franklin County, or one in every 14 jobs. Visitors directly spend $8.6 billion at local businesses, generating $1.81 billion in local, state and federal tax revenue.”
160
54.9M
BY THE NUMBERS
11.5M
trips to Greater Columbus in 2025, up overnight trips to the region in 2025 3.3 percent
400,000
more overnight trips to the region in 2025, up 3.7 percent
43.4M
$32M
in bed tax collections from Jan. 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026, up 7 percent over the same period in 2025, according to reports from City of Columbus Auditor Jacquelin Lewis
day trips to the region in 2025 Sources: Experience Columbus/Greater Columbus Sports Commission 2026 State of the Visitor Industry: Mid-Year Report based on research from Longwoods International
ColumbusCEO • Fall 2026
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9/15/26 1:27 PM
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2026 NATIONWIDE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL COLUMBUS MARATHON Sunday, October 18, 2026 Help kids like our
MARATHON MILE CHAMPIONS and read their stories!
PROUD PLATINUM SPONSOR
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9/14/26 10:57 AM