Columbus is well known for its status as a test market and innovation hub for fast food, technology, health care, retail and more. Thanks to its central location, a diverse economy and a well-educated population that skews younger than other big cities, the region has many attributes that companies seek when rolling out new products.
While newer industries such as biotechnology, IT and advanced manufacturing draw a lot of buzz—deservedly—there are professionals who want to ensure that the city doesn’t neglect its longtime, reliable economic drivers in other sectors. Count Yohannan “Yogi” Terrell among them.
Terrell, CEO of marketing firm Warhol & Wall Street and the founder and director of the nonprofit Columbus Fashion Alliance, wants to build on the city’s reputation as a design hot spot and has a plan to make it happen.
For this month’s cover story, freelance writer Sarah Donaldson visited CFA’s headquarters at the Idea Foundry in Franklinton to learn about Terrell’s vision and how he hopes to make it a reality.
Part of his plan includes a new fashion incubator called The Loom. “This is where the industry and the culture will converge,” he told Donaldson. “There’s nothing like this in the Midwest.”
Learn more about his bold goals in “Fashion Forward,” starting on Page 8.
This issue also features two very different recognition programs, both of which are longtime initiatives here at CEO. The first, Top Lawyers, honors 613 Columbus-area attorneys who come highly recommended by their peers. Through our partnership with Professional Research Services, we shine a light on attorneys and their firms who earned recognition in 59 practice areas.
Meanwhile, this year marks our 18th Best of Business awards, which is our longestrunning recognition program. I don’t think any of us thought in 2008, when we piloted the reader poll, that it would become so successful and beloved by both subscribers and the business community. The annual awards event is always a great celebration of the honorees and a representation of how special the Columbus region is—both as a place to live and run a company. I’m thrilled the program still has momentum and a strong fan base all these years later.
Thanks for reading.
Julanne Hohbach Editor
Why kidney cancer care innovation is more important than ever
Kidney cancer affects tens-of-thousands every year, but research and care advances are improving survival chances and quality of life for patients.
Kidney cancer occurs more frequently than many people think, with approximately 80,000 diagnoses each year in the U.S. While it’s more common in men, it’s one of the 10 most-frequently diagnosed cancers in both males and females.
When abnormal cells start to form in the kidneys, they can become cancerous and grow and replicate, sometimes rapidly, which results in tumors. The biggest danger is when these cells metastasize or leave the kidney and begin to grow in other places.
There are multiple types of kidney cancer, with approximately nine out of 10 cases categorized as renal cell carcinomas, which usually start in the lining of tubes in the kidney called tubules.
“Building our fundamental understanding of these cancers has been a major development of the last 20 years,” says W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, the CEO of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center –James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). “Armed with this knowledge, major improvements have emerged for effective treatments of both common and rare types of kidney cancers.”
As an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, the OSUCCC – James combines kidney cancer care and research in the same facilities, allowing Ohio State’s dedicated experts to provide patients with a wide array of treatments, including cutting-edge clinical trials.
“Our kidney cancer team is made up of urologic oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and radiologists,” says Eric Singer, MD, MS, chief of the OSUCCC – James Division of Urologic Oncology.
Kidney cancer symptoms and risks
Signs of kidney cancer can differ depending on the patient, but anyone experiencing one or more of these symptoms should visit their doctor:
• Blood in the urine
• Pain in the back or side
• Abdominal mass
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained fatigue
• Recurring fever
• Loss of appetite
• Urinary pain or increased frequency
While its exact causes are currently unknown, experts have identified several kidney cancer risk factors:
• Tobacco use
• Overuse of certain pain medications
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Family history of renal cancers and/or syndromes
• Some genetic conditions
• History of kidney stones or bladder cancer
• Exposure to certain chemicals
Scan the QR code to learn more about kidney cancer care and research at the OSUCCC – James.
Kidney cancer treatment and surveillance
Kidney cancer care has grown over the years to include a wide range of surgical and therapeutic options, including surveillance methods that enable some patients to avoid complex procedures.
“With active surveillance, we’re using radiology tests to see if small kidney masses are growing over time to help determine if those tumors need to be treated,” Singer says.
When further intervention is required, advances in technology and techniques allow
dedicated kidney cancer specialists like those at the OSUCCC – James to perform the latest procedures, including innovative surgeries.
“Our surgeons have expertise in complex procedures, including robotics, that benefit our patients, even those who have multiple tumors, hereditary syndromes or may need re-operative surgeries,” Singer says.
Scan the QR code to learn more about cancer clinical services, including surgery, chemotherapy and more, at the OSUCCC – James.
Kidney cancer in younger patients
Along with as many as 14 other cancers, including types that affect the colon and pancreas, kidney cancer diagnoses are increasing in younger patients.
“It is distressing to see these trends in cancer incidence showing up in people in their 20s, 30s and 40s,” Rathmell says. “It is important that we empower our teams to understand why cancer in the kidney is happening at younger ages, what types of cancers are in this rising group and how best to treat these younger patients.”
While kidney cancer is still relatively rare among people under 50, the rising rates are cause for concern — and a call to action for doctors and researchers.
“We can make a difference when we are armed with the facts. This is a part of the science we are inspired to pursue in understanding these early onset cancers.” Rathmell says.
“We know as physicians that we have to pay attention to surprising details, because that is often where there is a key to the diagnosis.
“I am excited for the future, because I see our James physicians approaching this critical problem with curiosity as well as compassion. This is how we make that difference for young kidney cancer patients.”
By PETER TONGUETTE
by TIM JOHNSON
Fashion Forward
Yohannan Terrell is working to boost the city’s reputation as a design mecca by connecting creators and retailers. A new incubator space will amplify the effort.
Columbus Fashion Alliance founder and marketing executive Yohannan Terrell has refined his analogy for Columbus over the years.
Yogi, as most people call him, likens the city to the student who initially sits in the back of the class, maybe wearing glasses. “But they got really good bone structure, really good hair,” Terrell says, laughing. “You’re like, ‘Yo, if you just take those glasses off, man, you might pop that top button off,’ and then they do it and all of a sudden, it’s like ... they’re hot.”
Columbus doesn’t need to search for a new identity, he says during a conversation at the alliance’s Idea Foundry space in July. He believes it needs to fully embrace what already lies under the surface. That good bone structure.
For as long as Terrell has used the analogy, he’s had an underlying agenda to go with it. He works day and night on this mission he’s conceived: to convince others that Columbus needs to fully embrace fashion as an industry central to its culture.
Talk about Central Ohio’s business climate, and local leaders
might talk about the booming biotechnology sector, data centers or Anduril Industries’ military drone facility, which is expected to be the largest job-creation project in Ohio history.
Terrell, who lives near Easton, would send you in another direction. Long a test market for fast food and retailers based on its Midwest location and its concentration of corporate headquarters, Columbus has consistently ranked highly for the number of fashion designers who call the city home. In 2012, an analysis by Bloomberg ranked it third, just behind New York City and Los Angeles. That’s due in no small part to retail pioneer Les Wexner, who grew The Limited into the L Brands
empire that ruled malls for decades and in turn drew other fashion retailers to the region. Today, in addition to Victoria’s Secret & Co., Abercrombie & Fitch, DSW and others are headquartered here.
“I’m not going to say it’s not homegrown, the tech industry, right?” Terrell says. “But at the same time, those are newer industries coming here.”
At the alliance’s headquarters, located on the second floor of the Idea Foundry in Franklinton, reminders of Terrell’s mission are everywhere. Off-white mannequins abound—some clothed, some not. In a lab, white desks—most topped with a sewing machine—line the walls. There are large cutting tables,
Photos
threads in every hue, embroidery machines, and magazines and other reading material. Just the right amount of organized chaos.
In adjacent rooms, neon LED signs proclaim, “FASHION IS OUR BUSINESS.” One, in what Terrell calls the “war room,” hangs next to framed pictures of students who have completed summer programs with the fashion alliance. He points out, proudly, where each one went after.
Terrell founded the Columbus Fashion Alliance in 2019. The nonprofit aims to contribute to individual designers’ and fashion businesses’ growth by educating, coaching and facilitating connections between creatives and fashion retailers, according to its mission statement. CFA
has raised and reinvested $6 million toward that goal, funded in part by the city of Columbus, Franklin County and supporters like Battelle, the Columbus Foundation and Victoria’s Secret, Terrell says. In 2023, it reported total revenue of $1.5 million.
Students—who take over CFA machinery each summer—move the mission forward. Terrell also sees the organization’s headquarters as somewhere creatives can come and just create, without high overhead cost.
The alliance has five full-time employees, and several more sets of hands come from part-time and contract positions. “We’re a small but mighty family trying to learn and grow. The nonprofit industry is hard,” he says.
Yohannan “Yogi” Terrell CEO
Warhol & Wall Street
Founder and director
Columbus Fashion Alliance
Age: 48
Previous: Online editor at Interactive One
Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in marketing, Ohio State University
Involvement: Experience
Columbus, Greater Columbus Arts Council, Lincoln Theatre, Short North Alliance
Resides: Easton area
Family: Children Travon and Chayana Terrell
Influential Role Models
Akron-born Terrell, 48, wasn’t thinking much about what he was wearing in his youth. His coming-of-age tale resembles that of “a majority of young Black kids” who weren’t wealthy, he says. His family moved from one home to the next, received government assistance and frequented the food bank.
“Broken home, broken family. Mom, dad, sister in a small household, and basically drugs and alcohol kind of destroyed our family,” he says.
One memory that stands out is how he really wanted Air Jordans, the signature black-and-red court shoes that rolled out in the mid-1980s. His dad scored a pair of knockoff sneakers instead. “I remember telling myself, ‘Man, as soon as I get a job, I’m going to buy all the stuff I want,’” he says.
Terrell played on the North High School football team and got a brief look from some scouts from Dartmouth College, although neither he nor his friends were familiar with the Ivy League school then. It dawned on him later the trajectory his life might have taken.
Even if it was not “the greatest childhood,” Terrell says, there were women who watched him closely. One was his mother, Harriet. “She was serious about me doing good in school, and if I didn’t do good in school, I had to be careful. Old school, she’s an old-school mom,” he says. “And while I was still running the streets and getting in trouble, I was more afraid of my mom than I was of the streets.”
The second guiding figure was Cheryl Russell, who with her husband mentored kids and took Terrell under her wing. “Cheryl, she knew I was smart, and she was like, ‘What are you going to do about college?’ And I was like, ‘I don’t know.’ I didn’t even know the first thing,” he says.
Russell took him to the library, where they filled out and submitted college applications, including to Ohio State University. He didn’t have the
money, so she covered his application fees. When he was admitted to Ohio State, he says, “that was the catalyst that kind of changed my life.”
“I had a son when I was 18, so I was still very much tethered to Akron. I still was trying to dig myself out of that history of where I was coming from, that environment,” he says.
But he dug.
His son, Travon, is now 29 and a dentist. His daughter, 19-year-old Chayana, is getting ready to study film at the University of Cincinnati.
Another influential woman in his life is his cousin Fredericka WallaceDeena, who has worked nationally and locally in philanthropy. WallaceDeena now runs a fundraising firm, and the two talk frequently.
“He’s just amazing … the way he thinks about things, there’s no limits. He’s always going to think about
something,” she says. “If it says, ‘do not answer or do not go here,’ if he thinks that it should be crossed, he’s going to figure out a way that everyone can travel safely.”
After graduating from Ohio State with a bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in marketing, Terrell worked in clubs and events and was hired by Wallace-Deena to do marketing for United Way of Central Ohio. He also worked in radio at Interactive One and launched a publication focused on urban culture, Flypaper Magazine.
The nonprofit industry is tough, Terrell says. “Everybody’s vying for dollars.”
Wallace-Deena says it can be tough in particular for primarily Black nonprofits because of persistent income inequality. Still, according to an Urban Institute study from 2018, nonwhite families tend to donate a greater percentage of their earnings to charities than white families.
Terrell does well because he focuses his efforts beyond the barriers that race and class can create, WallaceDeena says. If silos exist in an environment Terrell inhabits, she says, he is dismantling them.
Doug Kridler, president and CEO of the Columbus Foundation, commends Terrell for his commitment to inclusion. The foundation was one of the earliest CFA funders. “What I make of Yogi’s vision for the city is, it’s filled with the many voices and a truly diverse sensibility that reflects the full measure of our city’s residents and the inherent value that that diversity brings to the richness,” Kridler says.
He says busy institutions move fast, and ideas tend to distract from the grind toward what is next. What strikes Kridler about Terrell, he says, is how “undeterred [he is] by the fact that it’s not easy to take an idea into reality.”
“He has an infectious enthusiasm that I think cities need,” Kridler says.
Community Connections
That enthusiasm translates into a very busy schedule beyond CFA. Blocks of engagements fill Terrell’s color-coded digital calendar.
Ten years ago, he cofounded marketing firm Warhol & Wall Street after getting his feet wet at United Way. Terrell says he isn’t as involved in
Terrell at CFA’s office in 2021
He has an infectious enthusiasm that I think cities need.”
Doug Kridler, president and CEO of the Columbus Foundation
the day-to-day anymore. Over the years, the agency has done branding and engagement work locally and for national brands like Mountain Dew and Red Bull.
He’s got a long list of involvements, including serving as a member of the Experience Columbus board of directors and Greater Columbus Arts Council board of trustees, and he is also involved with the Lincoln Theatre and the Short North Alliance.
“I like big city energy, right? I was going to move years ago, but because I had my kids here, I couldn’t move. So, a mentor of mine was like, ‘If you are yearning for more excitement, cultural excitement, then get involved civically.’ And that’s what I did,” he says.
He jokes now that he’s too tied down to ever leave Columbus.
More recently, he channeled that enthusiasm into work with Downtown Columbus Inc., the private, nonprofit development organization that advocates for major local projects. Terrell traveled and studied other cities’ cultures and resources as part of the 2022 strategic plan. The question in front of him was, “How do we make Columbus feel like everybody’s Columbus?”
Terrell’s answer is a bit like a ladder of engagement. If done right, he says, Downtown’s surface parking lots would be used frequently for vendors’ markets. The city would invest more in walking and biking trails that connect sites and neighborhoods, without the need for cars. And the buzz he’s creating builds. “Culture—whatever that culture is in your city—it creates energy, and that energy attracts people, and people attract commerce, and those combinations attract or build communities,” he says.
Just look at the community Terrell builds each summer at CFA.
On this Tuesday in July, a cohort of local high schoolers is hard at work building a fashion brand from scratch. By the end of the summer, from that collection they’re creating, about 3,000 pieces will be produced and given away to other students at a pop-up shop.
Eighteen-year-old Sahr Julian Rashid-Noah, of Pickerington, is a lead in the cohort. This fall, he’ll be studying communication design and fashion design at the Parsons School of Design in New York City. Columbus has grown “real gems” in the fashion industry who have influenced his work, he says. “They all leave Columbus, obviously, and try to cultivate their own skills, but they always come back,” Rashid-Noah says.
Take Valentina Thompson and Madison Hilson, Ohio State graduates who founded the women’s outdoor brand Seniq in 2023. Just before that, they worked for Backcountry.com, which is headquartered in Utah.
“We’re building Seniq in Columbus because it’s the best city in the country to launch a brand. The mentorship, the retail infrastructure, the cost of living, the creativity … it’s truly unmatched,” Thompson says via email.
As his summer cohort works, Terrell is fielding real estate calls. CFA will move to a new headquarters soon, which he’s named The Loom. CFA is buying the Columbus College of Art & Design building at 161 N. Grant
Ave. with a loan from IFF and grant funding of $1 million from the county and $600,000 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Programming funds won’t be used for the building, Terrell says.
The Loom will serve as a fashion incubator with retail, event space and more. CCAD’s fashion design major long has churned out successful graduates, and he envisions investing further in the infrastructure for them to grow.
“This is where the industry and the culture will converge,” he says. “There’s nothing like this in the Midwest, for sure. The closest thing to it would be in New York and L.A., and even in New York and L.A., there’s not too many nonprofits that have a whole building dedicated to the culture of fashion.”
As Terrell heads to his next meeting, where he’s got a decaf mocha with almond milk waiting, he laughs when asked if he ever has downtime. He shows a recent tattoo on his left arm that reads: “You have, can, and will do hard things.”
“I remind myself of that when I’m trying to do things, like change the city through fashion,” Terrell says, “Like, why not?”
Sarah Donaldson is a reporter/ producer with the Ohio Public Media Statehouse News Bureau and a freelance writer.
Terrell at CFA’s office in 2021
TECH TALK
BY CYNTHIA BENT FINDLAY
Business Booster
Hilliard City Lab gives startup companies a place to spread their wings.
The city of Hilliard’s initiative to remove red tape from business development has sparked a growing community of tech companies drawn to an innovative incubator space near Interstate 270.
Local leaders say Hilliard City Lab is succeeding thanks to the municipality’s investment in a new broadband network, an open invitation to entrepreneurs and an established system of grants for participating companies.
David Meadows, the city’s economic development director, says the initiative started in 2018 when local officials decided to invest in a high-speed fiber network. He credits Duane Powell, a veteran of AT&T who had just joined the city as chief information officer, for thinking big. “He came in and said, ‘What if we look beyond net connectivity? What if the network was an asset for partners to come in, test their sensors and technologies, and use the network for research?’ ” Meadows says.
The project happened in several
hilliardohio.gov/hilliard-city-lab
LOCATION: 4261 Lyman Drive, Hilliard
FOUNDED: 2022
phases, with a total investment to date of $6 million, including a $1.25 million loan from the Franklin County Infrastructure Bank, a revolving fund for local municipalities. The 71-mile, carrier-neutral network can be used by businesses, schools and residents. Meadows says it helped the city earn recognition from the Intelligent Community Forum, which has ranked Hilliard on its list of Smart21 cities from 2023 to 2025.
Around the same time the broadband initiative was launching, Converge Technologies was looking for a space to expand in Hilliard. The engineering and advisory services company formed a partnership with the city that allowed it to prototype and test tech solutions on the city’s infrastructure and speed them to market.
That helped solidify the idea that Hilliard could be a resource where innovative solutions can be tested to solve real-world problems, Meadows says. Converge and Hilliard City Lab share a building on Lyman Drive that formerly housed Team Rahal. “We are open to working with startups without being bureaucratic. When we say you can access our stuff, we mean you can, and it won’t take years to do,” Meadows says.
In addition to providing access to its infrastructure, Hilliard also offers City Lab participants grants of up to $25,000. Recipients must establish a presence in the city. The process is intended to have a low barrier
to entry. “When a company asks what they need to do to start the process with us, I say, ‘a paragraph and picture.’ Then we sit down and listen. We meet them where they are and inject resources where needed,” Meadows says.
The stable of Hilliard City Lab partners has grown to include tech startups Ubihere, Lighthouse Avionics, IC3D Inc., Agile Ultrasonics, Augustwenty and others.
In 2024, the city lab launched “AI Sandbox”—a closed cloud computing network where companies can test prototypes for free.
A partnership with the Hilliard City School District allows high school students to participate in internships with incubator tenants. Some are learning on the job while helping companies with patent research.
So far, Hilliard has awarded 46 grants totaling $1.2 million, which Meadows says has generated $87 million in private investment, supporting more than 1,245 jobs that are located in or coming to the city. Thirteen of those were awarded in 2025. The income tax generated by companies receiving earlier grants is more than $3.6 million, Meadows says.
“What we are is a culture here. You have to want to help get out of your own way,” Meadows says.
Cynthia Bent Findlay is a freelance writer.
Photo courtesy Chase Evans
An aerial view of Hilliard City Lab
CONNECTIONS
PHOTOS BY TIM JOHNSON
Inspiring Women
Columbus CEO joined Columbus Monthly to host the second annual Inspiring Women event June 18 at Vitria on the Square. Twenty-three inspiring women were honored by the magazines and sponsors Oliver Law, King Business Interiors and Diamond Cellar. The event was emceed by Colleen Marshall of NBC4.
1 Matt and Kathy Toth 2 Jack Lyttle with Cathy and Jeff Lyttle 3 Mike and Robbin Krauser, Jessica Krauser, Debbie Walcott and Michelle Adams 4 Vanessa Randall, Chelsea King and Darla King 5 Lillian Morales-Laster and Val Moreno 6 Krystopher Scott, Sangeeta Lakhani, Kate Bauer and Gabriel Mastin 7 Liane Egle, Gail Hogan and Colleen Marshall 8 Lindy Noel and Chris Blakely 9 Sophia Fifner, Melanie McNally, Sarah Gormley, Ukeme Awakessien Jeter and Regan Walsh 10 Demetries Neely, Nannette Maciejunes and Angela Pace 11 Charles and Debbie Penzone
Boosting Access For All
A 19-year-old is leaning on his own experiences to help make businesses, schools and other spaces more accessible.
By SOPHIA VENEZIANO
+ Photo by TIM JOHNSON
There are many aspects of life that most people take for granted: taking the stairs, walking on uneven streets or sitting comfortably at a table in a restaurant. But for individuals in wheelchairs or with other special needs, such everyday occurrences can be major impediments.
Greyson Freed is on a mission to raise awareness of such challenges and to improve accessibility for himself and others who rely on it.
The 19-year-old, who graduated from Olentangy High School in May, uses a wheelchair and is partially deaf because of Friedreich’s ataxia, a rare degenerative disease that damages the nervous system, causing movement problems and other issues.
After being diagnosed with FA at the age of 8, Freed experienced frustrations his peers didn’t have to think about. He and his mother, Marcy Freed, recalled a family vacation to Savannah, Georgia, where older buildings were not wheelchair accessible. Marcy had to go into stores and hold up things for Greyson to see while he waited outside on the street.
These frustrations blossomed into a business plan for True Accessibility Consulting. Since he was 17, Freed has provided consulting services to
businesses, homeowners and schools to help make their spaces more accessible, even beyond complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“One thing we noticed is that ADA compliance doesn’t always equal accessibility. And so, realizing that, Greyson likes to go in and offer what actually makes something accessible,” Marcy says, noting her son has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and once successfully sold rocks as a child.
Greyson cites two examples of things he would like to see change.
The first is for all restaurants to have tables tall enough to accommodate a wheelchair. The second is better elevator access at his high school. “There was only one elevator in the office, and we had a pretty big school. It was a lot of pushing myself around the school, to the elevator, then back around, then back to the elevator. I did that five times a day,” he says.
Marcy says she loves that her son has an opportunity through his business to share what he has learned through living with a disease that
has chipped away at his mobility over the years.
Greyson’s school counselor, Whitney Hamilton, watched him progress from being a freshman at Olentangy to launching his own business and graduating from high school. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him upset a day in his life, no matter how hard things get for him. And I just think that speaks volumes to his character and how resilient he is,” Hamilton says.
“He’s honestly taking what he’s been through and trying to make the world an even better place. And I just think that’s pretty incredible.”
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 inspire kindness by suggesting people, initiatives or organizations for Reporter Sophia Veneziano to profile. She can be reached at sveneziano@dispatch.com. Learn more at ColumbusCEO.com/Kindness.
Greyson Freed
Nominate Your Business
The Top Workplaces awards are open to any organization with 50 or more employees.
Does your job make you feel like you’re part of something meaningful?
Is your organization one that prides itself on a people-first culture?
We hope you’ll take the time to nominate your business, nonprofit or government organization for Columbus CEO’s Top Workplaces 2026 awards. The 14th annual recognition program honors exceptional employers based on the opinions of their own employees.
CEO is proud to again partner with workplace research firm Energage to honor Columbus-area workplaces that stand out from the crowd.
Nominations can be made by any employee, at any level of an organization. The program is open to all workplaces with at least 50 employees in the Columbus region. Both private and public companies are eligible. Organizations do not have to be based in Central Ohio. Go to columbusceo.com/nominate through Sept. 26.
Nominated organizations are evaluated by their employees, who are asked to complete anonymous, 25-question surveys. Surveys will be conducted through November. Winners are determined based sole ly on feedback gathered from these short online surveys, which include metrics such as culture,
communication, leadership, work-life balance, values and benefits.
Winners will be recognized in the Top Workplaces supplement published in Columbus CEO in spring 2026, as well as online and at an awards reception.
“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a celebration of excellence,” says Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage, based in Exton, Pennsylvania. “It serves as a reminder of the vital role a people-first workplace experience plays in achieving success.”
This year, we recognized 81 organizations, and we’d love to see that grow for the 2026 program.
Energage, which conducts Top Workplaces surveys for media outlets in 65 markets, surveyed over 2 million employees at more than 8,000 organizations in the last year. There is no cost to submit a nomination to the program, nor is there a requirement to purchase any product or service.
For more information about participating in Top Workplaces, go to columbusceo.com/ nominate or call 614-344-0320.
JULANNE HOHBACH
The choice for your cancer care is clear.
At The James, you’re choosing the experts who understand there is no such thing as routine cancer. Where your care is delivered by a highly specialized, compassionate team dedicated to studying and treating just one type of cancer — yours. And where more than 1,700 scientists are working on new treatments — and new hope — for every form of cancer. All at the region’s only comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute.
#ChooseTheJames cancer.osu.edu/ChooseTheJames
The James is proud to be nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for 27 years.
Brian, esophageal cancer survivor
Our 18th annual awards recognize 82 winners and 170 runners-up who earned top marks in our reader poll.
Central Ohio has a wealth of businesses supporting the local economy, from mom-and-pop shops to Fortune 100 companies. From newcomers to those who have been here a century or longer, the region boasts a lively climate with entities that cater to both B2B and consumer clientele.
We’re happy to recognize some of these outstanding organizations in our 18th annual Best of Business awards. Our annual reader poll honors local professionals’ top choices for business and service providers, including accounting and law firms, contractors, developers, education, insurance and technology companies. But you’ll also find restaurants, meeting spaces, health care, golf and more. Best of Business, which launched in 2008, is CEO’s longest-running recognition program.
This year’s Best of Business results honor winners and runners-up in 82 categories. Readers voted on our website from May 15 to June 12. The ballot featured a slate of nominees, made up of last year’s top vote-getters and write-in choices, and participants also could enter their own selection. Results are grouped by category, each of which is presented alphabetically. Runners-up are listed by the order in which they finished.
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 pressreleases@columbusceo.com.
Congratulations to our 2025 Best of Business honorees.
BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES
Ad Agency
Futurety
Runners-up:
➋ Creative Spot
➌ Dot The i Creative
Architectural Firm
MA Design
Runners-up:
➋ Moody Nolan
➌ Archall Architects
Automotive Services
Germain Automotive Group
Runners-up:
➋ Byers Auto Group and Safelite
AutoGlass (tie)
➌ Roush Auto Group
Commercial Data Center
Expedient
Runners-up:
➋ Cologix
➌ Glo Fiber
Energy Company
American Electric Power Company Inc.
Runners-up:
➋ IGS Energy
➌ Columbia Gas of Ohio
Engineering Firm
Moody Engineering
Runners-up:
➋ HAWA Engineers
➌ EMH&T
Graphic Design/Branding Agency
Continental Office
Runners-up:
➋ 2Shea Creative
➌ Tenfold
HR Butler
Runners-up:
➋ GO-HR
HR Services
➌ VIVO Growth Partners
Information Technology Company
Revolution Group
Runners-up:
➋ Astute Technology Management
➌ PC Geeks
Insurance Brokerage
HUB International
(formerly Overmyer Hall Associates)
Runners-up:
➋ Insurance Agency of Ohio
➌ Hylant
Nationwide
Insurance Company
Runners-up:
➋ USAA
➌ Erie Insurance
Internet Service Provider
Spectrum
Runners-up:
➋ AT&T
➌ Verizon
UPS
Runners-up:
Logistics Provider
➋ U.S. Postal Service
➌ EASE Logistics
Manufacturing Company
Worthington Enterprises Inc.
Runners-up:
➋ Honda Development & Manufacturing of America
➌ T. Marzetti Co.
Mobile Phone Service Provider
Verizon
Runners-up:
➋ T-Mobile/Metro by T-Mobile
➌ Cricket Wireless
Office Furniture
Continental Office
Runners-up:
➋ Dupler Office
➌ King Business Interiors
Printing Company
Atchley Graphics
Runners-up:
➋ Baesman
➌ Citicom
Public Relations Firm
Belle Communication
Runners-up:
➋ Willow PR
➌ Hart Sign Company
Atchley Graphics
Runners-up:
➋ American Sign Studio
➌ Columbus Sign Co.
Photo by
Doral Chenoweth/Columbus Dispatch
American Electric Power Company Inc.’s headquarters
EDUCATION
Continuing Education Offerings
Franklin University
Runners-up:
➋ Ohio State University
➌ Columbus State Community College
MBA Program
Franklin University
Runners-up:
➋ Ohio State University Fisher College of Business
➌ Ohio University
Private School (K-12)
Columbus Academy Runners-up:
➋ Columbus School for Girls
➌ Cristo Rey Columbus High School
FINANCIAL
Accounting Firm (fewer than 20 CPAs)
Alan S. Portnoy CPA
Runners-up:
➋ Whalen CPAs
➌ Nichols & Co. CPAs
Accounting Firm (more than 20 CPAs)
Schneider Downs Runners-up:
➋ GBQ Partners
➌ KPMG
Business Lender
KEMBA Financial Credit Union
Runners-up:
➋ Telhio Credit Union
➌ Huntington National Bank
Commercial Mortgage Lender
KEMBA Financial Credit Union
Runners-up:
➋ Telhio Credit Union
➌ Huntington National Bank
Credit Union
KEMBA Financial Credit Union
Runners-up:
➋ Telhio Credit Union
➌ Wright-Patt Credit Union
Private Wealth Management Company
Schneider Downs Wealth Management Advisors
Runners-up:
➋ Libertas Wealth Management
Group Inc.
➌ Lifetime Financial Growth
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Happy Hour
Lindey’s
Photo by Tim Johnson
Runners-up:
➋ Pins Mechanical Co.
➌ The Pearl
Outdoor Dining
Lindey’s
Runners-up:
➋ Barcelona
➌ Tucci’s
Place to Entertain a Client
Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse Columbus
Runners-up:
➋ Lindey’s
➌ Mitchell’s Steakhouse
Power Breakfast
First Watch
Runners-up:
➋ Tommy’s Diner
➌ Freedom a la Cart
Watermelon and potsticker appetizers on the patio at Lindey’s in German Village
Photo by Tim Johnson
Photo by Doral Chenoweth/Columbus Dispatch
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute
Power Lunch
Cap City Fine Diner and Bar
Runners-up:
➋ Northstar Café
➌ Freedom a la Cart and Lindey’s (tie)
Restaurant
Cap City Fine Diner and Bar Runners-up:
➋ City Barbeque
➌ The Top Steak House
HEALTH CARE
Cardiology Practice
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Heart and Vascular Center
Runners-up:
➋ OhioHealth Physician Group Heart and Vascular
➌ Mount Carmel Heart & Vascular Specialists
Dental Practice
Dental Reflections Dublin
Runners-up:
➋ West Broad Dental
➌ Dugas Dental
Dermatology and Skin Care
Affiliated Dermatology
Runners-up:
➋ Ohio State University Dermatology
➌ Dermatologists of Greater Columbus
Family Medical Practice
Central Ohio Primary Care
Runners-up:
➋ OhioHealth Physician Group Primary Care
➌ Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (all locations)
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio for being named
Best Large Non-Profit
Nationwide® celebrates your recognition and dedication to providing essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need health care.
Photo courtesy
Hospital/Medical Center
OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital
Runners-up:
➋ OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital
➌ Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Oncology Practice
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center — Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute
Runners-up:
➋ OhioHealth Arthur G. H. Bing, MD, Cancer Center
➌ Mount Carmel Radiation Oncology
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Practice
Orthopedic ONE
Runners-up:
➋ Hand and Microsurgery Associates
➌ OrthoNeuro
Physical Therapy Practice
Orthopedic ONE
Runners-up:
➋ NovaCare Rehabilitation
➌ OrthoNeuro
LEGAL
Business Law Firm
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease
Runners-up:
➋ Ice Miller
➌ Bricker Graydon LLP
Family Law Firm
Einstein & Gibson LLC
Runners-up:
➋ Grossman Law Offices
➌ The Nigh Law Group
Labor & Employment Law Firm
Einstein & Gibson LLC
Runners-up:
➋ Frost Brown Todd
➌ Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease
Law Firm (fewer than 50 attorneys)
Einstein & Gibson LLC
Runners-up:
➋ Grossman Law Offices
➌ Frost Brown Todd
Law Firm (more than 50 attorneys)
Ice Miller
Runners-up:
➋ Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease
➌ Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter
Litigation Firm
Ice Miller
Runners-up:
➋ Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease
➌ Bricker Graydon LLP
MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Attraction for Visitors
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Photo by
Doral Chenoweth/Columbus Dispatch
OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, with the new women’s center under construction in the foreground, as seen in mid-April
Photo courtesy Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s new elephant calf, born in July, and her mother, Sunni
Runners-up:
➋ Columbus Blue Jackets games
➌ Columbus Arts Festival
Audiovisual Production Company
Mills James
Runners-up:
➋ Hart
➌ LIVE
Freedom a la Cart
Runners-up:
➋ Cameron Mitchell Premier Events
➌ City Barbeque Catering
Golf/Country Club
Wedgewood Golf and Country Club
Runners-up:
➋ New Albany Country Club
➌ Country Club at Muirfield Village
Meeting/Event Venue
Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center (rebranding to the Ohioan Hotel & Event Center)
Runners-up:
➋ Base One
➌ The Grand Event Center
Private Golf Course
Pinnacle Golf Club
Runners-up:
➋ Muirfield Village Golf Club
➌ New Albany Country Club
Top Litigators
Attorney Advertising Material ICE MILLER
Hensel, Daniel Swetnam, Aneca Lasley, John Cannizzaro, Matthew Fornshell, Kristina Dahmann, Kris Dawley, T. Earl LeVere
Photo by Doral Chenoweth/Columbus Dispatch
Wedgewood Golf and Country Club
The renovated grand ballroom at Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center, which is rebranding as the Ohioan Hotel & Event Center
Promotional Products Company
Artina Promotional Products
Runners-up:
➋ Idegy
➌ Outreach Promos
Public Golf Course
Golf Club of Dublin
Runners-up:
➋ Safari Golf Club
➌ Blacklick Woods Golf Course
PERSONAL PERKS
Auto Dealer
Byers Auto Group
Runners-up:
➋ Germain Automotive Group
➌ Performance Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram
Georgesville
Executive Transportation
NetJets
Runners-up:
➋ Cardinal Transportation Ltd.
➌ Lane Aviation
Fitness Facility
Life Time
Runners-up:
➋ YMCA of Central Ohio
➌ Planet Fitness
Florist
Connells Maple Lee Flowers & Gifts
Runners-up:
➋ Orchard Lane Flowers and Rees Flowers and Gifts (tie)
➌ De Santis Florist Inc. and Hilliard Floral
Design (tie)
Diamond Cellar
Runners-up:
Jeweler
➋ Worthington Jewelers
➌ Tiffany & Co.
Private Flight Service
NetJets
Runners-up:
➋ Lane Aviation
➌ VistaJet
Spa/Salon
Kenneth’s Hair Salons and Day Spas
Runners-up:
➋ Penzone Salons + Spas
➌ Salon Lofts
MA Design is honored to be named Best Architecture Firm and runner-up for Best Commercial Interior Designer and Best Employer under 500. As a certified Women Business Enterprise, we design with diversity, disruption, and direction—transforming challenges into opportunities. Congrats to all 2025 Best of Business Award Winners!
Photo courtesy Nationwide Realty Investors
REAL ESTATE
Commercial Developer
Crawford Hoying
Runners-up:
➋ The New Albany Co.
➌ Kaufman Development and Steiner + Associates (tie)
Commercial Interior Design Firm
Macon Alley Ventures
Runners-up:
➋ KP Designs Group
➌ MA Design
Commercial Roofing Company
Davis Roofing & Restoration
Runners-up: ➋ Feazel
➌ Newman Roofing
The Spa Bar at the Polaris location of Kenneth’s Hair Salons and Day Spas
3
➋
➌
Continental
Runners-up:
➋
➌
TTM
Runners-up:
➋
➌
Oakland
Runners-up:
➋ Strader’s
➌
➌
Landscaper/Nursery
Runners-up:
➌
Schottenstein
Photo by Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch
Where you begin care for your heart or vascular disease makes all the difference. When you choose The Ohio State University Heart and Vascular Center, you’re choosing expert diagnosis and treatment from the team that can manage your ongoing care and treat even the most complex conditions. All at central Ohio’s only adult heart hospital ranked “Best” by U.S. News & World Report.
wexnermedical.osu.edu/heart
Runners-up:
➋ OhioHealth
➌ Quantum Health Inc.
Executive Coach Firm
Renogize Professional Coaching
Runners-up:
➋ Gallagher Consulting Group Inc.
➌ Leverage Leadership
A splash pad is a popular attraction in Old Hilliard
Temporary Employment Agency
Acloché
Runners-up:
➋ Dawson
➌ Portfolio Creative
BEST OF THE REST
Large Nonprofit (annual revenue over $7 million)
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio
Runners-up:
➋ A Kid Again
➌ Mid-Ohio Food Collective
Small Nonprofit (annual revenue under $7 million)
Freedom a la Cart
Runners-up:
➋ Huckleberry House
➌ Festa
Suburb to Do Business
Hilliard
Runners-up:
➋ Dublin
➌ Westerville
Photo by Courtney Hergesheimer/Columbus Dispatch
Photo by Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch
Visit www.bbbcenterforcharacterethics.org
PICTURE YOUR NEXT MEETING IN MEDINA COUNTY
Medina County is a fantastic destination for group gatherings of any size, offering a range of activities and amenities sure to impress. It is located just an hour and a half from Columbus and in between Akron and Cleveland and the scenic farmland of central Ohio. The Medina County Convention & Visitors Bureau has custom itineraries to suit a wide range of group needs. Diverse in our small-town character, yet only about 30 minutes from Cleveland or Akron, why not consider bringing your meeting or corporate group to Medina County?
With four large hotels conveniently close to restaurants and interstates, as well as entertainment options that cater to groups, Medina County is perfect for meetings, conferences and events. The county melds modern amenities with historic character making for a memorable experience and a place to celebrate your group’s successes.
A standout feature of Medina County is its two unique meeting venues at
Castle Noel, the largest year-round indoor Christmas entertainment attraction in America. Imagine hosting events in a party room adorned with sparkling holiday lights and ornaments, accommodating up to 70 participants. Alternatively, opt for the newly established outdoor Tiki Patio, featuring a waterfall, stage for presentations and entertainment, with a full liquor license and resort-level ambiance, perfect for gatherings of up to 100 guests.
Another unique place to hold an event or meeting is The Common Ground in Medina. This converted warehouse space is perfect for gatherings big and small with two large open areas complete with Pickleback’s bar and Dilly’s Sandwich Shop, which can both enhance your event. With local musical artists and an outdoor dining and game area, holding a meeting at The Common Ground would be an experience not soon forgotten.
Once your meetings are concluded, the county offers plenty to explore. Discover
23 open county parks and 40 miles of scenic trails or indulge in retail therapy at the many local shops. Diners can savor delectable meals at varied restaurants, ideal for alfresco dining or intimate indoor parties. Golf enthusiasts will delight in the 12 public golf courses and can unwind with a beer or coffee afterward at one of the numerous breweries or coffee shops. The entertainment options are diverse, including drive-in movie theaters, putt-putt golf, indoor games and go-karting and countywide outdoor concerts in a variety of venues.
Medina, reminiscent of a setting in a Hallmark movie and designated by HGTV, World Atlas and Cleveland.com as one of America’s “Best Small Towns, is in the center of the county, offering accessibility to three cities within the county and several neighboring communities. It is an excellent place to explore and unwind with award winning restaurants and shopping.
Nine miles north of Medina, Brunswick has an entertainment district, including
breweries, shopping and dining. New to Brunswick is Market 42, a premier public market, dining and entertainment destination. Rest and settle down nearby at Comfort Suites, an award-winning hotel that will be sure to meet all your group needs.
Galaxy Banquet Center in Wadsworth is equipped to support event needs, including three restaurants. Unique to this location are two hotels on the grounds of the event center. Nearby, groups can find the Wadsworth town square, a quaint area with shopping and restaurants supported by Main Street Wadsworth. Just 12 miles west of Wadsworth is Westfield Center, home to Westfield Country Club and Blair Conference Center. Their unique hospitality venues are open to the public. The Blair Conference Center is the perfect venue for any meeting or special gathering. Their main parlors can accommodate up to 400 guests for a cocktail style reception or 220 guests for a sit-down meal.
Medina County’s rich history and family businesses combine seamlessly with modern attractions, providing a welcoming atmosphere that sets it apart. Each community within the county offers something unique, yet the overarching theme is one of warmth and hospitality, making it a perfect choice for an enriching and enjoyable group experience.
Ready to book your group in Medina County? Feeling stressed about planning your next big meeting or conference? We would be happy to introduce our meeting, conference and conven-
tion planner and help you plan a memorable event for your group. From sales training events to annual company meetings, it’s easy to see how Medina County offers diverse venues to fit your needs. Our services and this guide are designed to introduce you to our first-class meeting facilities and accommodations. We can assist with sight tours, booking details, suggested itineraries and event day assistance. Medina County has it all to make your corporate retreat, business meeting or team building a success and helps you see why everyone needs to “Picture themselves in Medina County!”
This year’s list features 613 attorneys recommended by their peers in 59 practice areas.
If your business is in search of legal advice, the abundance of options can be overwhelming.
Fortunately, Columbus CEO can help. Again this year, we’ve partnered with Professional Research Services to present a directory of Top Lawyers who are highly recommended by their industry peers. This year, the list includes 613 attorneys organized by 59 areas of practice.
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.
Photos by Getty Images
ADMINISTRATIVE/ REGULATORY LAW
Leslie Albeit
Albeit Masters LLC
4200 Regent St., Suite 210, Columbus 43219 614-454-1200
Donald Brey
Isaac Wiles Burkholder & Miller LLC 2 Miranova Pl., Suite 700, Columbus 43215 614-340-7457
Larry James
Amundsen Davis LLC
500 S. Front St., Suite 1200, Columbus 43215 614-228-5511
David Paragas
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
41 S. High St., Suite 3300,
Columbus 43215 614-628-1407
Alex Shumate
Squire Patton Boggs 2000 Huntington Center, 41 S. High St., Columbus 43215 614-365-2739
Michele Shuster
Mac Murray & Shuster LLP 6525 W. Campus Oval, Suite 210, New Albany 43054 614-939-9955
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Laura Anthony
Bricker Graydon LLP
100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2366
Alyson Miller
Miller Bahnson Law LLC
2 Miranova Pl., Suite 330, Columbus 43215 614-747-6955
Frank Ray
Frank A. Ray Co. LPA P.O. Box 21444, Columbus 43221 614-223-2121
Craig Treneff
Treneff Cozza Law LLC 155 Commerce Park Dr., Suite 5, Westerville 43082 614-891-4230
Adam Biehl Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3214
Andrew Bojko Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2225
James Carpenter
Isaac Wiles Burkholder & Miller LLC 2 Miranova Pl., Suite 700, Columbus 43215 614-340-7422
Darrell Dreher Dreher Tomkies LLP
2750 Huntington Center, 41 S. High St., Columbus 43215 614-628-1601
Allen Handlan
Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter
65 E. State St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-462-5471
Chris Jones Environmental Law
Steve Karzmer Corporate, M&A Al Lucas Litigation
Leah Pappas Porner Government Relations
Adam Pretty Corporate, M&A
Billy Raulerson Intellectual Property
Dan Reinhard Energy Law, Government Relations
Josh Sanders Government Relations
Jake Blake Litigation, Construction
Allie Beto Corporate, M&A
Ellen Dorsten Commercial Lending
Mike Bowen Government Relations
Maryellen Corbett Government Relations
Ryland Doerr Litigation
Blake Beachler Public Finance Law
Chris Jackson Intellectual Property
Judith Marsh
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5494
Justin Ristau
Bricker Graydon LLP
100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-4857
James Ryan
Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3247
Jeff Spangler
Dagger, Johnston, Miller, Ogilvie & Hampson LLP
144 E. Main St., Lancaster 43130 740-653-6464
Eric Stoller
Kayne Law Group 612 Park St., Suite 100, Columbus 43215 614-223-8800
Matthew Strayer
Bricker Graydon LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2345
Christopher Swank
Bricker Graydon LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-4895
Michael Tomkies
Dreher Tomkies LLP 2750 Huntington Center, 41 S. High St., Columbus 43215 614-628-1603
BANKRUPTCY AND CREDITOR DEBTOR RIGHTS/ INSOLVENCY AND REORGANIZATION LAW
Thomas Allen
Allen Stovall Neuman & Ashton LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2400, Columbus 43215 614-591-9578
David Beck
Carpenter Lipps LLP 280 N. High St., Suite 1300, Columbus 43215 614-365-4142
Robert Bell Jr. Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5469
David Bhaerman
Law Office of David A. Bhaerman LLC
10400 Blacklick Eastern Rd., Suite 110, Pickerington 43147 614-834-7110
Katy Brewer
Wood & Brewer LLC 705 Lakeview Plaza Blvd., Suite M, Worthington 43085 614-396-7280
John Cannizzaro Ice Miller LLP
250 West St., Suite 700, Columbus 43215 614-462-1070
Tiffany Strelow Cobb
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215
614-464-8322
We congratulate our attorneys for being recognized among Columbus CEO’s Top Lawyers of 2025.
M.J. Asensio
Rodger Eckelberry
Seth Hanft
Mark Hatcher
Todd Kegler
Kevin Kirsch
Albert Lin Ronald Linville
Jeffrey Stiltner
Jim Coutinho
Allen Stovall Neuman & Ashton LLP
10 W. Broad St., Suite 2400, Columbus 43215
614-221-8500
Tyson Crist
Ice Miller LLP
250 West St., Suite 700, Columbus 43215 614-462-2243
Karen Hamilton
The Law Offices of Karen E. Hamilton 2025 S. High St., Columbus 43207 614-443-7920
W. Mark Jump
Jump Legal Group 875 N. High St., Industrious Sutton Building, Columbus 43215 614-481-4480
John Kennedy
Strip Hoppers
Leithart McGrath & Terlecky Co. LPA
575 S. Third St., Columbus 43215
614-228-6345
William Logan Jr.
Luper Neidenthal & Logan Grandview Corporate Center, 1160 Dublin Rd., Suite 400, Columbus 43215
614-229-4449
Pamela Maggied
The Law Office of Pamela N. Maggied Co. LPA
11 E. Gay St., Suite 301, Columbus 43215
614-464-2236
Laura Nesbitt
The Nesbitt
Law Firm
6037 Frantz Rd.,
Suite 102, Dublin 43017 614-800-0262
Kenneth Richards
Luper Neidenthal & Logan Grandview Corporate Center, 1160 Dublin Rd., Suite 400, Columbus 43215 614-229-4447
Justin Ristau
Bricker Graydon LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-4857
Lucas Ruffing
Lucas Ruffing Law 82 N. Franklin St., Delaware 43015 740-815-1114
Matthew Schaeffer
Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3289
Richard Stovall
Allen Stovall Neuman & Ashton LLP 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2400, Columbus 43215 614-221-8500
A.C. “Ace” Strip
Strip Hoppers
Leithart McGrath & Terlecky Co. LPA 575 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-228-6345
Daniel Swetnam
Ice Miller LLP
250 West St., Suite 700, Columbus 43215 614-462-2225
WHO’S MOVING AND SHAKING IN CENTRAL OHIO?
Stay up-to-date with Columbus CEO’s mobile-friendly newsletter. Delivered straight to your inbox every other week, Columbus CEO Insider has the latest Central Ohio business news, executive profiles and happenings.
Myron 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
614-340-7431
Ronald Wittel Jr. Wittel Law
1335 Dublin Rd., Suite 211A, Columbus 43215
614-445-3000
Matthew Zofchak
Kegler Brown
Hill + Ritter
65 E. State St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215
614-462-5484
BET-THE-COMPANY LITIGATION
Drew Campbell
Bricker Graydon LLP
100 S. Third St.,
Columbus 43215
614-227-2319
Michael Carpenter Carpenter Lipps LLP
280 N. High St., Suite 1300, Columbus 43215 614-365-4103
Kirsten Fraser
Organ Law LLP 1330 Dublin Rd., Columbus 43215
614-869-3221
Christopher Gordon
Bricker Graydon LLP
100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2307
Marion Little Jr. Zeiger, Tigges & Little LLP
8000 Walton Pkwy., Suite 260, New Albany 43054 614-365-4113
Matthew Zeiger Zeiger, Tigges & Little LLP
8000 Walton Pkwy., Suite 260,
New Albany 43054
614-365-9905
COMMERCIAL LAW
Dave Carroll
Bailey Cavalieri
10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215
614-229-3263
Stephen Intihar
Bricker Graydon LLP
100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215
614-227-2376
Kimberly Land
Bailey Cavalieri
10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3367
CONSTRUCTION LAW
Eric Kjellander
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215
614-220-0258
John Kopf
Thompson Hine LLP
41 S. High St., Suite 1700, Columbus 43215 614-469-4743
Mike Madigan Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter
65 E. State St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-462-5478
Christopher McCloskey
Bricker Graydon LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2385
601 S. High St., Suite 107, Columbus 43215 614-756-2415
Chase Mallory
Sabol Mallory LLC
743 S. Front St., Columbus 43206 614-300-5088
Diane Menashe
The Menashe Law
Group LLC 1330 Dublin Rd., Columbus 43215
614-221-6500
Will Nesbitt
Koffel Brininger
Nesbitt 1801 Watermark Dr., Suite 350, Columbus 43215
614-756-5310
Dan Sabol
Sabol Mallory LLC
743 S. Front St., Columbus 43206 614-300-5088
Samuel Shamansky
Samuel H. Shamansky Co. LPA
523 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-242-3939
Terry Sherman
Terry Sherman Law
52 W. Whittier St., Columbus 43206
614-444-8800
James Tyack
Tyack Law Firm 536 S. High St., Columbus 43215
614-221-1342
Scott Wood
Conrad Wood Law
120 E. Main St., Suite 200, Lancaster 43130 740-277-6404
CRIMINAL DEFENSE: WHITE-COLLAR
David Axelrod
Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick LLP
41 S. High St., Suite 2400, Columbus 43215
614-628-4427
Bradley Barbin
Barbin Law Inc.
52 W. Whittier St., Columbus 43206
614-445-8416
Robert “Bob” Cochran
Robert Cochran Law LLC
52 W. Whittier St., Columbus 43206 614-484-7089
D. Michael Crites
Dinsmore & Shohl LLP 191 W. Nationwide Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-628-6934
David DeVillers
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
41 S. High St., Suite 3300, Columbus 43215 614-628-1446
Todd 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
Steven Nolder
Steven S. Nolder Law Firm LPA 65 E. State St., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-221-9790
Karl Schneider Eastman & Smith Ltd.
250 Civic Center Dr., Suite 280, Columbus 43215 614-564-1470
Terry Sherman
Terry Sherman Law
52 W. Whittier St.,
Columbus 43206
614-444-8800
Zachary Swisher
Sybert Rhoad Lackey and Swisher LLC
153 S. Liberty St., Powell 43065
614-785-1811
David Thomas
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-284-2010
Jonathan Tyack
Tyack Law Firm
536 S. High St., Columbus 43215 614-221-1342
Kathryn Wallrabenstein
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-220-0238
ELDER LAW
William Browning
Isaac Wiles Burkholder & Miller LLC 2 Miranova Pl., Suite 700, Columbus 43215 614-340-7441
Larae Schraeder Schraeder Law LLC 1161 Bethel Rd., Suite 101, Columbus 43220 614-810-1221
Maggie Sutton
Taps Sutton & Roshon LLC
400 S. Fifth St., Suite 103, Columbus 43215 614-443-8000
EMINENT DOMAIN AND CONDEMNATION LAW
Thomas Fusonie
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-8261
Stephen Jones Roetzel & Andress LPA 41 S. High St., Huntington Center, Floor 21, Columbus 43215 614-723-2005
Joseph Miller Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-6233
Jeremy Young Roetzel & Andress LPA 41 S. High St., Huntington Center, Floor 21, Columbus 43215 614-723-2030
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS LAW
Matthew Anderson Luper Neidenthal & Logan Grandview Corporate Center, 1160 Dublin Rd., Suite 400, Columbus 43215 614-229-4473
Greg Daugherty
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2005
Seth Hanft
Baker & Hostetler LLP
200 Civic Center Dr., Suite 1200, Columbus 43215 614-462-4778
Brigid Heid Eastman & Smith Ltd.
250 Civic Center Dr., Suite 280, Columbus 43215 614-564-1473
Elizabeth Howard Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-6299
Christine Poth Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5612
Michael Reed
Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP
65 E. State St., Suite 2500, Columbus 43215 614-233-5165
Scott Stitt
Tucker Ellis
175 S. Third St., Suite 520, Columbus 43215
614-358-9304
Wendy Swary
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215
614-464-8299
ENERGY LAW
Sally Bloomfield
Bricker Graydon LLP
100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215
614-227-2368
Dylan Borchers
Bricker Graydon LLP
100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215
614-227-4914
Gregory Brunton
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP
41 S. High St., Suite 2495, Columbus 43215
614-917-1950
Kara Herrnstein
Bricker Graydon LLP
100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215
614-227-4908
Devin Parram
Bricker Graydon LLP
100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215
614-227-8813
Matthew Pritchard
Bricker Graydon LLP
100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215
614-227-2391
Gregory Russell
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215
614-464-5468
Michael Settineri
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215
614-464-5462
Sommer Sheely
Bricker Graydon LLP
100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215
614-227-8870
Christopher Slagle
Bricker Graydon LLP
100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215
614-227-8826
Brett Thorton
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2194
Mark Whitt
Whitt Sturtevant LLP
88 E. Broad St., Suite 1590, Columbus 43215 614-224-3911
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
D. Rees
Alexander Squire Patton Boggs
2000 Huntington Center, 41 S. High St., Columbus 43215 614-365-2798
Shane Farolino Roetzel & Andress LPA
Eric Gallon
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2190
Anthony Giuliani Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215
614-464-6279
ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS
Luke Fedlam
LAW
Amundsen Davis LLC
500 S. Front St., Suite 1200, Columbus 43215 380-205-6211
41 S. High St., Huntington Center, Floor 21, Columbus 43215 330-849-6680
Danelle Gagliardi
Squire Patton Boggs 2000 Huntington Center, 41 S. High St., Columbus 43215 614-365-2820
Robert Karl
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-1925
Frank Merrill
Bricker Graydon LLP
100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-8871
Bailey Cavalieri proudly spotlights our distinguished team members who have been recognized by Columbus CEO Magazine as Top Lawyers for 2025. We commend their dedication to the legal profession and enduring commitment to our firm’s values
Dan Bailey - Adam Biehl - Dave Carroll - Lloyd DePew - Bob Dunn
Tom Geyer - Christian Gillikin - Mark Glumac - Jim Groner - Sabrina Haurin
Darius Kandawalla - Kimberly Land - Harlan Louis - John Marsh - Dave Onega
Joan Rossman - Jamie Ryan - Matt Schaeffer - Brittany Stephen - Chris Tackett
Jameel Turner - Graycen Wood
Stephen Samuels
Frost Brown Todd LLP
One Columbus Center, 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7259
Christine Rideout Schirra
Bricker Graydon LLP
100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215
614-227-8810
Kendra Sherman
Squire Patton Boggs 2000 Huntington Center, 41 S. High St., Columbus 43215
614-365-2726
Jack Van Kley
Van Kley Law LLC 132 Northwoods Blvd., Suite C-1, Columbus 43235 614-431-8900
Kristin Watt
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215
614-464-8398
Christina Wieg
Frost Brown Todd LLP
One Columbus Center, 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300,
Columbus 43215
614-559-7219
FAMILY LAW
Anthony Auten Grossman Law Offices
32 W. Hoster St., Suite 100, Columbus 43215 614-344-4311
Eimear Bahnson
Miller Bahnson Law LLC
2 Miranova Pl., Suite 330, Columbus 43215 614-747-6955
Joanne Beasy
Isaac Wiles Burkholder & Miller LLC 2 Miranova Pl., Suite 700, Columbus 43215 614-220-5154
Robert Behal The Behal Law Group LLC
501 S. High St., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-643-5050
Eric Brown Wolinetz, Horvath & Brown LLC
250 Civic Center Dr., Suite 600, Columbus 43215
614-954-8021
John Cousins IV
Grossman Law Offices
32 W. Hoster St., Suite 100, Columbus 43215
614-344-4311
Andrea Cozza
Treneff Cozza Law LLC 155 Commerce Park Dr., Suite 5, Westerville 43082 614-891-4230
Dianne DiNapoli
Einstein
Einstein & Gibson LLC
615 Copeland Mill Rd., Suite 1H, Westerville 43081 614-734-0000
Scott Friedman
Friedman & Mirman 1320 Dublin Rd., Suite 101, Columbus 43215
614-221-0090
Megan Gibson
Einstein & Gibson LLC
615 Copeland Mill Rd., Suite 1H, Westerville 43081
614-734-0000
Andrew Grossman Grossman Law Offices
32 W. Hoster St.,
Jessica G. King
The Law Office of Jessica G. King LLC 4200 Regent St., Columbus 43219 614-324-0602
ON YOUR RECOGNITION AS ONE OF COLUMBUS’ TOP LAWYERS
A well-deserved honor that reflects your skill, dedication and integrity
Individuals and business clients turn to Judy Galeano when they need strong advocacy in negotiations and in the courtroom. Above all, Judy is a problem solver for her clients. She always works towards efficient, practical results that serve her clients’ best interests. Judy takes great pride in providing valuable support for her clients as they navigate career, business and family challenges.
She and her firm specialize in complex negotiations and litigation in the areas of employment law, labor law, divorces (especially those involving businesses and other material financial matters), custody disputes and business law.
Judy has consistently returned favorable results for those she represents. She is a highly regarded litigator throughout Ohio and rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell®. Named to Super Lawyers for 18 years, Judy is consistently recognized on the lists of the Ohio Top 100 and Ohio Top 50 Women attorneys, as well as the list of Columbus Top 50 and Columbus Top 25 Women attorneys. Judy has also been recognized by Best Lawyers as Lawyer of the Year in the area of Employment Law – Individuals in 2020 and 2026.
Kelly Case and Beth Case Ramp Creek, Ltd.
Judson Martt and Stefanie Martt
Dr. Christopher McClung and Rebecca McClung Reconstructive Surgical Arts
Mark Pi, Jr. Sunrise Foods
Dr. Richard A. Schilling
ABC Podiatry
Sally Swad Kevin Swad Swad Auto Transporters,Inc.
Amie Vanover
Thompson Hine LLP
41 S. High St., Suite 1700, Columbus 43215
614-469-3271
OIL AND GAS LAW
Andrew Good
Oliva Gibbs PLLC
580 N. Fourth St., Suite 260, Columbus 43215
614-340-9880
Beatrice Wolper
Emens Wolper Jacobs & Jasin Law Firm
1 Easton Oval, Suite 340, Columbus 43219
614-414-0888
PERSONAL INJURY
Mitchell Alter Law Offices of
Mitchell J. Alter LLC
500 S. Front St., Suite 200, Columbus 43215
614-224-8160
Sean Alto
Cooper Elliott
305 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus 43215
614-481-6000
Drew Baker
The Baker Law Group 89 E. Nationwide Blvd., Floor 2, Columbus 43215
614-228-1882
T. Jeffrey Beausay
Beausay & Nichols Law Firm 7650 Rivers Edge Dr., Suite 150, Columbus 43235 614-505-4533
Charles Cooper
Cooper Elliott
305 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus 43215
614-481-6000
Jason Cox
Barkan Meizlish
DeRose Cox LLP
4200 Regent St., Suite 210, Columbus 43219 614-221-4221
Mark Defossez
Donahey Law Firm 471 E. Broad St., Suite 1520, Columbus 43215 855-366-2439
Rex Elliott
Cooper Elliott
305 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus 43215 614-481-6000
Robert Erney
Robert D. Erney & Associates Co. LPA 1654 E. Broad St., Columbus 43203 614-942-5203
David Goldstein
David A. Goldstein Co. LPA
511 S. High St., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-222-1889
Sean Harris
Harris Law Office LLC
250 Old W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Suite 270, Worthington 43085 614-696-0905
Isaac Wiles Burkholder & Miller LLC 2 Miranova Pl., Suite 700, Columbus 43215 614-340-7434
John Cadwallader Frost Brown Todd LLP One Columbus Center, 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7212
James Chester Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP 41 S. High St.,
Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-334-6103
Richard Craven
Sikora Law LLC
100 S. Fourth St., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-444-7777
Robert DiCuccio
Katz, Pryor & DiCuccio LLP
503 S. High St., Suite 100, Columbus 43215 614-363-3500
Christian Gillikin
Bailey Cavalieri
10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3293
James (Jamey)
Gray Frost Brown Todd LLP One Columbus
Center, 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7248
James Groner
Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3267
Allen Handlan Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter 65 E. State St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-462-5471
Dimitri Hatzifotinos
Willis Law Firm LLC P.O. Box 2290, Columbus 43216 614-324-0450
John Joseph Joseph & Joseph &
Hanna Co. LPA
155 W. Main St., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-449-8282
Jeffrey Kaman Kaman & Cusimano LLC 8101 N. High St., Suite 370, Columbus 43235 888-800-1042
Steven Katz Katz, Pryor & DiCuccio LLP
503 S. High St., Suite 100, Columbus 43215 614-363-3500
Thomas Kibbey
Squire Patton Boggs 2000 Huntington Center, 41 S. High St., Columbus 43215 614-365-2718
Angela Kirk MDK
With over 30 years of experience defending Ohio employers
P.O. Box 165028, Columbus 43216 614-220-5611
Brian Kooperman
Kooperman Mentel Crossley Yaross 250 E. Town St., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-344-4804
Russell Kutell
Frost Brown Todd LLP One Columbus Center, 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7280
Judith Levine Roetzel & Andress LPA 41 S. High St., Huntington Center, Floor 21, Columbus 43215 614-723-2062
Our firm is proud to be recognized as a top choice for workers’ compensation defense and workplace safety issues. We provide Ohio businesses with unmatched expertise and proven results, offering strategic counsel to protect your operations and your bottom line.
Trust our abilities to navigate complex regulations and achieve optimal results for your organization.
Charles D. Smith & Associates, LLC
1650 Lake Shore Drive Suite 225 Columbus Ohio 43204 • 614.221.3326 - Office www.charlesdsmithlaw.com
Richard Levine
Richard L. Levine Co. LPA
447 E. Main St., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-227-0300
Charles “Dusty” McCreary
Bricker Graydon LLP
100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2387
Matthew Moberg Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2082
Stephen Pryor
Katz, Pryor & DiCuccio LLP
503 S. High St., Suite 100, Columbus 43215 614-363-3500
Nicklaus Reis
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5409
Erik Rickard Barnes & Thornburg LLP 41 S. High St., Suite 3300, Columbus 43215 614-628-1444
Harlan Robins Frost Brown Todd LLP One Columbus Center, 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7241
Michael Saad Squire Patton Boggs 2000 Huntington Center, 41 S. High St., Columbus 43215 614-365-2735
J. Theodore Smith
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-6232
Jeffrey Stiltner
Baker & Hostetler LLP 200 Civic Center Dr., Suite 1200, Columbus 43215 614-462-2639
Dow Voelker Voelker & VoelkerTri-Village Title Agency Inc. 1620 W. First Ave., Columbus 43212 614-481-6500
SECURITIES/CAPITAL MARKETS LAW
Matthew Bailey
JRW Esquire Ltd 1733 W. Lane Ave., Columbus 43221 380-239-8500
Alexander Brown
Dickinson Wright PLLC
180 E. Broad St., Suite 3400, Columbus 43215 614-744-2939
William Conard II Bricker Graydon LLP 100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-2351
Randall Walters
Randall M. Walters Law LLC 4137 Clairemont Rd., Columbus 43220 614-783-6776
John Weimer Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-8343
SECURITIES REGULATION
Dennis Concilla Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP 950 Goodale Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43212 614-628-0771
Marjorie Duffy
Jones Day 325 John H. McConnell Blvd., Suite 600, Columbus 43215 614-281-3655
Thomas Geyer
Bailey Cavalieri 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3206
Albert Lin
Baker & Hostetler LLP
200 Civic Center Dr., Suite 1200, Columbus 43215 614-462-4732
TAX LAW
Jerry Allen Bricker Graydon LLP
100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-8834
Charles Bluestone Bluestone Law Group LLC
141 E. Town St., Suite 100, Columbus 43215 614-220-5900
William Conard II Bricker Graydon LLP
100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215
614-227-2351
Justin Cook
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-220-0252
Professional, Personal, Detailed
Terrence Grady
Grady Dodson Law
100 E. Broad St., Suite 2310, Columbus 43215
614-849-0378
614-628-6964
Karen Moore Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215
David Tumen
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2260
Columbus 43215 614-223-9382
R. Leland Evans Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote PC
Stephen Hall
Zaino Hall & Farrin LLC
41 S. High St., Suite 3600, Columbus 43215
614-284-1253
Edward Hertenstein
614-464-6231
Miranda Morgan Ice Miller LLP
250 West St., Suite 700, Columbus 43215 614-462-1064
Lee Wendel Squire Patton Boggs 2000 Huntington Center, 41 S. High St., Columbus 43215 614-365-2748
10 W. Broad St., Suite 1950, Columbus 43215 614-258-5718
JACKETS SEASON NEVER ENDS
Roetzel & Andress LPA
41 S. High St., Huntington Center, Floor 21, Columbus 43215 614-723-2066
Richard (Dick) Holz
Ice Miller LLP
250 West St., Suite 700, Columbus 43215 614-462-2296
Kelvin Lawrence Dinsmore & Shohl LLP
191 W. Nationwide Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43215
Steven Mount Squire Patton Boggs 2000 Huntington Center, 41 S. High St., Columbus 43215 614-365-2727
D. Scott Powell
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5619
Nicholas Ray Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-5640
Thomas Zaino Zaino Hall & Farrin LLC
41 S. High St., Suite 3600, Columbus 43215 614-349-4810
Scott Ziance Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-8287
TRANSPORTATION LAW
Marc Blubaugh Benesch
41 S. High St., Suite 2600,
Joseph Golian Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote PC 10 W. Broad St., Suite 1950, Columbus 43215 614-258-6000
TRUSTS AND ESTATES
Scott Bent Frost Brown Todd LLP
One Columbus Center, 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215
614-872-2035
Brandon Borgmann
Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP 950 Goodale Blvd., Suite 200,
Columbus 43212
614-628-0867
Robert Dunn
Bailey Cavalieri
10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215
614-229-3284
Victor Ferguson
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215
614-464-6227
John Furniss III
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215
614-464-5444
Erika Haupt
Roetzel & Andress LPA
41 S. High St., Huntington Center, Floor 21, Columbus 43215
Reminger 200 Civic Center Dr., Suite 800, Columbus 43215 614-232-2442
Karen Moore
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-6231
Abbie Obenour
The Obenour Legal Group LLC
7100 N. High St., Suite 200, Worthington 43085 614-678-8848
David Onega
Bailey Cavalieri
10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3200
Logan Philipps
Philipps & Graham LLC 5115 Parkcenter Dr., Suite 275, Dublin 43017 614-760-1801
Brittany
Stephen
Bailey Cavalieri
10 W. Broad St., Suite 2100, Columbus 43215 614-229-3250
MCDANIEL LAW MCDANIEL LAW CONGRATULATES CONGRATULATES JENNIFER MCDANIEL, JENNIFER MCDANIEL, MARISA BARTLETTE WILLIS, MARISA BARTLETTE WILLIS, RON WITTEL RON WITTEL & JEFF WILLIS & JEFF WILLIS FOR THEIR RECOGNITION FOR THEIR RECOGNITION IN TOP LAWYERS 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
Michael Zaino Zaino Law Group 5775 Perimeter Dr., Suite 275, Dublin 43017 614-799-2800
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAW
William Creedon
Bricker Graydon LLP
100 S. Third St., Columbus 43215 614-227-4830
Michael Dusseau
Philip J. Fulton Law Office
89 E. Nationwide Blvd., Suite 300, Columbus 43215 614-618-7819
Ronald Fresco Reminger
200 Civic Center Dr., Suite 800, Columbus 43215 614-232-2424
Preston Garvin Garvin & Hickey LLC
181 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus 43215 614-225-9000
Richard Goldberg
Scott Scriven LLP
250 E. Broad St., Suite 900, Columbus 43215 614-222-8686
Kenneth Hafenstein Connor, Kimmet & Hafenstein LLP 2000 W. Henderson Rd., Suite 460, Columbus 43220 614-779-0675
Rick Hernandez Perez Morris 445 Hutchinson Ave., Suite 600, Columbus 43235 614-540-2230
Kevin Hess
Fisher & Phillips LLP
250 West St., Suite 400, Columbus 43215 614-453-7607
Michael Hickey Garvin & Hickey LLC 181 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus 43215
614-225-9000
Katherine (Kitty) Ivan
The Ivan Law Firm
2600 Corporate Exchange Dr., Suite 150, Columbus 43231 614-906-4826
Sam Marcellino
Nager Romaine Schneiberg Co. LPA
2600 Corporate Exchange Dr., Suite 150, Columbus 43231 855-468-4878
Theodore Mattis
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
52 E. Gay St., Columbus 43215 614-464-6468
Jennifer McDaniel McDaniel Law 1335 Dublin Rd., Suite 211A, Columbus 43215 614-675-5930
Brett Miller Dinsmore & Shohl LLP 191 W. Nationwide Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-227-4261
Frederic Portman
Agee Clymer Mitchell & Portman Law 140 E. Town St., Suite 1100, Columbus 43215 614-221-3318
Mick Proxmire Reminger 200 Civic Center Dr., Suite 800, Columbus 43215 614-232-2629
Robert Robenalt
Fisher & Phillips LLP 250 West St., Suite 400, Columbus 43215 614-453-7611
Sue Roudebush Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
41 S. High St., Suite 1800, Columbus 43215 614-220-0221
Christopher Russell
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
41 S. High St., Suites 2800-3200, Columbus 43215 614-227-2071
Noel Shepard Frost Brown Todd LLP One Columbus Center, 10 W. Broad St., Suite 2300, Columbus 43215 614-559-7223
Michael Short Littler Mendelson PC
41 S. High St., Suite 3250, Columbus 43215 614-463-4226
Matthew Shufeldt Garvin & Hickey LLC
181 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus 43215 614-225-9000
Charles Smith
Charles D. Smith & Associates LLC 1650 Lake Shore Dr., Suite 225, Columbus 43204 614-545-9982
Michael Squillace Dinsmore & Shohl LLP 191 W. Nationwide Blvd., Suite 200, Columbus 43215 614-628-6903
Elizabeth “Beth” Weeden Perez Morris
445 Hutchinson Ave., Suite 600, Columbus 43235 614-396-3822
Marisa Bartlette Willis McDaniel Law 1335 Dublin Rd., Suite 211A, Columbus 43215 614-675-5930
101ST
FEAST CLAMBAKE LOBSTER & _
Presented by:
HISTORIC CREW STADIUM
Presented by:
MEDIA PArtner:
HEALTH WATCH Knowledge Is Power
As screening technology improves, more patients are undergoing genetic testing to evaluate and manage their risk for cancer.
By KATHY LYNN GRAY
Ovarian cancer has upended Brooke Lane’s life.
But for her mother, Sharon Shealy, Lane’s diagnosis and subsequent genetic cancer testing has been a lifesaver—literally.
That speaks to the power of such testing, says genetics counselor Leigha Senter.
In 2018, Lane was a 35-year-old living in Bucyrus with her husband and two boys when she learned she had stage 3 ovarian cancer, often called the silent killer because its symptoms are vague. To help guide her treatment, Dr. Floortje Backes at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, recommended screening to determine if the cancer was genetically linked.
Lane tested positive for the BRCA1 (breast cancer gene 1) mutation, putting her at elevated risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Family members were tested and one—her mother— had the mutation, too.
As a precaution, Shealy, of Cairo, Ohio, had a hysterectomy, and her surgeon found a hidden cancerous tumor. “She had no symptoms,” Lane says. “They would never have caught it if we hadn’t done the genetic testing. The genetic testing saved her.”
According to the National Cancer Institute, about 10 percent of all cancers are believed to be caused by an inherited gene mutation. But the risk is higher for certain cancers. That includes ovarian cancers, which are hereditary 10 percent to 15 percent of the time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates. When it first became available in
the mid-1990s, genetic testing was reserved for individuals and families at high risk, says Senter, interim division director of human genetics at the OSUCCC – James.
Even as late as 2007, the testing was mostly available only on the genes that carry the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, says Nichole Morman, manager of genetic counseling at OhioHealth. Today, thanks to improved technology, 80 to 100 genes can be examined with one blood or saliva sample. In addition to breast and ovarian, cancers linked to hereditary mutations include colon, pancreatic, prostate, thyroid and stomach.
Any adult can seek genetic testing but Morman particularly recommends it for anyone with a rare cancer or a cancer diagnosis before age 50, as well as for individuals who have multiple family members
Brooke Lane holds a certificate on her last day of chemotherapy for liver cancer in April 2025.
Photos courtesy Brooke Lane
(2)
Brooke Lane with husband Brandon and sons Colton and Blake on Easter, four days after her last chemotherapy treatment in April 2025
with cancer. It’s offered online and at area medical facilities, including The James and OhioHealth.
Genetic counseling can happen before or after testing, or both, Senter says, depending on the circumstances. Beforehand, a counselor gathers a patient’s family history of cancer, explains what the tests can reveal and evaluates whether testing might be beneficial. After testing, a counselor interprets and explains the results.
Those fall into three basic categories, according to the National Cancer Institute. A positive result means a gene mutation that increases the risk of cancer was found. A negative result means no harmful mutations were found. A variant of uncertain significance (VUS) means a variation was detected, but it is unclear whether it increases cancer risk.
My hope is that it’ll lead to more early detection and a better survival rate.”
Dr. Hiral Shah, oncologist at Zangmeister Cancer Center
If a positive result occurs for someone without cancer, a genetic counselor can suggest ways to manage risk. Those might include increased screenings, screening at an earlier-than-normal age, medication, lifestyle changes and, in some cases, surgery. “It doesn’t mean that person was born with cancer,” Senter says. “But they have a higher likelihood of getting cancer.”
Senter might also suggest other family members be tested. “Once we have a test result, it becomes the patient’s job to share that with their relatives,” she says.
When a VUS result is identified, a patient should keep in touch with the test provider in case the result is reclassified as a cancer risk in the future, the institute advises.
Dr. Hiral Shah, an oncologist at Zangmeister Cancer Center in Columbus, says that while genetic testing can cause stress and anxiety, patients are generally receptive. “It gives you a lot more information to make the best medical and lifestyle decision for yourself and for other family members,” she says. “And if you test negative, it brings a lot of relief from uncertainty.”
But she cautions, “A negative result doesn’t mean you can keep smoking
your cigarettes and you won’t get cancer, and a positive result doesn’t mean you’ll get cancer.”
A physician referral usually isn’t necessary for genetic testing, Morman says, but health insurance may not cover it. To make it more accessible, OhioHealth has a flat self-pay rate of $250. Online tests can be purchased for about $300.
Senter says Ohio State’s self-pay rate also is $250, but qualifying for financial assistance can reduce the cost.
Shah expects cancer testing to improve as more genes can be tested, and risks identified. But she doesn’t expect it to become a regular part of everyone’s medical screening because
Photo courtesy Brooke Lane
The OhioHealth Arthur G. H. Bing, MD, Cancer Center
Photo courtesy
Brooke Lane with hospital staff members on her last day of chemotherapy for ovarian cancer in June 2019
It doesn’t mean that person was born with cancer. But they have a higher likelihood of getting cancer.”
Leigha
Senter, interim division director of human genetics at the OSUCCC
– James
hereditary cancers are still in the minority. “My hope is that it’ll lead to more early detection and a better survival rate,” she says. “And as more people become comfortable with genetic testing, we’ll see more people get tested.”
To help gauge an individual’s cancer risk, Ohio State has a free tool online at familyhealthriskcalculator. osumc.edu. Participants provide personal and family health histories that guide results.
As for Lane, she fought cancer again in 2024, this time in her liver. After surgery and six rounds of chemotherapy, a scan completed in May 2025 showed no evidence of cancer. Her mother has had no reoccurrences.
“I’m happy to share my experience to raise awareness,” Lane says. “My advice is, if you’re at risk, do the genetic testing. It saved my mom’s life. And my boys will be tested when they’re 18, because they’re at greater risk for breast cancer.”
Lane understands the test can be scary. “But information is helpful, even if it’s not the information you want,” she says. “The only thing worse than knowing you have cancer is having it and not knowing you have it.”
Kathy
Wheelchair Coats & Accessories
Lynn Gray is a freelance writer.
EverydayKindness Heroes
Sometimes the beneficiary is a stranger. Sometimes it’s a friend, acquaintance or colleague. We look to honor those who perform extraordinary selfless acts to improve, heal and unite our community.
Consider lifting up the volunteer quietly aiding their neighbors or the community member tirelessly advocating for change. We need your help to recognize the kind, selfless heroes among us.
Left to right: Delaware County Commissioner Gary Merrell; Robyn Judge, Homeport board chair; Kelsey Fox of United Way; Leah F. Evans, president and CEO at Homeport; Delaware Mayor Carolyn Kay Riggle; Gina Grote of United Way; and Delaware County Commissioner Jeff Benton.
Thanks to key partnerships in Delaware County, this year, Homeport will break ground on our first affordable housing community in the fastest growing county in the state. Channing Street Homes, located just east of Delaware’s downtown, will bring 44 new homes to the area and address the need for affordable homes in growth markets across the region.
To celebrate the collaboration that Channing Street Homes represents, Homeport will host an onsite groundbreaking event on Thursday, Nov. 6. To learn more or to register, visit homeportohio.org.
Delaware County ranks among the top 25 fastest growing counties in the U.S. Leaders there have shown incredible forethought, with the city and county working together to make this development possible. Together, we’ve ensured any resident can take advantage of Delaware’s growth, regardless of their income.
Channing Street Homes will be affordable for families and individuals who earn less than 60 percent of the area median income (AMI). Some apartments will be priced for those earning less than 30 percent of the AMI.
Since 1987, tens of thousands of central Ohio residents have benefitted from Homeport’s commitment to create strong communities by developing quality, affordable homes on a cornerstone of security, opportunity and dignity.
by
Photo
Tim Johnson
Breakdown
BY JULANNE HOHBACH
Real Estate Snapshot
As Central Ohio continues to grapple with the affordable housing crisis, the latest report from Columbus Realtors shows that demand for residential real estate remains strong at a variety of price points.
According to the association, inventory, listings and closed sales all climbed year-over-year in June, with the latter increasing 11.11 percent from 2,656 to 2,951. Year-to-date, closed sales rose 0.7 percent from 2024.
Inventory in the month of June, with 5,188 homes for sale, reached its highest point since September 2019, when 5,277 homes were on the market, according to Columbus Realtors.
Here’s a snapshot of the residential real estate market for the first six months of the year. Numbers reflect the entire MLS region unless otherwise indicated.
YEAR-TO-DATE NUMBERS
$800,000
highest median sales price, New Albany
$325,000 median sales price
13,813 closed sales
33 average days on market until sold
19,414 new listings in the market
$207.63 average price per square foot
Source: Columbus & Central Ohio Regional Multiple Listing Service, which serves Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Hocking, Licking, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Perry, Pickaway and Union counties, plus portions of Athens, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Knox, Logan, Muskingum and Ross counties
Photo by Doral Chenoweth/Columbus Dispatch
Suburban homes on Scioto Parkway in southern Delaware County
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