CEOs You Should Know - Columbus

Kathleen Enright has focused on making the philanthropic sector more vital, open, and effective for more than two decades. Widely respected as a mission-driven leader and coalition builder, she joined the Council as President and CEO in 2019. Since then, Kathleen has led the organization to establish a clearer vision, offer a distinctive value proposition for the field, and deepen member engagemen...

Laurence C. Gumina serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Ohio Living, ranked as LeadingAge Ziegler’s 18th largest not-for-profit, multi-site senior living organization in the nation. Having joined Ohio Living in 2011, he leads the company’s growth strategy and uses his more than three decades of experience in both the hospital and aging services industries to anchor relationships between health...

Greg Cini is the Co-owner of Cotter House Central Ohio, Our Home Sr. Living, The Avenue Communities. Greg has worked with many of the top senior living organizations as a consultant for more than 20 years. His experience with Dementia Care models around the world helped shape his view on what the industry was missing. However, his most relevant experience came when his family cared for his grandmo...

Sarah Wilds combines deep clinical expertise with strategic leadership in her role as CEO of PRC-Saltillo. Her commitment to inclusive communication began early, through research and presentations on AAC systems that shaped her evidence-based approach. Starting her career as a speech-language pathologist, Sarah worked in pediatric and adult clinics across New Zealand, Washington, D.C., and central...

Megan Pando is the founder of Columbus’ Makers Social, an interactive makerspace and bar that allows guests to work on DIY projects, like jewelry-making, leatherwork and woodworking.  Pando grew up in Cincinnati and also lived in Pittsburgh before moving to Columbus in 2014, where she opened her first business, Studio 614, a paint-and-sip studio in Clintonville. She says the experience of opening...

On this episode of CEOYSK, Boxer sits down with Dr. Matthew J. Smith, PhD, Dean of OSU-Newark, and Dr. John Berry, PhD, President of COTC(Central Ohio Technical College). and explore the current state of higher education, the cost, the demand in the workforce, and what our future workforce looks like with AI.   Matthew J. Smith, PhD assumed the role of dean and director of Ohio State Newark on Aug...

Ray Shealy is a seasoned technology executive and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience building, scaling, and leading high-growth software companies. As CEO of InnerActiv, he drives the company’s vision for real-time risk intelligence, insider risk prevention, and zero-trust endpoint protection, guiding product innovation and market expansion. Ray has a proven track record of raising...

Jamie & Jonathan Wilcox are not just brothers, they are managing partners at Columbus based Wilcox Communities. A family-owned, award winning company is a premier builder and developer of for-rent maintenance-free communities. Our communities offer an easier lifestyle without the hassle of exterior maintenance, and many luxurious amenities such as clubhouses, heated pools, walking trails, and...

Brad Kaplan is the entrepreneurial force behind Lion Cub’s Cookies, a gourmet cookie company based in Columbus, Ohio. His journey began while studying at The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, where he started experimenting with cookie recipes in his kitchen treating it like a science lab, tweaking ingredients one at a time to perfect texture and flavor. Originally trained as an e...

Sen Siva, MD, is the Chief Executive Officer for MedOne Healthcare Partners and has more than 15 years of medical experience. In his role as CEO, he oversees more than 160 clinicians across numerous care sites, partners with hospital and practice leaders to develop and implement strategic initiatives and fosters a collaborative environment in which MedOne can deliver on its mission to make healthc...

CEO & Co-Founder | R. Riveter Lisa Bradley, a trailblazing entrepreneur and staunch advocate for military spouses, co-founded R. Riveter with a vision that transcends business success. Her journey epitomizes resilience, determination, and a profound commitment to service. Under her leadership, the brand has evolved from a small startup into a nationally recognized company that provides mobile,...

A first Gulf War Veteran, Keith brings three decades of experience managing assets and investor capital, including acquisitions, for NiSource, Security Capital Group, and Case & Associates. Keith was responsible for growing the Southwestern territory, including Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before relocating to Ohio with NiSource. He serves as secretary on the Move to Prosper board of directo...

Dr Mary Lou Luebbe-Gearhart, Au. D is an experienced Board Certified Doctor of Audiology, Hearing Aid & Tinnitus Specialist & CEO of Luebbe Hearing Services with offices in Columbus, Circleville & Canal Winchester, a family business established by her father that she has led for 52 years with integrity & innovation.  Graduated with 2 degrees from Ohio State & a Doctorate from U...

With over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, John Tribble has developed a broad and dynamic skill set. His expertise spans strategic thinking, financial acumen, communications, business development, governance, risk management, and cultivating a strong organizational culture. Additionally, he excels in employee engagement, navigating highly regulated industries, and executing effect...

A dynamic and seasoned executive, Jim Hamel assumed leadership of Swanson Health Products, a global vitamin and supplement company in November 2021. As CEO, he has led the company to achieve double digit revenue growth internationally in his first fiscal year and has overseen expansion into 170+ international markets totaling over US $80M in revenue. Under Jim’s leadership, Swanson Health Products...

Reuben D. Rotman is the founding President and CEO of the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies. The Network was established in 2017 following the merger of two predecessor associations, as an international membership association, with the mission of strengthening and advancing the Jewish human service sector. Today, The Network serves as the leading voice for the sector; the go-to for best pra...

Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer for Downtown Columbus, Inc., Greg Davies served as Vice President of Planning and Development for The Columbus Partnership. In this role, he was the point person for the business community on several critical issues, including affordable housing, while serving as the liaison with the City of Columbus for key projects like The Peninsula and Ohio S...

Kevin currently serves as the Donatos President & CEO and leads the growth of the Donatos Brand through Franchising, Operations, Marketing, People Services, and Technology. Kevin has compiled a distinguished and impressive career in the restaurant industry, one that spans over three decades. Through his professional efforts, King’s work has resulted in the creation of over 1,500 restaurants in...

Michael McDermott, founder and former CEO of Kona Grill, is a seasoned restaurant industry leader with a track record of creating and growing successful concepts. His portfolio includes the development of Tavern23, Rojo Mexican Grill, and Sushi on Shea. With extensive experience and a passion for innovation, Michael is now leading Chi-Chi’s into its next chapter. See omnystudio.com/listener for pr...

Bridget Ruehl is the new face of a changing industry. As a woman, she is the shining star of the next generation of automotive leaders. She became a graduate of the NADA Academy while being charged with running the operations at her father’s underperforming dealership. Her success has been hard fought, working her way up the automotive leadership ladder in an industry dominated by men. In 2012, sh...

Tom Schmid,is the President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, including The Wilds, Safari Golf Club, and Zoombezi Bay. Formerly CEO of the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, Schmid brings over 34 years of experience in modern zoological attractions, working in every aspect of operations, both internally and externally, and in institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aqua...

As a co-founder and owner of Balanced Family Academy, Becca Pahl has been a guiding visionary since its inception in 2014. Inspired by her own journey through early motherhood, she and her sisters, Sarah and Katie, established the Academy to provide a nurturing and balanced environment for young families in Columbus. Recognizing the widespread need for this support, Becca has spearheaded the compa...

Monica Tèllez-Fowler is the President/CEO of the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), the mobility organization providing service to Columbus and the Central Ohio region. Since joining COTA in March 2023, she has served as Chief Operating Officer before she was promoted to Deputy CEO in May 2023. In May 2024, she became COTA’s new President/CEO, after a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees. D...

Jane Higgins Marx joined Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP in August 2000 and practices estate and business planning, probate, probate litigation, business succession planning, and elder law. Jane counsels individuals, business owners, executives, and caregivers through estate planning, estate and gift taxation, income taxation of trusts and estates, charitable giving, business succession, and prob...

Lori Watson is the innovative CEO and second-generation owner of The Flag Lady, a family-founded business built on a passion for quality craftsmanship and exceptional service. Established in 1980 by her mother, Mary Leavitt, The Flag Lady has become a trusted name in American-made flags. After working alongside her mother for over three decades, Lori assumed leadership in 2017, infusing the busine...