CEOs You Should Know - Columbus

Megan Vanderson is the founder and CEO of Macon Alley, a certified women-owned and -led business specializing in designing retail spaces for some of the world’s most recognizable brands. With a focus on creativity, collaboration, and efficiency, Macon Alley has quickly become a trusted partner to leading Fortune 500 companies, delivering high-quality retail environments while streamlining the desi...

As co-CEO at Schneider Downs, Chris McElroy oversees one of the largest regional accounting firms in the U.S., with more than 550 professionals and offices in Pittsburgh, Columbus and Metro Washington DC. He brings 35 years of experience in international and domestic tax, serving clients across various industries and sizes, from Fortune 100 to start-ups. Chris joined Schneider Downs in 2017 after...

Zack Gharib is the current president of Red Roof. He was appointed to the role in April 2024. Gharib has over 20 years of experience in brand management, operations, and franchising. He has worked for companies such as Marriott, Vacasa, LaQuinta by Wyndham, and Highgate Homes.  Gharib's goals include helping franchisees, owners, and team members achieve their full potential. He also wants to provi...

John Price is the CEO of Take Flight Ohio Flight Simulation in Columbus.  He opened the Flight Simulation business to show and educate those that are curious about the fascinating world of aviation and how it all works.  John's goal is to always put a smile on your face.  Here's his story See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heidi Hrabcak graduated from Capital Law School in 2003. After being sworn in Heidi practiced law in the areas of employment law and civil litigation. Through this experience, she gained extensive trial advocacy skills and learned to effectively fight for client’s rights. After litigating cases at the state and federal level, Heidi found her passion for advocacy was leading elsewhere. She wanted t...

Ms. Kerri is the Proud Owner/Operator of Trucker Jons, Ohio's Premier Deluxe Portable Washrooms. A little about Ms. Scott, She is a Trucker, (Thus the name, Trucker Jons). She is a Daughter of a Trucker so it runs in the blood. AT 5'2, other Truckers we're always amazed when she would get out of the truck, after backing into many tight places around Columbus and surrounding areas.    Ms. Scott, kn...

Kelley serves as the President and CEO of The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, a public foundation that is fiercely committed to igniting social change for the sake of gender equality. A bridgebuilder with an unwavering commitment to gender equity, inclusivity and women’s and girls’ leadership, Kelley has a proven track record of creating opportunities and sparking change for women, girls, and famili...

Brian O’Malley knew from a very young age that the hospitality industry was for him. Washing dishes at a hotel at 15, he fell in love with the atmosphere created in the kitchen as well as when he rotated through other positions from porter to room service where he began honing his hospitality skills. Understanding that the hospitality industry was going to be his career choice, he majored in Hotel...

As the CollisionRight Co-founder and CEO, Rich Harrison brings over 30 years of global strategy coupled with operational and business development experience to the automotive aftermarket industry. As a proven C-Suite executive, he has developed a consistent track record of building high-performance teams and executing large-scale roll-up strategies in the automotive aftermarket space. To date, he...

Amy Albery serves as Wallick’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Amy is a servant leader who believes in putting people first. She is committed to ensuring the values and culture of the organization provide for a thriving environment for its associates who, in turn, provide incredible service to its primary customer, its residents. Amy focuses on defining the firm’s strategy that aligns with its miss...

Terry Andre is the CEO of AmCoat Industrial is the exclusive product supplier of premium Rhino Shield and Floor Shield coating products. Through an exclusive network of independently owned and operated dealer contractors, Rhino Shield and Floor Shield products are marketed, sold, and installed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doug Jackson is Ohio’s 988 System Administrator. Jackson brings a wealth of management, leadership and strategic planning experience to the Department. Most recently, he served as a deputy director with the State Treasurer’s Office, overseeing the STABLE Account, an investment and spending tool for individuals with disabilities. He previously served as a superintendent with the Ohio Department of...

Brian grew up with Mid-City, riding to the office with his dad as a boy. He went from working in the warehouse during his summer breaks, to delivering tools and material, running the warehouse, then purchasing, and then project managing. He now serves as Mid-City’s President and strategic leader. Throughout this time with Mid-City, Brian went to The Ohio State University earning his bachelor’s deg...

Michael Hund is the CEO of EB Research Partnership (EBRP), a trailblazing medical research organization focused on curing Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a life-threatening genetic skin disease. Under his leadership EBRP has accelerated the landscape from 2 to over 40 clinical trials and via their award winning venture philanthropy methodology funded the first FDA approved treatment for EB in 2023, th...

Katy Coy is the CEO of the Jazz Arts Group of Columbus. A committed leader with deep experience in arts administration, Coy is perfectly positioned to champion Jazz Arts Group’s mission to advance and celebrate the art of jazz through performance and education. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last 30 plus years Mr. Siegler has successfully financed, operated, founded, sold and taken public numerous companies in all areas of manufacturing, distribution and technology. Mr. Siegler has and continues to serve as a board member and advisor to various corporate, educational, and charitable organizations. Mr. Siegler is a founding board member of the Simon Wiesenthal Center as well a...

Mike has been a pioneering force in the industry for over thirty years, co-founding Roofers Success International, the nation's premier contractor university, alongside home services icon and HVAC industry consolidator Jim Abrams. Known for his monthly column, "A View from the Top," featured in Roofing Contractor Magazine, Mike has been a vocal advocate for positive change within the industry. Ove...

Rex Elliott is a trial lawyer with more than 30 years of complex civil litigation experience. He co-founded Cooper Elliott in 1995. He has numerous multi-million-dollar jury verdicts and settlements and takes a client-first approach. He has served as an expert witness on various legal topics, frequently lectures about trial tactics, and has been called upon by judges and high-profile community lea...

Denise Woodard is the Founder and CEO of Partake Foods , the allergy-friendly company that was inspired by her daughter’s experience with food allergies. Key moments this year include that Partake Foods announced it became a Certified B Corporation, and launched a collab with Ben & Jerry’s! Created in 2016, Denise started the business by self-distributing (selling cookies out of her car around...

Dr. Angela Chapman's journey as a public educator spans over 25 years, leading to her appointment as the 22nd Superintendent/CEO of Columbus City Schools. Dr. Chapman believes providing high-quality education is a civil right that empowers students and transforms communities. As a parent with a son who is also part of Columbus City Schools, she embraces the responsibility of shaping a brighter fut...

Starting in 1937 as a corner market in the Linden area, Carfagna’s Inc. has now grown into a multi-faceted business with a retail specialty market, restaurant, catering, and manufacturing. Working in the family business since he could “push a broom”, Salvatore Carfagna is a fourth generation Carfagna in their family business. Graduating from John Carroll University in 2013 with a BS in Business Ad...

Luke's Auto is an automotive repair shop that cares about people and is devoted to Honest, Quality, Auto Repair. They're proud to offer an industry leading 5 year 50,000 mile nationwide warranty! They are also committed to doing good through starting a Trade School for low income youth and donating 20% of their profits to charity! Mett the Founder, Luke Walker! See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...

Established in 2014, EASE was founded on a highly responsive and personalized customer service model. What started as a simple brokerage has evolved to become a highly awarded, full-service logistics, asset, and integrated solution provider. As of 2023, EASE has grown to around 300 employees and occupies three locations in Dublin with warehouses in East Liberty and Marysville. Every year, EASE pro...

Cheryl Krueger knows cookies. Starting from scratch in 1981 with a single cookie store, Cheryl grew her company into a $50 million corporation. But she also knows compassion and leadership. Cheryl has always divided her time between running her company and giving back. Serving on countless non-profits, Cheryl raises money and has started initiatives for the military, public schools, food banks and...

Last fall(2022), the Telhio Credit Union Board of Directors announced the promotion of Derrick Bailey to president of the fastest-growing credit union in the region. Bailey joined Telhio in 2013 after earning his MBA at Capital University, and within six months commercial lending became the top performing division. He developed innovative policies and procedures to provide loans to community compa...