CEOs You Should Know Columbus
CEOs You Should Know - iHeartMedia Columbus' showcase of businesses that drive the Central Ohio economy. Hear from the Capital City’s key business leaders who contribute to the vibrant and growing community.
Episodes
May 29, 2025 • 36 mins
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 Aquariums (AZA).From 2012-2013, he serv...
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May 1, 2025 • 46 mins
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 company's expansion through a successful...
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March 25, 2025 • 36 mins
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.
During her time at COTA, Monica succe...
During her time at COTA, Monica succe...
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March 24, 2025 • 32 mins
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 probate matters. She provides comprehen...
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March 13, 2025 • 38 mins
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 business with fresh branding, digital exp...
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March 11, 2025 • 32 mins
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 design process to accelerate store open...
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March 4, 2025 • 31 mins
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 leading the Columbus Tax Market and ...
Chris joined Schneider Downs in 2017 after leading the Columbus Tax Market and ...
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December 16, 2024 • 34 mins
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 provide exceptional guest service and ope...
Gharib's goals include helping franchisees, owners, and team members achieve their full potential. He also wants to provide exceptional guest service and ope...
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December 10, 2024 • 39 mins
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
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October 21, 2024 • 17 mins
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 to help people and give them a voice.
...
After litigating cases at the state and federal level, Heidi found her passion for advocacy was leading elsewhere. She wanted to help people and give them a voice.
...
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September 17, 2024 • 44 mins
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, knew after her divorced that she had to...
Ms. Scott, knew after her divorced that she had to...
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September 9, 2024 • 37 mins
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 families in central Ohio.
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August 26, 2024 • 24 mins
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 and Restaurant Management at The Un...
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July 14, 2024 • 33 mins
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 has led efforts to complete over 10...
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May 20, 2024 • 36 mins
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 mission of “Opening Doors to Homes, Opp...
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May 18, 2024 • 26 mins
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.
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May 7, 2024 • 13 mins
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 Developmental Disabilities, as an a...
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March 26, 2024 • 19 mins
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 degree as well as his MBA. He is an ad...
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February 21, 2024 • 23 mins
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, the first ever topical gene therapy. ...
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February 21, 2024 • 24 mins
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.
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