The wave of change in Ohio’s political leadership had quite an effect on this year’s Power 100. Ted Strickland and Lee Fisher have been replaced by the newly elected Gov. John Kasich and Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor. Kasich shoots up the list to debut at No. 10. while Taylor comes in at No. 60. The duo takes office with a swell of hope that it will be able to get Ohio’s economy moving again.Two of Columbus’ civic leaders are also moving up this year. Mayor Michael Coleman moves from No. 3 to No. 2 as his campaign begins for a fourth term as leader of Ohio’s largest city while Gene Harris, superintendent of Columbus City Schools, jumps 24 spots to No. 50. Harris has played a key role in helping the district provide a better education to students.
Elaine Roberts makes another big leap with her efforts for leading Port Columbus International Airport, and she is joined on the way up by Chris Taylor at Mission Essential Personnel LLC and Joel Pizzuti with The Pizzuti Cos.
There are a total of 14 newcomers on this year’s list, meaning 14 other powerful figures were left out. There is no change at the top, of course, as Les Wexner keeps his spot. Limited Brands had a great year in 2010 and expectations are high for 2011.
So with that, we present the 2011 Power 100 list of the most influential business, civic and political leaders as ranked by our editors.