It’s been a tough year by any estimation for corporate America.
Central Ohio was no different, where even stalwarts like Longaberger Co. and Bricker & Eckler LLP faced substantial layoffs in the worst economic slowdown since the Great Depression. Gov. Ted Strickland had a tough year, too, trying to guide Ohio through the recession without issuing a dreaded tax increase.
But it wasn’t all doom and gloom for this year’s Power 100.
Peter Geier moved into the top 20 on our list as OSU Medical Center expanded its offerings and created new jobs, and Ron Pizzuti moved into the top five based on his efforts to develop Columbus for the 21st century.
In total, 12 people fell off of this year’s list, opening the door for such newcomers as Michelle Abreu of Oxford Consulting Group and Bob Restrepo of State Auto Insurance.
The highest-ranked rookies are Steve Rasmussen and Steve Steinour, who took the reins at Nationwide and Huntington, respectively. One spot that didn’t change was our No. 1, which indisputably continues to be Les Wexner.
So without further ado, here is the 2010 Power 100 list of the most influential business, civic and political leaders as ranked by our editors.