76. Frank Kass
chairman, Continental Real Estate Cos. (75)
Continental has partnered with the Pittsburgh Steelers to build a 5,500-seat, $7 million amphitheater near Heinz Field and is working with Hyatt Hotels to build a $27 million Hyatt Place hotel near PNC Park.
77. Janet Jackson
president and CEO, United Way of Central Ohio (83)
For the first time in its history, the agency is setting long-term goals to address educational and way-of-life issues for people in the region. Its “Bold Goals” are focused on such areas as education, health care, income and quality of life. Clearly, Jackson has an eye on the future and is doing what she can to make it a little brighter.
78. Douglas Morgan
senior counsel, Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP, Columbus office (7
Morgan is now a senior counsel with the law firm but remains committed to encouraging others at the firm and in Columbus to be more eco-friendly. He has once again been named both a Super Lawyer and one of The Best Lawyers in America.
79. Cameron Mitchell
founder and president, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants LLC (76)
Mitchell has opened or will open several of his Ocean Prime steakhouses this year, including one in Dallas in November. Mitchell also remains committed to the Columbus area with his support of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation.
80. Guy Worley
CEO, Columbus Downtown Development Corp. and Capital South Community Urban Redevelopment Corp. (81)
Worley is playing a key role in the development of Columbus Commons, which will revive nine acres of dead space into a beautiful mix of residential options, retail outlets, office space and entertainment. The project is expected to become a destination point in Columbus, and Worley is doing a lot to make it happen.
81. Lee Fisher
lieutenant governor, state of Ohio
Fisher will remain a key figure in Central Ohio politics, both as a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2010 and in his current post as lieutenant governor. He’s expected to continue working hard to bring in new jobs to bolster Ohio’s economy.
82. Sheri Tackett
founder and president, Delta Energy LLC (79)
Tackett acquired the business assets of Compass Energy Consulting LLC to bolster its ability to serve clients and their ever-changing needs. Delta also surpassed its goal for its first blood drive.
83. Bob Restrepo
chairman and CEO, State Auto Insurance Cos. (new)
Restrepo has worked hard to improve accountability and efficiency at State Auto. He is active in the region with the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and the Columbus Partnership. He was also presented with a Chairman’s Citation by the Independent Insurance Agents and the Brokers of America.
84. Neil Mortine
chairman and president, Fahlgren Mortine (91)
Mortine was elected chairman of Central Ohio’s largest public relations firm, and in 2010, he will add CEO to his title. The firm captured 39 awards at a regional banquet in May and added four new clients over the summer, including Elmer’s Products and Cardinal Health.
85. Kyle Katz
president, The Katz Interests Inc.
Katz has adjusted to the recession over the past year by shifting focus at his Buggyworks development from residential units to office space. He remains a leader in the evolution of downtown Columbus.
86. James Davidson
president and managing partner, Schottenstein Zox & Dunn (88)
His firm helped get the statewide casino issue on the ballot this fall. Davidson also spoke at the 14th Annual Trial Advocacy Institute in Columbus in September. Davidson remains a key player in the Columbus legal scene.
87. Robert White
chairman, The Daimler Group Inc.
White is working with The Ohio State University to build an expanded breast health center on the former Gowdy Field site.
88. Alan Wasserstrom
89. Rodney Wasserstrom
vice chairmen, Wasserstrom Holdings Inc. (85 and 86)
Rodney named his son, Brad, president of The Wasserstrom Co., the family’s historic restaurant supply business.
90. George Barrett
chairman and CEO, Cardinal Health (94)
Barrett assumed leadership of the medical and surgical supply company as planned last fall. He wants to build stronger relationships with hospitals and pharmacies to continue to provide better care to those who need it.
91. John McEwan
managing partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP’s Columbus office (n
McEwan has personally served as a high-level adviser to Limited Brands, Nationwide Insurance, The Ohio State University, Big Lots, DSW/Schottenstein, M/I Homes, Hexion and State Auto. In his new role leading Deloitte, he should continue to help some of Central Ohio’s biggest businesses.
92. J. Daniel Schmidt
president, Cityspace LLC (92)
Schmidt’s Web site lists this developer as the largest private landholder in downtown Columbus. As the Market Exchange District project continues to grow, Schmidt continues to be active in the growth.
93. Dave Sceva
president, Central Ohio, U.S. Bank (new)
Sceva is an active speaker, participating in functions through the Ohio Young Professionals Club and offering his insight on the current issues affecting the banking industry and the economy.
94. Chris Taylor
CEO, Mission Essential Personnel LLC (new)
Taylor’s company has grown from $6.8 million in 2005 revenue to $178.3 million in 2008.
95. Jack Partridge
president, Columbia Gas of Ohio
This winter, home heating prices are expected to be lower than they’ve been in years. While Partridge likely had very little to do with this development, it does shed his company in a better light than when costs are way up. Columbia is making an effort to keep water bills down, too, by promoting efficient showerheads.
96. Sue Zazon
president and CEO, FirstMerit Bank, Columbus region (97)
In a challenging economic environment, FirstMerit actually reported increased revenue in the second quarter of 2009 from the second quarter of 2008. Deposits remained steady into 2009 and Zazon and company leaders are hopeful that the light at the end of this economic tunnel is near.
97. Debra Penzone
president, Charles Penzone Family of Salons (new)
Penzone sits on numerous nonprofit boards in the area and promotes a spirit of volunteerism in her company. In 2008, she launched Debra Penzone LLC, a company dedicated to providing speaking, training and consulting services with proceeds from speaking engagements donated to charity.
98. Bill Heifner
founder and president, Renier Construction Corp. (new)
Heifner was inducted into the Central Ohio Business Hall of Fame this year. He has a reputation in Columbus for never failing to come through for his customers, a label which keeps new business flowing in.
99. Joel Pizzuti
president and COO, The Pizzuti Cos. (new)
Pizzuti has strong bloodlines, but he’s making a name for himself in Central Ohio with the leadership he’s shown at the $252 million real estate services firm. He makes his debut on our list based on his efforts to help his company continue to evolve, and we’ll look for him to move up in the years to come.
100. Alex Fischer
consultant, Columbus Partnership (95)
Fischer left his senior officer post with Battelle, but after a brief respite, he emerged as the possible heir apparent to lead the Columbus Partnership. With the retirement of Bob Milbourne in September, this move may happen soon. Until then, the plan is for Fischer to work on the CEO organization’s development initiatives.