Lists are made to be fluid, as are the fortunes of those who appear on them. This year’s compilation of Columbus’ 100 most powerful business and community leaders is, then, a reflection of the changing face of Columbus influence.
Six names grace this year’s list for the first time, including power broker couple Larry and Donna James, attorney-lobbyist Matt Kallner, and Porter Wright Morris and Arthur Managing Partner Robert Trafford, all of whom have been long overlooked.
Six people have dropped off our Power 100, most notably Main Street Business Association’s Walter Cates, retired Urban League president Sam Gresham Jr. and former Workers’ Comp CEO James Conrad. Seventeen others moved up or down at least seven positions.
Those gaining influence this year include Nationwide Realty Investors’ Brian Ellis, The Columbus Partnership’s Bob Milbourne, The Ohio State University President Karen Holbrook and attorney Pat Dugan.
At the other end of the fortune wheel are Gov. Bob Taft’s continued slide, Ty Marsh and Mark Barbash’s drop from the teens into the 20s, Jack Kessler’s gradual move out of the limelight and J. Daniel Schmidt’s sudden drop.
Here, then, is the 2006 Smart Business Power 100 list. Last year’s rankings are in parentheses.
1. Les Wexner
Chairman and CEO, Limited Brands Inc. (1)
Columbus remains Wexner’s domain. His name and influence are everywhere, from the Wexner Center for the Arts and the Wexner Institute for Pediatric Research at Children’s Hospital to Wexner Heritage Village. The spin-off companies from Limited Brands — such as Too Inc. — continue to flourish as Wexner’s “offspring” multiply. He is also a founding member and chair of the OSU Foundation and the Columbus Partnership.
2. John F. Wolfe
Chairman, publisher and CEO, The Dispatch Printing Co. (2)
In addition to his media conglomerate, Wolfe is one of the largest contributors to local community programs. He also has part ownership in the Columbus Blue Jackets.
3. Thomas Hoaglin
President and CEO, Huntington Bancshares Inc. (3)
Hoaglin’s influence continues to grow, but it’s tough for him to rise above Wolfe and Wexner. Not only does he run the largest locally owned bank, he is also chairman of the Downtown Development Corp. and chairman-elect of the Columbus Chamber.
4. Jerry Jurgensen
CEO, Nationwide (4)
Jurgensen has become a key player in downtown development and sits on the boards of the Columbus Chamber, Law Enforcement Foundation of Ohio and Columbus Children’s Hospital. He is a powerful member of Ohio Business Roundtable, Downtown Development Corp. and Columbus Partnership, and in September was named chairman of the newly formed CompeteColumbus’ 25-member board.
5. Michael Coleman
Mayor, city of Columbus (5)
In late November, the mayor pulled out of the race for Ohio governor, putting his focus firmly on running Columbus. He’s succeeded in getting the public and private sectors to work together, and his recommitment to Columbus could prove valuable to downtown’s continued revitalization and economic fortunes.
6. Ron Pizzuti
Chairman and CEO, The Pizzuti Cos. (7)
Pizzuti’s influence continues to rise. He controls 2,000 acres in several markets, including prime development acreage near Rickenbacker Airport, and his name has become synonymous with large-scale development.
7. Jay Schottenstein
Chairman, American Eagle Outfitters; chairman, Retail Ventures Inc.; chairman, American Signature Inc./Value City Furniture (10)
Schottenstein spun off DSW from Retail Ventures, immediately took it public and paid down more than $160 million of Retail Ventures’ debt. His real estate division bought a key office tower downtown for $12.28 million and a parking lot for $1 million, snapping up some vital property. His leadership shake-up in 2004 has begun to pay dividends, and his holdings are on their way back. He’s a rising power player worth keeping an eye on.
8. Alex Shumate
Managing partner, Columbus and Cincinnati offices, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey (9)
Shumate’s star continues to rise. The former deputy chief of staff to the governor leads the firm’s legislative counseling and administrative law activities and is a trustee of the Columbus Partnership, the John Glenn Institute and the Wexner Center for the Arts.
9. Bob Walter
Chairman and CEO, Cardinal Health Inc. (6)
Another tough year — and questions about salary — force Walter down on the list. But Cardinal Health remains a top industry player with revenue in excess of $60 billion, so his influence hasn’t waned while his attention may have been diverted.
10. Tanny Crane
President and CEO, Crane Group Inc. (8)
Crane runs one of the largest family-owned companies in town, and her expertise is sought by Wendy’s International and the chamber of commerce. She is a member of The Columbus Partnership. While she’s done nothing to cause her stock to fall, others have done plenty to garner higher spots on this year’s list.
11. Jack Schuessler
Chairman and CEO, Wendy’s International (11)
Settling into his role as successor to Dave Thomas, Schuessler has become a major player in the restaurant industry, as well as a large contributor to the community. He is a member of The Columbus Partnership and was the 2005 general chair of Mid-Ohio Foodbank’s Operation Feed.
12. Larry Hilsheimer
Managing partner and vice chairman, Columbus office, Deloitte & Touche LLP (12)
Hilsheimer’s influence is undisputed. He is completing a successful term as chairman of the Columbus Chamber and is on the Dean’s Advisory Council at Fisher College of Business.
13. Robert Werth
Managing partner, Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP (13)
Leads the city’s largest law firm and serves in leadership roles on important community boards, including the chamber and the Columbus Technology Council.
14. & 15. Larry and Donna James
Partner, Crabbe Brown & James; president, Nationwide Strategic Investments (respectively) (NEW)
Talk about a power couple. As the “James” in Crabbe Brown & James, Larry’s expertise is sought by Wolfe, as well as numerous governmental entities, and he is actively involved in the region’s cultural circles. In her capacity as head of Nationwide’s diversified financial services arm, Donna has been named by national publications as one of the most powerful African-American women in the United States. She rubs shoulders with the likes of Wexner as a member of Limited Brands’ board, as well as fellow board members at Coca-Cola. Donna recently announced a March retirement from Nationwide, but plans to open a private consulting firm where her services — and powerful connections — will be in high demand.
16. John Beavers
Counsel for Boards and Executives Group, Bricker & Eckler LLP (14)
Beavers leads the firm’s powerful Counsel for Boards and Executives Group and is a member of the Ohio Business Roundtable, a trustee of the Economic Club of Columbus and on the Mayor’s Steering Committee for Operations and Efficiency Review. He’s an expert on entrepreneurship and a key player in helping foster business growth in the community.
17. Don M. Casto III
President, Don M. Casto Organization (16)
Casto’s retail developments pepper the region. He is a member of the chamber board and plays a significant role in downtown redevelopment.
18. Friedl Bohm
Chairman, NBBJ (18)
From the tallest apartment complex in Singapore to Seattle’s Museum of Flight, NBBJ continues to be a powerful force in architecture, with Bohm firmly entrenched as its leader.
19. Curt Loveland
Partner, Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur LLP (20)
Loveland serves on the board of Applied Innovations Inc., as well as on the executive advisory board of the Ohio University College of Business and the board of directors of the Business Technology Center.
20. George Jenkins
Partner, Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease (21)
Jenkins combines powerful past political connections with private investment savvy. He serves on the boards of technology companies ECNext and C.P. Technologies, among others; he also serves on the Kent State board of trustees.
21. Matt Kallner
Attorney, Law Offices of Matthew G. Kallner (NEW)
Despite his low-key public persona, few lobbyists have as much influence in Ohio as Kallner. As former director of government relations for The Limited, he managed two Political Action Committees and the political activities of Wexner. Since December 2001, Kallner’s been on his own, representing such clients as Wexner’s Limited Brands, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., Huntington Bancshares, MI Homes, Worthington Industries and New Albany Co. He also works closely with Mayor Michael Coleman, despite political party differences.
22. Bea Wolper
Partner, Chester, Wilcox & Saxbe LLP (22)
Wolper’s family business expertise (she co-authored a book on the subject) keeps her phone ringing. She is a member of the COSI board, the Family Business Center, Wexner’s Director’s Circle Council and The Capital Club. She is also founder and president of the Women’s Business Board.
23. Michael Fiorile
President and CEO, Dispatch Broadcasting Group (23)
From his post atop this media conglomerate, Fiorile wields great influence. He is also a member of the powerful National Association of Broadcasters’ Television board.
24. & 25. Neil Clark & Paul Tipps
State Street Consultants (24 & 25)
With a client list that’s a who’s who of Ohio businesses, not-for-profit organizations and local governments, Clark’s and Tipps’ powerful independent lobbyist firm remains a power player. Diebold Election Systems, National City Bank and Limited Brands are just a few of the companies that seek their expertise and influence.
26. Leonard Schlesinger
Vice chairman and COO, Limited Brands Inc. (28)
As Schlesinger’s role at Limited Brands increases, his community involvement and power grows as well. He is a member of the governing committee of the Columbus Foundation, the strategic advisory group of The Ohio State University Medical Center, the executive committee of the Franklin County United Way and the COSI board.
27. Karen Holbrook
President, The Ohio State University (35)
Holbrook was named to the new CompeteColumbus board and continues to make OSU a leading educational and research institution. She serves on the boards of Huntington Bancshares, United Way of Central Ohio and the Columbus Chamber. She is also on the boards of the National Council for Science and the Environment and CEO’s for Cities.
28. Mark Barbash
Director, Columbus Department of Trade & Development (15)
Barbash’s efforts to unify the public and private communities to attract new business to downtown are paying off, but his department’s power isn’t necessarily what it used to be.
29. Ty Marsh
President and CEO, Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce (17)
Marsh continues to spearhead efforts to drive business and job growth in the region, including the creation of CompeteColumbus. He’s in the thick of things, but the influence of other players has increased at a quicker pace.
30. Jack Kessler
Chairman, The New Albany Co. (19)
Besides running a powerful real estate development firm, Kessler is a member of the JP Morgan Chase board. He’s reined in his public involvement compared to years past, but his close ties to Les Wexner certainly don’t hurt his influence.
31. Rich Langdale
Founder, NCT Ventures; executive director, OSU Center for Entrepreneurship (26)
Langdale chairs OSU’s Entrepreneurship Steering committee, and his venture firm keeps its eyes open for new investments. He founded and funded the OSU’s Center for Entrepreneurship.
32. Roger Geiger
Vice president, Midwest region, National Federation of Independent Business, Ohio (27)
As head of the organization’s Midwest region, Geiger helps determine the candidates who will get NFIB’s powerful endorsement. With elections looming in November, including the governor’s race, many eyes are turned his way.
33. Curt Moody
President and CEO, Moody/Nolan Ltd. (29)
Moody’s firm has served as principal architect for projects such OSU’s Schottenstein Center, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission and The Mall at Tuttle Crossing. Among Moody’s 2006 plans are two high-profile Cincinnati school projects.
34. Kurt Tunnell
Partner, Bricker & Eckler LLP (30)
This former chief legal counsel to Gov. George Voinovich has a great deal of influence in political circles and chairs his firm’s government relations practice. He is also general counsel for the Ohio Manufacturer’s Association and is counsel to the Ohio Republication Party.
35. Robert M. Eversole
President and CEO, Fifth Third Bank, Central Ohio (32)
Eversole is on the chamber board and the Dean’s Advisory Council for OSU’s Fisher College of Business.
36. Jeff Keeler
Chairman, Team Fishel (33)
Keeler influences companies including Ruscilli Construction and AirNet as a board member of these firms, and is active in the World Presidents’ Organization and the Chief Executives Organization. His inner circle includes Bob Walter and Jack Ruscilli.
37. Carl F. Kohrt
President and CEO, Battelle (34)
Kohrt has put his stamp on Battelle’s presence in the community and works with OSU to improve Columbus and commercialize technology. He continues to trumpet new research and foster stronger collaboration between the two research organizations.
38. Bob Taft
Governor, state of Ohio (31)
You can’t get more lame duck than Taft is these days. As if Ohio’s lagging economy wasn’t enough, he was named one of the country’s three worst governors by a national magazine. On a bright note, and perhaps as his one positive legacy, Taft’s Third Frontier initiative finally received voter approval last November.
39. Curt Steiner
Senior vice president for external relations, The Ohio State University (36)
Steiner has put his pedigree as former chief of staff for former Gov. George Voinovich to good work in this position and helped OSU President Karen Holbrook improve the university’s fortunes. Steiner is proof that political connections pay off.
40. Melissa Ingwersen
President, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Central Ohio (38)
Ingwersen’s adjusted to the Bank One merger well and remains a central figure in Columbus’ business community. She sits on the chamber board, as well as the boards of the Arts Council, Franklin University, YWCA and Grant/Riverside Foundation.
41. Bob Milbourne
CEO, The Columbus Partnership (51)
It’s a big rise for Milbourne, but as head of the influential organization comprised of 24 executives who represent the most influential and powerful companies and leaders in the city, what he says carries a lot of weight. He also sits on the chamber board.
42. Julie Kunkel
Managing partner, Ernst & Young (39)
Kunkel runs the 200-employee office and handles the Limited Brands account. Past clients include Target and Best Buy. She is also national director of E&Y’s retail and wholesale practice.
43. John P. McConnell
Chairman and CEO, Worthington Industries (41)
Under McConnell’s leadership, the $3 billion steel processor and manufacturer continues to prosper. He serves on the board of directors of Alltel Corp. and The Wilds and is active in the community.
44. Lewis Smoot Sr.
President and CEO, The Smoot Corp. (42)
Smoot continues to be a major player in the region’s construction community, landing high profile projects such as the Agricultural Building at The Ohio State University and The Columbus Zoo’s Tiger Pass. He is also on the board of directors of MI Homes and a trustee of the Columbus Foundation.
45. Jack Ruscilli
CEO, Ruscilli Construction Co. Inc. (43)
Ruscilli’s clients include Big Lots, AirNet and Bob Evans, and you can find his company’s red, black and white Ruscilli logo on trailers and cranes all over the region. Among current projects is the OSU Scott Laboratory building.
46. Tami Longaberger
CEO, The Longaberger Co. (37)
Her company is in transition as she’s replaced ex-president Dave DeFeo with former Avon exec Jim Klein, who just happens to be a turnaround specialist. Sales were up last year, but Longaberger still let go more than 200 people. She remains a powerful force in the community, serving on the board of directors of The John Glenn Institute for Public Service and Public Policy.
47. Cheryl Krueger
President and CEO, Cheryl&Co (40)
Krueger’s drop can be attributed to her sale of the company last year to 1-800-flowers.com. She remains at the helm of the business and involved with The James Foundation board, among other groups, but whenever a founder sells, it clouds the future. She could creep back up the list in ’07.
48. John B. Gerlach Jr.
Chairman, president and CEO, Lancaster Colony Corp. (45)
Gerlach sits on the Dean’s Advisory Council, Fisher College of Business and the Huntington Bancshares boards, and is a member of the Columbus Partnership. His is one of only 22 U.S. companies to have increased cash dividends each year for 43 consecutive years and has paid a cash dividend to shareholders for 170 consecutive quarters.
49. Dwight Smith
President and CEO, Sophisticated Systems (47)
Smith is chairman of Columbus State Community College’s board. His impressive customer list includes Nationwide, Limited Brands, the state of Ohio and the Columbus chamber.
50. M. Valeriana Moeller
President and CEO, Columbus State Community College (48)
Under Moeller’s leadership, Columbus State continues to thrive. She serves on the boards of COSI, the chamber, Columbus Technology Council and the Downtown Development Corp.
51. Michael Gonsiorowski
President and CEO, National City Bank Central Region (49)
Gonsiorowski leads city’s fourth-largest financial institution and serves on the boards of the Columbus Jewish Federation, United Way and Mount Carmel Health Systems.
52. Bob Weiler Sr.
Chairman, The Robert Weiler Co. (50)
Weiler, a powerful developer, serves on the board of the Ohio Capital Corp. for Housing, an organization that works to create affordable neighborhoods throughout Ohio. He also serves on COTA’s board of trustees.
53. Bill Ingram
CEO, White Castle Systems Inc. (51)
Ingram chairs The Columbus Foundation’s board of trustees, where he is responsible for leading the organization that makes policy and determines grants.
54. Blane Walter
Chairman and CEO, inChord Communications (44)
Walter sold the business in September to New Jersey-based Ventiv Health Inc. and remains president of Ventiv’s Communications division. Nothing has changed for Walter’s community involvement as of yet, but selling a company always contains many unknowns. He could also creep back up the list in’07.
55. Nancy Kramer
Founder and CEO, Resource Interactive (53)
Kramer’s business keeps growing. She serves on the boards of Too Inc., Columbus Technology Council and the chamber. Clients include HP, AOL, Sony and Victoria’s Secret.
56. David Meuse
Principal, Stonehenge Financial Holdings (54)
The former CEO of Banc One Capital Holdings holds the purse strings on this $325 million investment firm and is a member of the Columbus Partnership. He also serves on numerous boards.
57. Frank Kass
CEO, Continental Real Estate Cos. (55)
Kass is co-chair (with his wife, Linda), of the 2005-06 United Way campaign. Beyond his Columbus projects — including the Borden building — the high-profile developer is engaged in multiple projects in Pittsburgh.
58. Michael Petrecca
Managing partner, Columbus office, PricewaterhouseCoopers (56)
Petrecca manages one of the most prestigious accounting firms in town and stands by the firm’s high ethical standards. He is an officer on the board of CAPA Columbus.
59. Dick Emens
Partner, Chester, Wilcox & Saxbe LLP; executive director, Family Business Center (57)
Emens co-founded the Family Business Center and is a trustee at Franklin University, where he is a past chairman.
60. Zuheir Sofia
Chairman, Sofia & Co. (58)
Sofia remains a powerful figure in the regional banking community, sits on the board of directors of Dominion Homes and is a member of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System board.
61. Michael Morris
Chairman, president and CEO, AEP (60)
With two years under his belt at the helm, Morris has been busy making his mark on the power company, including a $3.7 billion commitment to improve the environmental performance of AEP generating plants by 2010. Morris serves as chairman of the Edison Electric Institute and is a member of the Columbus Downtown Development Corp.
62. Abigail Wexner
Founder, chair, Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence (64)
Wexner has more than a powerful name; her influence continues to grow in the region as she’s made a name for herself as a community activist focused on children’s issues. She serves on the boards of Limited Brands and The Wexner Center Foundation.
63. Jim Grote
Founder, chairman and CEO, Donatos Pizzeria (61)
Grote has settled in nicely as the owner of Donatos after buying back his company from McDonald’s. He has served as general board chairman of the YMCA and on the President’s Roundtable Forum.
64. Herb Glimcher
Chairman, president and CEO, Glimcher Realty Trust (59)
Last year, Glimcher handed the reins of his company to his son, Michael. But he remains active in the community and had a hand in managing, acquiring and developing more than 100 shopping centers over his 40-year career.
65. Fred Sanfilippo
CEO, OSU Medical Center (65)
Sanfilippo’s ability to lead the Medical Center and OSU’s research efforts have given him greater influence and trust among regional business leaders.
66. Doug Kridler
President and CEO, Columbus Foundation (68)
Community heavy-hitters such as Bill Ingram, Leonard A. Schlesinger and John Gerlach rely on Kridler’s instincts and management skills as he oversees the foundation’s $800 million fund.
67. David Milenthal
Chairman, HMS Partners (66)
Milenthal has served on a number of high-profile community boards, including OhioHealth Hospital System Foundation, Capital University, OSU Development Committee and BalletMet Columbus.
68. David P. Blom
President and CEO, OhioHealth (70)
Blom leads this large hospital system that posts more than 100,000 admissions each year. He also serves on the boards of the chamber of commerce and Dominion Homes.
69. Robert Schottenstein
President and chairman, M/I Schottenstein Homes Inc. (71)
Schottenstein’s power has increased, as he added the title and responsibilities of chairman.
70. Pat Dugan
Partner, Squires, Sanders & Dempsey LLP (79)
Dugan’s influence through the Columbus Venture Network and the tide of money expected to be made available through the governor’s Third Frontier Project propelled him back up the list this year. He is a member of the board of directors of Ariel Corp. and a trustee of the Raymond E. Mason Foundation.
71. Phil Urban
President and CEO, Grange Insurance (73)
Urban is the former board chair of Experience Columbus and a well-known name throughout the community.
72. Terry Foegler
President, Campus Partners for Community Urban Redevelopment (73)
Foegler is former assistant city manager and director of development for the city of Dublin. Construction in the campus area continued this year as the area surrounding The Ohio State University has been dramatically improved.
73. John Christie
President and COO, Worthington Industries (75)
Christie’s insight is in demand by the Columbus Council on World Affairs. He is also a former board member of the Ohio Public Works Commission, Franklin University and Bank One advisory board.
74. and 75. Alan Wasserstrom and Rodney N. Wasserstrom
Co-presidents, Wasserstrom & Sons (85 and 86)
A good year for one of the largest family-owned businesses in the area, combined with the valuable real estate interests in downtown and The Brewery District, have propelled these two back up the list again.
76. Robert Massie
Director and CEO, Chemical Abstracts; chairman, Columbus Technology Council (76)
His Columbus Technology Council work, in conjunction with OSU’s Karen Holbrook, is helping making the city high-tech.
77. Jan Allen
Owner, The Field Coaching Institute (77)
Allen works with Ohio’s public university presidents and maintains her deep political connections.
78. Brian Ellis
President, Nationwide Realty Investors (96)
The Arena District is still an important part of downtown’s fortunes. Accordingly, Ellis is involved in many important decisions and efforts and is the go-to guy for projects in that critical district.
79. Robert Trafford
Managing Partner, Porter Wright Morris and Arthur (NEW)
Trafford runs the powerful law firm with a practice focused on complex litigation, such as securities, RICO and trade secrets. He’s a member of the chamber board, a trustee of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and president of the Legal Aid Society.
80. Janet Jackson
Executive director, United Way Central Ohio (82)
Her role at United Way puts her in a prominent spot as she raises funds and manages a high-profile nonprofit.
81. Gene T. Harris
Superintendent, Columbus Public Schools (83)
Harris’ efforts in trying to right a troubled academic environment, combined with maintaining an inner city school system, have helped her gain increased support from community business leaders.
82. Sandy Harbrecht
President, Paul Werth Associates Inc. (84)
With the Haunty Agency acquisition fully integrated into her operations, Harbrecht’s been on a growth spurt. She serves on the boards of the Columbus Museum of Art, The Council for Ethics in Economics and Easter Seals.
83. John Rosenberger
Executive director, Capital South Community Urban Redevelopment Corp. (80)
Rosenberger in August announced he would retire at the end of 2006. Over his 22-year career, he was responsible for many small projects to make downtown vibrant. He doesn’t plan to go out with a whimper.
84. Joe Alutto
Dean and John W. Berry senior chair in business, OSU Fisher College of Business (87)
Chairman of Experience Columbus, Alutto also oversaw the committee that replaced Andy Geiger as OSU athletics director.
85. Todd Cameron
President and CEO, Fitch:RPA (88)
Cameron continues to grow his company and his reputation in the community.
86. Paula Inniss
President, Ohio Full Court Press (89)
Inniss remains a ball of energy and a vibrant force in the community through her board membership at Columbus State Community College. She is also involved with the United Negro College Fund.
87. Bill Habig
Executive director, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (90)
Habig is a powerful force, determining where development and improvements happen.
88. Cameron Mitchell
President, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants LLC (95)
Mitchell continues to expand his national restaurant empire, while keeping the city of Columbus on the national forefront. He is well-known throughout the country, and is on the boards of the National Restaurant Association and the Culinary Institute of America.
89. Kyle Katz
President, The Katz Interests Inc. and New World Restaurants Inc. (69)
With his revamped Buggyworks building, Katz is one of the major players downtown. His developments continue to succeed, and he is a member of the Downtown Commission, but too many others had strong forward momentum this year, causing his dramatic fall.
90. Doug Borror
Chairman, president and CEO, Dominion Homes (78)
Has a knack for riding the housing market ups and downs. His corporate restructuring is proving effective as well. He is an OSU trustee and sits on the board of Capital South Redevelopment Corp, but recent accusations of “shady mortgage dealings” by local media outlets downgrade him a bit for ‘06.
91. J. Daniel Schmidt
President, JDS Cos. and Downtown South Association (67)
Schmidt remains involved in downtown redevelopment. Beyond his Grandview project, Schmidt is involved in some green design work, but his name doesn’t seem to be on as many lips this year as it has been in the past.
92. Douglas Morgan
Managing partner, Columbus office, Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP (92)
A board member of Children’s Hospital Foundation, Columbus Technology Council and the Business Technology Center, Morgan’s influence is felt throughout the region.
93. Gary McCullough
Senior vice president, Ross Products (100)
As head of this Abbott division, McCullough leads one of the largest companies in the city. With the science-based nutritional products market gaining steam, his role gets more powerful. Sits on the boards of the chamber, United Way of Central Ohio, COSI and the Columbus Partnership.
94. Artie Isaac
President, Young Isaac Inc. (91)
Isaac’s clients include Homestead Communities, Revealty and OCLC.
95. and 96. Cameron James and Ken Mills
CEO and president, Mills/James Productions Inc. (93 and 94)
With a strong commitment to the community, both men are known for giving back and getting involved.
97. Craig Morrison
CEO, Hexion (NEW)
Morrison led the Borden Chemical management team through parent company Apollo Management’s acquisition of Resolution Performance Products and Bakelite AG to create the world’s No. 1 resins company, Hexion, last year. A newcomer to the list, Morrison is also a chamber board member and although he was already leading a top company in Columbus, a nascent power star in the community.
98. Robert Bernstock, president and COO, The Scott’s Co. LLC (NEW)
A former Campbell Soup and Vlasic executive (he ran Vlasic from 1998 to 2001), Bernstock joined Scott’s in June 2003 as executive vice president and president, North America. In October 2005, he was named president and COO of the parent company. He is a member of the chamber board and a rising star.
99. Robert C. White
Founder and chairman, The Daimler Group (97)
White’s focused on development in the Westerville/Polaris area and redevelopment of a former landfill at Gowdy Field. He’s built partnerships with Casto and Schottenstein Real Estate.
100. Bill Schottenstein
Owner, Arshot Investment Corp. (98)
Schottenstein remains a key player in downtown development.
