51. Bob Milbourne
CEO, The Columbus Partnership (NEW)
Heads organization of 24 executives who represent the most influential and powerful companies and leaders in the city.
52. Bill Ingram
CEO, White Castle Systems Inc. (NEW)
Ingram recently took on the role of chairman of The Columbus Foundation’s board of trustees, taking the reins from retiring Chairman Abigail Wexner.
53. Nancy Kramer
Founder and CEO, Resource Interactive (50)
Kramer’s business is thriving, and she’s on Too Inc.’s board and those of the Columbus Technology Council and the chamber. Clients include HP, AOL, Sony and Victoria’s Secret.
54. David Meuse
Principal, Stonehenge Financial Holdings (NEW)
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.
55. Frank Kass
CEO, Continental Real Estate Cos. (53)
This year, Kass partnered with Nationwide Realty and Capitol Square to buy the Borden building. Now, he’s poised to take advantage of downtown’s redevelopment. He also partnered with NP Ltd. to build an 18-screen movie theater at Polaris.
56. Michael Petrecca
Managing partner, Columbus office, PricewaterhouseCoopers (54)
Petrecca manages one of the most prestigious accounting firms in town and stands by the firm’s high ethical standards.
57. Dick Emens
Partner, Chester, Wilcox & Saxbe LLP; executive director, Family Business Center (55)
Emens is dedicating more time to supporting family businesses in the area and is a trustee at Franklin University, where he is a past chairman.
58. Zuheir Sofia
Chairman, Sofia & Co. (56)
Sofia’s OSU board of trustees spot has expired, but he is still a powerful force in the banking community and sits on the board of directors of Dominion Homes.
59. Herb Glimcher
Chairman, president and CEO, Glimcher Realty Trust (57)
Glimcher’s had a hand in managing, acquiring and developing more than 100 shopping centers during his 40-year career.
60. Michael Morris
Chairman, president and CEO, AEP (NEW)
Morris is charging ahead with refocusing the company on its core competencies.
61. Jim Grote
Founder, chairman & CEO, Donatos Pizzeria (60)
After buying back his company from McDonald’s, Grote caused a public stir with his No Dough Pizza. He has served as general board chairman of the YMCA and on the President’s Roundtable Forum.
62. James Conrad
Administrator and CEO, Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (52)
Conrad is making Ohio a safer place to work, and doing it efficiently. He saved $4 million in medical care costs last year.
63. Sam Gresham Jr.
President and CEO, Columbus Urban League (61)
Gresham’s advice was sought by Mayor Coleman, who named him to his panel to investigate crime in the city.
64. Abigail Wexner
Founder, Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence (90)
Influence growing as she serves on the boards of Limited Brands, Wexner Center Foundation and Columbus Academy.
65. Fred Sanfilippo
CEO, OSU Medical Center (NEW)
Business leaders place a lot of confidence in Sanfilippo, his ability to lead the Medical Center and OSU’s research efforts.
66. David Milenthal
Chairman, HMS Partners (63)
Has served on a number of high-profile community boards, including OhioHealth Hospital System Foundation, Capital University, OSU Development Committee and BalletMet Columbus.
67. J. Daniel Schmidt
President, JDS Cos. and Downtown South Association (64)
Schmidt is now developing in Grandview as well, and is still a big part of the downtown redevelopment.
68. Doug Kridler
President and CEO, Columbus Foundation (100)
Community heavy-hitters including John Gerlach, Dimon McFerson and Bill Ingram rely on Kridler as he manages the foundation’s $700 million fund.
69. Kyle Katz
President, The Katz Interests Inc. and New World Restaurants Inc. (58)
One of the go-to guys for downtown. His developments continue to succeed, and he is a member of the Downtown Commission.
70. David P. Blom
President and CEO, OhioHealth (65)
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.
71. Robert Schottenstein
President and chairman, M/I Schottenstein Homes Inc. (76)
Schottenstein’s power has increased, as the title and responsibilities of chairman were added to his name.
72. Andy Geiger
Athletic director, The Ohio State University (51)
Has been a strong leader at OSU, but last month he announced his retirement for later this year. The big question: “What’s next?”
73. Terry Foegler
President, Campus Partners for Community Urban Redevelopment (66)
Foegler is the former assistant city manager and director of development for the city of Dublin. Construction in the campus area moved forward this year as the organization continues to improve the area surrounding the university.
74. Phil Urban
President and CEO, Grange Insurance (67)
Urban just concluded his two-year leadership of the Columbus Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Under his leadership, the organization changed its name to Experience Columbus.
75. John Christie
President and COO, Worthington Industries (68)
Business acumen has been sought by the Columbus Council on World Affairs. Former board member of the Ohio Public Works Commission, Franklin University and Bank One advisory board.
