Leadership Columbus

We’re proud to introduce the first-ever Catalyst Cohort, an offering of our Impact Lab!

Catalyst was designed exclusively for nonprofit executive directors and grounded in the belief that strong leadership requires more than technical expertise alone. It calls for resilience, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and the ability to lead people and systems with purpose.

Over the next six months, these nonprofit leaders will engage in peer learning, adaptive leadership development, and collaborative problem-solving to strengthen both their organizations and our community.

The Impact Lab is generously supported by The Columbus Foundation, Installed Building Products, and The Wolfe Associates Fund.

Learn more about Catalyst and The Impact Lab: https://leadershipcolumbus.org/impact-lab/

Congratulations to the inaugural Catalyst cohort!

Leadership Columbus is proud to recognize Francie Henry as the recipient of the 2026 Honorary Graduate Award!

The Honorary Graduate Award celebrates an individual whose leadership, service, and commitment to Central Ohio embody the values of the Leadership Columbus. While not a graduate of our programs, Francie exemplifies the characteristics that define our alumni network.

Get to know Francie and learn more about the impact she has made across our community. Then join us at The Best Party Ever on October 1 as we celebrate her contributions and gather to support the mission of Leadership Columbus. Purchase your tickets today: https://leadershipcolumbus.org/best-party-ever-2026/

Yesterday, Leadership Columbus alumni were at the sold-out State of Nonprofits forum hosted by the Columbus Metropolitan Club.

Leadership Columbus Board Member Lindsay Baker joined fellow community leaders for a timely conversation about the challenges facing the nonprofit sector, including increased demand for services, funding pressures, and opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

As community trustees, we all have a role to play in supporting the organizations that strengthen our region. Let this conversation be a call to rise to the occasion by volunteering, serving, advocating, giving, and investing in the future of our nonprofit community.

Leadership Columbus alumni were well represented in the room, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to strengthening our community and supporting the nonprofit sector.

The challenges are real, but so is the opportunity for leadership. How will you rise to the occasion and support the nonprofit sector as a community trustee?

Best Party Ever is more than a celebration. It’s an opportunity to invest in the future of leadership and community impact across Central Ohio. We’re currently seeking sponsors for Best Party Ever 2026 on October 1 at High Line Car House.

Sponsorship offers valuable visibility among engaged community leaders and alumni while supporting Leadership Columbus programs that develop, connect, and inspire leaders across our region.

Join us in making this year’s event the best one yet. Contact Kate Bauer at [email protected] for details.

Visit our website to learn more: https://leadershipcolumbus.org/best-party-ever-2026/

Leadership Columbus alumni were all smiles at last week's Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) Patron Party during the 2026 Columbus Arts Festival. This year's festival brought downtown Columbus to life with 250 visual artists, four stages of live performances, and dozens of local food vendors. Alumni enjoyed connecting while celebrating one of Central Ohio's premier arts events.

GCAC's mission is to champion and elevate the arts and cultural expression of Greater Columbus, and the festival showcased the creativity, talent, and vibrancy that make our community unique.

Thank you to GCAC for hosting a memorable evening in support of the arts.

What could your organization accomplish with a team of engaged community leaders behind you?

Each year, Leadership Columbus partners with local nonprofits and community-serving organizations through our Community Impact Project (CIP) initiative, connecting organizations with Signature Program participants to tackle meaningful strategic projects at no cost.

From marketing strategy to program development, volunteer engagement to strategic planning, CIP partnerships are designed to build lasting impact.

Learn more and apply to become a partner: https://leadershipcolumbus.org/community-impact-project/

Congratulations to the 67 members of the Leadership Columbus Signature Program Class of 2026!

Yesterday, we celebrated a remarkable group of leaders who spent the past 10 months guided by curiosity, exploring the issues shaping our community, and deepening their commitment to Central Ohio through leadership and trusteeship.

Ten months ago, this cohort came together as strangers, not knowing the experiences, challenges, friendships, and growth that lay ahead. Since then, they have engaged in meaningful conversations, explored the complexities of our region, collaborated on Community Impact Projects, and challenged one another to think differently about leadership and community trusteeship.

Your passion, collaboration, and dedication to making a difference inspire us all, and we are proud to welcome you into the Leadership Columbus alumni network.

Please join us in congratulating SP ’26!

Meet the honorees of Best Party Ever 2026!

Hall of Fame: Charles Gehring (SP '86), President and CEO, LifeCare Alliance
Honorary Graduate: Francie Henry, Regional President, Fifth Third Bank

Chuck and Francie are outstanding leaders who represent the spirit of community trusteeship, collaboration, and civic engagement that drives Leadership Columbus forward every day.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating these incredible changemakers! Tickets are on sale now: https://leadershipcolumbus.org/best-party-ever-2026/

Last week, Leadership Columbus alumni were at Community Shelter Boards Under One Roof 2026 at COSI - Center of Science and Industry for an inspiring evening celebrating 40 years of partnership, progress, and collective action to end homelessness in Central Ohio.

The event brought together community leaders, advocates, partners, and supporters to reflect on four decades of progress while recommitting to the work ahead.

SP ’25 gathered for good at Flying Horse Farms, volunteering as Camp Creators to help prepare cabins for the next group of campers. Flying Horse Farms provides medically-safe camp experiences filled with hope, joy, and belonging for children with serious illnesses, always at no cost.

Flying Horse Farms opened its gates to campers in 2010 and was the first camp in the Midwest to become a member of the SeriousFun Children's Network. Founded in 1988 by actor, philanthropist, and Ohio native, Paul Newman, the Network is a community of independently managed and financed camps and programs creating opportunities for children with serious illnesses and their families.

A day of service worthy of s’more recognition!🔥