A Conversation with Ohio State University President Ted Carter
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
Uncertainties around research grants, student visas, and dramatic changes to the country’s DEI climate are only some of the issues that have shaped Ted Carter’s first year and a half on the job as the 17th president of The Ohio State University. But as a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral with 38 years of military service and more than 6,300 flying hours, Carter is no stranger to leadership under trying circumstances. Join us as CMC welcomes President Ted Carter for a look back at his first year and a half on the job, and a look forward at what’s on the horizon for Ohio’s flagship...
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The Next Wave: The New Leaders Shaping Ohio Politics
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
They’ve grown up in an era of student debt, climate anxiety, social media, and political gridlock—and now, they’re shaping the future of Ohio politics. From Gen Z newcomers to younger members of Gen X, a new wave of elected officials is stepping up to the mic. What motivates them to lead—and how are they challenging traditional power structures to create a more inclusive democracy? This candid conversation with rising political leaders spotlights what it means to serve—and shake things up—in today’s political climate. Featuring: Munira Abdullahi (D), Ohio State House...
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Central Ohio’s AI Revolution
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
Artificial intelligence is transforming everything—from how Central Ohioans work to how companies make decisions. But can innovation happen without leaving people behind? This week’s Columbus Metropolitan Club forum explores Central Ohio’s rapidly evolving AI ecosystem with experts who are shaping the future of tech in the region. Featuring: Mike Cohn, Vice President of Network Operations, CoverMyMeds Nathan Craig, Associate Professor, Operations and Business Analytics, The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business Nicole Jackson, Principal AI Consultant and AI Practice...
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Navigating the New Era of College Sports: A Conversation with OSU's Ross Bjork
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
What happens when the most valuable college athletics program in the country enters the name-image-and-likeness, or NIL, era? At this Columbus Metropolitan Club forum, Ohio State University Athletics Director Ross Bjork sits down with NBC4’s Matt Barnes for an inside look at how the Buckeyes are managing massive change—from multimillion-dollar deals to evolving expectations around recruitment, education, and fairness. Featuring: Ross Bjork, Athletics Director, The Ohio State University The host is Matt Barnes, Morning Co-Anchor, NBC4 Today This forum was sponsored by Aloft Columbus...
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A Downtown That Works and Lives
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
What kind of downtown do we want to build? Some of Columbus’ iconic downtown buildings are getting a dramatic makeover, transforming from office towers into places to live and gather. This week’s forum dives into the bold moves shaping the future of Downtown Columbus—where people live, work, and connect. Featuring: Greg Davies, CEO, Downtown Columbus, Inc. Brad DeHays, Founder & President, Connect Real Estate and Connect Construction Mindy Justis, Advocacy Chair, Downtown Residents Association of Columbus Michael Stevens, Director of Development, City of Columbus The host is...
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Three Million People, One City’s Future
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
Is Columbus ready to hit three million residents? Ready or not, it’s a milestone that’s just 25 years away, according to estimates. While the surge brings enormous opportunity—more jobs, greater diversity, and increased investment—it comes with high-stakes questions: Is the region truly prepared for what’s ahead? And what happens if it isn’t? Columbus is now one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, with its metro population expected to rise by 35% and surpass 3 million by 2050. This growth is fueled by millennial migration, international immigration, and a strong economy...
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Bold Threads, Big Dreams: The Fashion Innovation Shaping Columbus's Style Scene
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
When it comes to fashion, Columbus has the talent. It has the retail giants, the design schools, the logistics, and the creative minds. What it hasn’t had—until now—is the fashion infrastructure to stitch those pieces together. With the launch of the new Fashion Innovation Center in the heart of Downtown’s Discovery District, Yohannan “Yogi” Terrell and the Columbus Fashion Alliance are betting big on a bold vision: to make Columbus not just a great place for fashion, but a city defined by it. Could Columbus become the next fashion capital—not just of the Midwest, but of the...
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Annual State of Nonprofits
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
Central Ohio’s vast range of nonprofits care for children, families, animals, the environment, and just about everything in between. Our region’s nonprofit organizations – both large and small – are doing work that’s more important than ever, yet some are facing an uncertain future amid potential funding cuts and anxiety among the communities they serve. With a panel of passionate nonprofit leaders, we unpack the state of Central Ohio nonprofits at one of CMC’s most popular forums of the year. Featuring: Julie Fletcher, Director of Community Impact, Crane Group Joe Gottron,...
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The New Franklin County Health Map
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
Franklin County’s new 2025 Health Map is here, offering an updated look at the region’s biggest health challenges—and signs of progress. What do the latest numbers tell us about healthcare access, infant mortality, adverse childhood experiences, and more? Featuring: Joe Mazzola, Franklin County Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika W. Roberts, Health Commissioner, Columbus Public Health Dr. Andrew Thomas, Chief Clinical Officer, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center The host is Tracy Townsend, Medical Correspondent and Anchor, 10TV News This Morning. The presenting sponsors of...
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High-Tech Careers Mean High-Stakes Education
The Columbus Metropolitan Club
Central Ohio’s economic future is high-tech—but is our education system ready? With new semiconductor plants, clean energy facilities, and advanced logistics hubs rising across the region, the workforce of tomorrow will need advanced skills today. This week, the Columbus Metropolitan Club welcomes a panel of business and education leaders for a candid discussion on what it will take to prepare Ohio students for careers in STEM, AI, and other fast-evolving industries. Featuring: Geena Gamble, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, Worthington Enterprises Lisa Gray, President, Ohio Excels...
info_outlineCentral Ohio is growing rapidly, and the region’s four major hospital systems are following suit. Each of Columbus’ “Big Four” systems – OhioHealth, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Mount Carmel Health System, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital – are expanding rapidly, constructing new facilities and scrambling to hire legions of qualified healthcare professionals. With the region’s population expected to grow by 30% in the next 25 years, that may translate into 730,000 new residents – all of whom will require access to healthcare. Can Central Ohio’s biggest healthcare players keep pace with demand? This forum features an extraordinary panel featuring the CEOs of all four of the region’s major hospital systems for an in-depth exploration of the present and future of healthcare in Central Ohio.
Featuring panelists:
Dr. Stephen Markovich, President and Chief Executive Officer, OhioHealth
Timothy Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Dr. John Warner, Chief Executive Officer, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Executive Vice President, The Ohio State University
Tauana McDonald, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mount Carmel Health System
The host is Greg Moody, Director of Professional Development and the State of Ohio Leadership Institute, John Glenn College of Public Affairs, The Ohio State University.
The presenting sponsors of CMC’s long-running Optimal Health Series are The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, OhioHealth, and Nationwide Children's Hospital.
This forum was also sponsored by AstraZeneca, Cardinal Health, Fifth Third Bank, The Healthcare Career Collaborative of Central Ohio Powered by Aspyr, Mount Carmel Health System, and CK Construction.
The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC’s livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Vue Columbus.
This forum was recorded before a live audience at Vue Columbus in Columbus, Ohio's historic Brewery District on January 22, 2025.