Effective Optimism—The Case for Increasing Investment in Central Ohio
Presented By: Ice Miller LLP
Long before Intel and others tapped central Ohio for transformative economic development, the collective efforts of local entrepreneurs, CEOs, and regional business leaders, alongside a key group of national companies that chose Columbus as a pivotal hub for their operations, laid the foundation for growth. Join us for a conversation that explores the driving forces behind Central Ohio's thriving business landscape and the exciting prospects it holds for the future.
Moderator:
Partner
Ice Miller LLP
Chris Michael is a Partner at Ice Miller LLP who focuses on representing buyers and sellers primarily in middle market transactions. As such, Chris advises strategic and financial buyers and sellers alike as well as family offices across all stages of transactions. Chris is also part of a third generation family business and enjoys drawing on these first-hand experiences.
Panelists:
Managing Principal
Hackman Capital Partners
Kris joined Hackman Capital Partners in 2017 and serves as Managing Principal of the company’s Studio and Media Platform. In his role, Kris oversees the firm’s operations of its studio and media portfolio. Kris brings more than 20 years of experience in private equity, principal investing, and operational and strategic leadership.
Prior to joining Hackman Capital, Kris held several senior executive roles at Borden Capital Management Partners, an affiliate of KKR & Co. At Borden Capital, Kris provided strategic and transactional leadership for Borden’s portfolio of companies and oversaw the execution of many high-value transactions, including, among others, the sale of Borden Chemical to Apollo Global Management Group and the subsequent rollup of companies to create Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Inc. Kris is a founding partner of 3Stone Advisors, a private equity and advisory firm focused on early-stage, IP-driven investments. Kris earned his B.A. in Economics and Juris Doctorate from The Ohio State University.
Co-Founder, President & CEO
Leading EDJE
Joelle started Leading EDJE to provide comprehensive and integrated IT consulting services. Before that, Joelle spent 14 years with Software Architects (SARK), building a local practice while starting and supporting 11 other offices nationally. Prior to the IT industry, she was a field reporter and on-air radio personality. Joelle is board member of First Merchants Bank and board president of Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO) Columbus chapter.
Chief Clinical Officer
MedVet
Jennifer Kerestan is the Chief Clinical Officer at MedVet. She co-leads the healthcare team with the Chief Medical Officer to deliver an exception caregiver experience and MedVet experience for patients, clients, and referral partners, while supporting healthy growth. Prior to her current role, she served as MedVet's first Chief Operations Officer and has been part of the organization's growth from two locations in 2011 to its current thirty-seven.
Executive Vice President
One Columbus
As executive vice president, Matt is focused on driving continuous improvement in the organization’s performance and aligning domestic, international, and existing industry outreach strategies. He engages with One Columbus’ network of national site consultants and works closely with our network of local economic development professionals. Matt has more than 20 years working in economic development, with international experience in Japan, China, Korea, Italy, UK, Netherlands, Austria, and Germany. He also worked directly within the real estate industry.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Top 50 Economic Developer, Consultant Connect, 2016
BOARD AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Board Member, Central Ohio Commercial Information Exchange (COCIE) Board Member, Mid-Ohio Development Exchange (MODE)