The Greater Columbus Sports Commission (GCSC) has selected 21 professionals to be a part of the organization’s inaugural Emerging Leaders Board.

This training program for future leaders is designed to expose candidates to civic responsibility, leadership and community relations. Consideration for the board was given to those 25-to-45 years old and in the early to middle part of their careers.

The board will meet quarterly and have the opportunity to volunteer for events, attend business and social meetings and assist the commission in bringing sporting events to the city. Board members will serve three-year terms.

"As Columbus continues to grow, it’s important to continue adding new voices to the table. The Emerging Leaders Board will offer new perspectives, bring in fresh ideas and help us diversify our workforce and board members for years to come,” said Dawn Stewart, director of strategic partnerships at the Greater Columbus Sports Commission.

 

Emerging Leaders Board Members

Kendel Blake, Assistant to the City Manager, City of Dublin
Kayleigh Bowe, Events Producer at Columbus Chamber of Commerce
Dominic Elmo, Associate Wealth Advisor at Strata Financial Group, LLC
Nick Ferrando, Benefits Advisor at Oswald Companies 
Jake Gallerno, Account Manager at Equipment & Controls Inc
Brandon Gessner, Senior Director of Global Accounts at HelmsBriscoe
Lauren Graham, Director, Event Operations at Pelotonia
Alissa Harle, Sponsorship Manager at OSU Alumni Association and Business Advancement 
Logan Hittle, Assistant Athletic Director of NIL at OSU
Jessica McCombs, Corporate Partnerships Executive at Columbus Fury
Nate Oliver, PEO Consultant at TriNet
Chad Pepper, Business Development Major/Enterprise Accounts at Perry ProTech
Aaliyah Phounsavath, Marketing Specialist at Columbus Chamber of Commerce
Tyler Roesch, Assurance Manager at GBQ Partners
Julius Salgado, Director of Commercial Solutions at City Wide Facility Solutions
David Snider, Associate Director, Knowlton Center for Career Exploration at Denison University
Clifton Sparrow III, Social Media Influencer at Black Food Life
Matt Spitz, Vice President at Elter Construction Inc.
Colin Wiggins, Manager, Local Media & Sponsorships at Safelite AutoGlass
Molly Williamson, Co-Founder at Willow PR
Bryan Wood, Senior Consultant, Office of Corporate Strategy at Nationwide Mutual Insurance  

 

In the past year, Columbus has landed:

  • 2024 U.S. Figure Skating Championships

  • 2024 MLS All-Star Game

  • 2025 NHL Stadium Series

  • 2027 NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four

 

“We’re so excited to have such a large and influential inaugural class, and we look forward to working with these ambassadors for our city,” Stewart added.