One Columbus Announces Three New Executive Committee Members
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Columbus, Ohio – Fresh off of a seventh straight Mac Conway Award as one of the twenty best economic development organizations in the nation, One Columbus is building on its strengths by announcing three new members to its Executive Committee.
Melody Birmingham (NiSource), Lori Gillett (CK Construction), and Matt Vaughan (Battelle) have joined the 17-person board that leads a comprehensive regional growth strategy that develops and attracts the world’s most competitive companies, grows a highly adaptive workforce, prepares our communities for the future and inspires corporate, academic and public innovation throughout the Columbus Region.
“We are thrilled to welcome these three exceptional leaders to our executive board at One Columbus,” said Kenny McDonald, President & CEO at the Columbus Partnership. “Their diverse expertise in key sectors of our economy and their commitment to our mission will be invaluable as we continue to drive economic growth and innovation in our region.”
About Melody Birmingham:
Melody Birmingham serves as Executive Vice President of NiSource Inc. (natural gas and electric distribution) and Group President, NiSource Utilities. With more than 26 years of experience in the energy industry, she currently leads the profit and loss for the group utilities, regulatory, public affairs, federal government affairs, customer operations, environmental sustainability, major accounts, and new business, for the six NiSource operating companies. Birmingham is an independent board director for 1st Source Corporation and 1st Source Bank. She is currently on the board of directors for United Way of Central Ohio and the Columbus Symphony and Orchestra. And she currently serves on the American Gas Association Executive Council and the Purdue University Polytechnic Diversity Advisory Committee. She is also a member of the Executive Leadership Council.
About Lori Gillett:
Lori Gillett is CEO and Chair of the Board at CK Construction Group. A third-generation owner of the family construction business, she began her career with Kokosing after graduating with a Civil Engineering degree. She brings over 30 years of construction industry experience, leadership of multiple acquisitions, and numerous project engineer and management positions in transportation, industrial and commercial construction, along with running a manufacturing facility. Governor DeWine appointed Lori to serve on the JobsOhio Board, where she also serves on its Executive Committee and is Chair of the Audit Committee. Lori serves on the Associated General Contractor’s Association of Ohio, Central Ohio Division Board and The New Albany Community Foundation Board of Trustees.
Lori is passionate about workforce development and serves as the co-chair for the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland STEM Leadership Center campaign, she recently completed her appointment on the Governor’s Executive Workforce Development Board, as appointed by 2 Governors, and she served for many years on the Advisory Board for the STEM Industry Council. She is a member of the Columbus Partnership and Young President’s Organization. Lori most recently served on SSOE Board of Directors, an internationally ranked architecture and engineering firm and the Ohio Northern University Advisory Board for the College of Engineering.
About Matt Vaughan:
Matt Vaughan is President of the Applied Science & Technology Group at Battelle. Matt came to Battelle from Leidos, Inc. where he served as a Senior Vice President within the Health business and was responsible for growing the company’s health products and solutions. In his six years with Leidos, Matt also held senior management positions with the company’s Integrated Systems Group, the Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group, and the company’s Government Affairs practice. Prior to Leidos, Matt spent 13 years with BAE (Sanders) Systems in program management, quality and government affairs roles. He began his professional career as a legislative assistant and legislative director for former United States Congressman Charles Bass.
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About One Columbus
As the economic development organization for the 11-county Columbus Region, One Columbus’ mission is to lead a comprehensive regional growth strategy that develops and attracts the world’s most competitive companies, grows a highly adaptive workforce, prepares our communities for the future and inspires corporate, academic and public innovation throughout the Columbus Region. One Columbus expertly guides companies through the location decision process. Through strategic business outreach and customized research, the One Columbus team leverages public, private and institutional partnerships to grow the Columbus Region’s economy and strengthen its national and international competitiveness. Funding is received from more than 300 private organizations, local governments, academic institutions and JobsOhio. Learn more at ColumbusRegion.com.
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For Immediate Release
May 16, 2024
One Columbus Media Contact
Jon Keeling
614-657-5917
jk@columbuspartnership.com