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Columbus, Ohio – The Columbus Partnership has named Ann Aquillo as Chief Policy Officer, adding one of Ohio’s most respected public affairs leaders to its executive team. Aquillo will guide advocacy and government relations, advancing initiatives that shape the Columbus Region’s economic future.
She brings more than two decades of experience spanning state government, corporate strategy and civic leadership. Most recently, Aquillo founded and led a boutique public affairs firm supporting public-private clients in navigating policy, planning and government relations.
Prior to that, she spent more than 15 years as vice president of corporate affairs at The ScottsMiracle-Gro Company. There, she built and led the company’s first dedicated government relations team, expanded its public affairs presence across more than 20 states, and strengthened engagement at the federal level. She also modernized the company’s political engagement programs, growing associate involvement and aligning advocacy with long-term corporate priorities.
“Ann brings ambition, grit and vision to everything she touches,” said Jason Hall, CEO of the Columbus Partnership. “She has earned deep trust across party lines, and she understands how to leverage relationships to deliver game-changing outcomes. Her leadership will strengthen our metro’s position as a national model for policy innovation and civic impact.”
Aquillo brings a deep understanding of public service, having held senior roles under Republican Governor Bob Taft and supporting the transition for Democratic Governor Ted Strickland. She has built strong relationships across federal, state and local government, earning a reputation for bipartisan leadership and a focused, effective approach to advancing policy priorities.
“Ann is poised to make her mark by strengthening how the Columbus Region engages, plans and delivers on big opportunities,” said Steve Steinour, co-chair of the Columbus Partnership and chairman, president and CEO of Huntington Bancshares. “She brings the discipline and foresight needed to turn strategy into progress.”
Aquillo is already well known for her leadership of the Columbus Region War Room, an initiative implemented to maximize federal investment in regional infrastructure. The War Room has helped deliver more than $200 million in discretionary funding for transportation, workforce and economic development projects by uniting government leaders, business executives and nonprofit partners in a coordinated, high-impact approach.
“Ann helped lead a new era of regional, cross-sector collaboration to secure federal funding that will improve lives and expand opportunity,” said Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther. “She will bring that same determination and strategic focus in her new role as we work together to build the future of Central Ohio.”
“Ann brings a deep understanding of how public policy impacts every corner of our region,” said Union County Commissioner Tom McCarthy. “She knows how to connect priorities across jurisdictions, ensuring communities like ours are part of the broader conversation and strategy. That perspective is critical as we navigate growth together.”
Ann will formally begin her role on January 1.
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About the Columbus Partnership
The Columbus Partnership brings together civic-minded business leaders to advance a shared vision to make Columbus the most prosperous region in the country. Columbus Partnership member CEOs are committed to the future of the Columbus metropolitan area through high-impact civic and philanthropic engagement. Through our One Columbus and Smart Columbus brands and investor support, our team works to help create jobs and attract capital investment, expand access to opportunity, and improve the economic competitiveness of the Columbus Region. Learn more at columbusregion.com.
For Immediate Release
November 18, 2025
Media Contacts
Jon Keeling, Columbus Partnership
614-657-5917
jk@columbuspartnership.com