Download this Press Release (PDF)
Columbus, Ohio –The Columbus Partnership today announced that Kenny McDonald will step down from his role as president and CEO of One Columbus, effective September 1, 2025. Matt McCollister, One Columbus executive vice president, will serve as interim president of One Columbus while a national search is conducted. McDonald will support the organization as an advisor during the transition period.
“For 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with amazing community leaders from across the Columbus Region, talented colleagues in and outside the organization, and clients from across the world,” said McDonald. “I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished to advance our region, and I’ll continue to be one of Central Ohio’s biggest champions.”
McDonald was recruited to the Columbus Partnership in 2010 to build and lead Columbus 2020, the team now known as One Columbus. Columbus 2020 was catalyzed by the Columbus Partnership’s visionary commitment to elevate economic development efforts and drive regional growth. During McDonald’s 15 years with the organization, the Columbus Region experienced historic economic growth and solidified its position as a premier destination for capital investment and job creation.
“Kenny helped the Columbus Region usher in a transformative chapter. His work with our business community and his efforts on behalf of everyone in Central Ohio have been extraordinary,” said Steve Steinour, Columbus Partnership co-chair, and chairman, president and CEO of Huntington Bank. “Kenny is one of the best economic development professionals in the country, if not the world. The Columbus Region is known today as a national leader in no small part due to his vision and the elite team of professionals he built. The Columbus Partnership will remain committed to his legacy and driving continued growth.”
Under McDonald’s leadership, One Columbus established itself as a top-ranked economic development team, and Columbus has secured a spot in Site Selection magazine’s Top 10 Metro Areas every year for the past 13 years. Since its founding in 2010, One Columbus has managed 827 company expansion projects, bringing more than 80,000 new jobs and nearly $50 billion of capital investment to the Columbus Region.
“Before I came to Columbus, I studied the Columbus Region as a model for economic development excellence and called on Kenny for counsel. Working with Kenny has shown me that he didn’t just raise the bar – he often defined it for an entire generation of us in this work,” said Jason Hall, CEO, Columbus Partnership. “The growth we’re experiencing in the Columbus Region is a demonstration of Kenny’s leadership, the partners he brought together in common purpose, and our exceptional team. We will honor Kenny by pushing even more ambitiously into the next chapter of success, which is exactly what he’d expect of all of us.”
Matt McCollister, executive vice president, will serve as interim president of One Columbus while Beecher Hill conducts a national search to identify McDonald’s permanent successor. McCollister’s work with companies, staff, state and local partners has positioned the Columbus Region as a globally competitive market. His track record has earned him national recognition, including two appearances on Consultant Connect’s Top 50 Economic Developers list.
“As a business leader, I experience firsthand why Columbus is an ideal business location. And as a One Columbus executive committee member, I’ve had a front row seat to Kenny’s tireless dedication and ability to lead our region to major project wins,” said Mark Berven, One Columbus Executive Committee chair and president and chief operating officer of Nationwide Property & Casualty. “Matt has been a driving force behind many One Columbus achievements and will bring the continuity and momentum we need during this transition.”
Comments from area leaders
“Columbus is the economic engine that drives Central Ohio, and Central Ohio’s strength makes Columbus even more competitive on a global stage. Our region’s unprecedented growth is the result of many factors – our talented workforce, an innovative business community, and collaborative strategic investments. And Kenny’s expertise and efforts have supercharged our regional success and momentum,” said Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther.
“The Columbus Region is a national economic development leader, and JobsOhio is proud to be one of One Columbus’ key partners in that success. As a founding member of the organization, Kenny’s impact, leadership and vision have consistently delivered results that strengthen not just Central Ohio, but our entire state’s competitive position that will be felt for decades to come as we build on that foundation,” said J.P. Nauseef, president and CEO, JobsOhio.
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Kenny since the launch of Columbus 2020. His vision has lifted every county in the Columbus Region from day one. Kenny didn’t just lead economic development—he transformed it by showing us we could compete at an entirely new level. He’s been our region’s greatest advocate, and because of his dedication, our 11 counties are more prepared and collaborative than ever,” said Eric Phillips, executive director, Union County-Marysville Economic Development Partnership.
“Kenny understands that behind every successful economic development project are local leaders dealing with real challenges on the ground in their communities. He never treated local government as an obstacle, instead bringing us to the table as essential partners in building an environment where businesses thrive. That mindset of partnership has been instrumental to our achievements in Dublin and communities across Central Ohio,” said Mayor Chris Amorose Groomes, City of Dublin.
###
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
August 18, 2025
Columbus Partnership Media Contact
Irene Alvarez
614-315-6254
irene@irenealvarez.com