The Columbus Partnership didn't have to look far for its next executive, but leaders in the business organization said they were not just playing it safe.
The Partnership on Sept. 10 announced it selected Corrine Burger as its next permanent CEO. Burger has served as interim director since former CEO Jason Hall left in June.
In prepared remarks, Burger said it is "a privilege" to lead team members "who are deeply committed to our region's future."
"The Columbus region's greatest strength has always been how we work together, and I'm honored to carry that work forward."
Kirt Walker, Columbus Partnership co-chair and CEO of Nationwide, said Burger was "the right play," not a "safe" one.
Walker pointed to Burger's 34-year tenure at JPMorganChase and
predecessor bank Bank One and previous membership with the Partnership and service on the One Columbus board of directors.
"Holy cow, this is the right leader to lead the Partnership," Walker said.
Steve Steinour, the Partnership's other co-chair and president CEO of Huntington Bancshares, said Burger was "so well established, so well-respected that the choice was easy," noting "her impact was felt on her first day as interim CEO. She has earned the confidence of our members, our team and leaders across the region."
Burger said her goals are to "grow an economy that wins new jobs and investment, and shape a region where more people can prosper."
The Partnership is a private economic development organization founded in 2002 and made up of more than 80 CEOs from Columbus' leading businesses. Founders included retail mogul Les Wexner; Jack Kessler, a longtime business partner of Wexner; and former Dispatch publisher John F. Wolfe. It has both an executive committee and a board of advisers, each made up of representatives from prominent companies in the region.
Burger appointment comes after abrupt Hall departure
Burger's selection as the Partnership's CEO comes after Hall's abrupt departure in June. While Hall said he was leaving to relocate close to his parents in the St. Louis area where he had previously led a similar organization, The Dispatch previously reported that he was forced out over complaints of a hostile work environment.
The Dispatch reported in June that Hall had suddenly resignedafter former employees accused him of creating a culture of "intimidation" and "bullying."
Leaders of the Columbus Partnership told The Dispatch Sept. 9 that Hall had made positive changes in Columbus. And they downplayed assertions that the Partnership's mission or reputation had been hurt by a reported bullying and hostile workplace.
When asked by The Dispatch about lingering fallout from Hall's leadership, Walker said there has been "positive fallout." Walker pointed to positive changes Hall implemented and said that Columbus' ranking and reputation had grown under Hall, bringing new employers, thousands of jobs and billions of capital investment dollars to the region.
Growth and development reporter Dean Narciso can be reached at dnarciso@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Partnership taps central Ohio power player as next CEO
