VIEW LARGER IMAGE WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION HERE
COLUMBUS, OH (February 19, 2016)—The Columbus Foundation celebrated the outstanding work of our business and nonprofit leaders and innovators who were named the best in the United States for their accomplishments over the past year. The individuals and organizations were honored at the annual National Number Ones event held at the Foundation on February 19.
“Columbus is full of remarkable visionaries and people working together for the betterment of everyone—that’s why we celebrate our National Number Ones,” said Douglas F. Kridler, Columbus Foundation president and CEO. “Together we are building Columbus’ reputation as a place distinguished by both its knowledge resources and its openness to new ideas.”
The National Number Ones include:
Gene Smith, The Ohio State University Athletics,
National Champions in Multiple Sports, including Football, Wrestling, Pistol, Rowing, Synchronized Swimming,
and Ohio Stadium – #1 in U.S. in Average Football Game Attendance
Ann Hamilton,
National Medal of Arts – United States Government
Tom Stalf, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium,
Top Honor, Best Zoological Exhibit in U.S. – Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Jane Grote Abell, Donatos,
#1 Fast Casual Restaurant, Pizza Division – Technomic
Nannette Maciejunes, Columbus Museum of Art,
Michael Bongiorno, DesignGroup,
Robert and Peggy Walter Wing of Columbus Museum of Art:
Best of Architecture – Wall Street Journal
Elaine Roberts,
Transportation Champions of Change Award – The White House
Brutus Buckeye,
Division 1A Mascot of the Year – Universal Cheerleaders Association
Nancy Ferguson, former Mayor, New Albany,
America’s Number One Suburb – Business Insider
Centennial High School STEM Club,
National Champions – Rube Goldberg Machine Contest
Greg Ubert, Crimson Cup,
#1 Large Coffee Roaster in North America – Roast Magazine
Mayor Andy Ginther,
Excellence in Sustainability Award – National Environment Health Association,
and #1 Big City to get a Fresh Start in America – Credit Sesame
New Albany Classic,
In support of The Center for Family Safety and Healing,
Karen Days, President,
#1 – Specialty Equestrian Event – North American Riders Group
Tom Walker, Rev1 Ventures, Columbus,
City with Greatest Increase in Start-ups in the U.S. –
Kauffman Index of Entrepreneurship
Twenty One Pilots,
#1 Album Debut – Billboard 200 Chart,
and Ranked #1 – Essential Records of 2015 – Alternative Press
About The Columbus Foundation
The Columbus Foundation is the trusted philanthropic advisor® to 2,400 individuals, families, and businesses who have created charitable funds and planned gifts to make a difference in the lives of others through the most effective philanthropy possible. Serving the region for more than 70 years, The Columbus Foundation is the seventh largest community foundation in the United States. The Foundation’s online marketplace, PowerPhilanthropy,® makes giving mobile, easy, and smart. For more information, visit columbusfoundation.org or call 614/251-4000.