News & Media

A CEO to Celebrate

Doug Kridler ’77 Named CEO of the Year

Ohio Wesleyan University alumnus Doug Kridler ’77 has earned CEO of the Year honors from Columbus CEO magazine for his work with The Columbus Foundation.

Kridler, president and CEO of The Columbus Foundation since 2002, graces the cover of the magazine’s December issue and discusses his work with writer Melissa Kossler Dutton.

“My favorite part of the job is that through our work we have the chance to lift up others who are doing great works and helping others in the progress of this community,” says Kridler, who has overseen initiatives including The Big Give, The Big Table, and “The Spirit of Columbus.”

“My mantra is BGTH—Build Great Things Here,” he adds. “In my life’s journey, from a professional standpoint, there’s just nothing as fulfilling as helping make contributions to a community that’s breaking new ground every day.”

In 2015, The Columbus Foundation awarded more than $176 million in grants to nearly 3,000 charitable organizations in such fields as education, health, social services, community development, urban affairs, and the arts.

At Ohio Wesleyan, Kridler majored in sociology/anthropology and in politics and government. He also holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in arts management from the University of Utah.

He was selected for the Columbus CEO honor as part of the magazine’s 2016 Central Ohio CEO Survey. The survey was completed by CEOs and other high-ranking executives in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors across the 10 counties of the Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area: Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Hocking, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Perry, Pickaway and Union.

Read the complete magazine article, “CEO of the Year: Douglas Kridler, President & CEO, The Columbus Foundation.”

Congratulations, Doug, and thank you for your passion and commitment to improving life in Central Ohio!