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Columbus Metropolitan Club
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Visionary speakers. Bold conversations. Meaningful connections. The Columbus Metropolitan Club cultivates big conversations, bold ideas, and meaningful connections that drive the region forward. For nearly 50 years, CMC has hosted weekly forums featuring visionary leaders — including CEOs, members of Congress, college presidents, UN ambassadors, artists, and other changemakers — sharing insights and discussion. Together, we examine issues that matter, exchange diverse perspectives, and forge connections that create a better Columbus. Whether it's a topic that impacts our local community, has global implications, or both, CMC participants leave our forums better educated, informed, and engaged. We invite you to join our community conversations each week. All CMC forums are recorded live in Columbus, Ohio.

  1. The State of Child Care

    3D AGO

    The State of Child Care

    The state of Central Ohio's childcare industry impacts parents, employers, the region's overall economy, and of course, the children who depend on quality childcare facilities and professionals. With so much riding on the state of childcare, we unpack the new 2025 Action for Children's Central Ohio Child Care Provider Survey. This comprehensive survey collects vital information from licensed child care providers about the local landscape of child care, and is the only continuing study of its kind in Ohio. Join CMC as a panel of experts and leaders unpacks this newest data to better understand the current state of childcare and the critical trends that will impact us all. Featuring panelists: Dr. Katherine Glenn-Applegate, Director of Child Care and Education Initiatives, Action for Children Hannah Halbert, Executive Director, Policy Matters Ohio Kara Wente, Director, The Ohio Department of Children and Youth Rhonda West, Owner and Administrator, Rhonda's Daycare Service Opening remarks by Tasha Booker, CEO, Action for Children.  Closing remarks by Franklin County Commissioner Erica Crawley.  The host is Jennifer Bullock, Anchor, NBC4. This forum was sponsored by The Care Economy Organizing Project, The Franklin County Board of Commissioners, Mollard Consulting, PNC, and The United Way of Central Ohio. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream is The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner is The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "The Daycare Myth: What We Get Wrong About Early Care and Education (and What We Should Do About It)" by Dan Wuori, 2024. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on February 11, 2026.

    53 min
  2. Cybersecurity in the Age of AI

    FEB 4

    Cybersecurity in the Age of AI

    Artificial intelligence is transforming cybersecurity at unprecedented speed. From state government to public transit to global business, leaders are confronting new risks while deploying new tools to defend critical systems. This forum examines how AI is changing cyber threats, what organizations can do to stay ahead, and why cybersecurity has become a leadership issue for every sector in Central Ohio. Featuring: Kirk Herath, Cybersecurity Strategic Advisor to Governor Mike DeWine and Chair, CyberOhio Sophia Mohr, Chief Innovation and Technology Officer, COTA Michael Wyatt, Global Identity Offering Leader, Cyber and Strategic Risk, Deloitte The host is Padma Sastry, Adjunct Faculty at The Ohio State University College of Engineering. This forum was sponsored by COTA and Deloitte. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream is The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner is The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "FAIK: A Practical Guide to Living in a World of Deepfakes, Disinformation, and AI Generated Deceptions," by Perry Carpenter (2025). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus Ohio on February 4, 2026.

    53 min
  3. Haitian Refugees and the Future of Immigration in Central Ohio

    JAN 21

    Haitian Refugees and the Future of Immigration in Central Ohio

    Tucked into neighborhoods across Central Ohio are thousands of Haitian refugees and their families who've built lives, businesses, and communities—many under a federal designation called Temporary Protected Status (TPS). With that protection set to expire on February 3, their futures hang in the balance. This conversation dives into the shifting terrain of U.S. immigration policy and how it's playing out in real time across Central Ohio. We unpack the legal pathways available to immigrants and refugees, the challenges of navigating a system marked by long backlogs and limited resources, and the broader implications for citizenship, deportation, and belonging. Featuring: Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, Columbus City Councilmember Emily Brown, Immigration Clinic Director, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. Sophia Pierrelus, Entrepreneur and Former Secretary of the Mouvement Patriotique des Haïtiens Conscients (MPHC) Angela Plummer, Executive Director, Community Refugee and Immigration Services. The host is Danae King, Underserved Communities Reporter, The Columbus Dispatch. Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin makes opening remarks. This forum was sponsored by Columbus City Council. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream and promotional partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Raiding the Heartland: An American Story of Deportation and Resistance by William D. Lopez (2025). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on January 21, 2026.

    54 min
  4. Black Men in Central Ohio: Realities, Resilience, and the Road Ahead

    JAN 14

    Black Men in Central Ohio: Realities, Resilience, and the Road Ahead

    What does it mean to be a Black man in Central Ohio in 2026? In Central Ohio, Black men face a unique and often underexamined set of challenges — and opportunities — shaped by generations of systemic inequities and the evolving dynamics of a rapidly growing region. Black men continue to be disproportionately affected by disparities in health, education, income, and incarceration. We explore the realities of navigating mental health stigma, economic exclusion, and more — while spotlighting the resilience, innovation, and leadership that define the community. Featuring: Jason Jenkins, Chief Diversity Officer and Executive Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, City of Columbus Duwain Pinder, Partner, McKinsey & Company Marshall Shorts, Founder and Principal, Artfluential, and Creative Director, Ohio Organizing Collaborative The host is Corey Favor, Senior Director of Community Engagement, Orange Barrel Media. This forum was sponsored by Otterbein University and McKinsey & Company. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream is The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner is The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading The Invisible Ache: Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power by Courtney B. Vance (2023). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on January 14, 2026.

    53 min
  5. Annual Blue Chip Economic Forecast

    JAN 7

    Annual Blue Chip Economic Forecast

    What will power Central Ohio's economy in 2026—and what's keeping business leaders up at night? With changing tariffs, reduced immigration, and transformative tech like AI reshaping industries, the economic road ahead is anything but clear. Yet Central Ohio continues to outperform much of the Midwest—thanks to population growth, public investment, and a rapidly diversifying economy. What trends will define the year ahead for our region's employers, workers, and entrepreneurs? And what are the risks no one's talking about yet? Featuring the release of the 2026 Regionomics Columbus Economic Forecast, this week's forum aims to help Central Ohio's civic and business leaders understand what's coming next—and how to prepare. Featuring: Kathy Bostjancic, Chief Economist, Nationwide Financial Dr. Aravind Chandrasekaran, Dean, Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University Dr. Bill LaFayette, Owner, Regionomics (who also presents opening remarks) The host is Ben Lanka, Business Editor, The Columbus Dispatch.  This forum was sponsored by The Columbus Partnership, Ian Alexander Photography, PNC, The Robert Weiler Company, and Smoot Construction. The presenting sponsor of our livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. Our livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading In This Economy? How Money and Markets Really Work by Kyla Scanlon (2024). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on January 7, 2026.

    48 min
  6. Annual State of Downtown: Building a Safer, Stronger Downtown

    12/17/2025

    Annual State of Downtown: Building a Safer, Stronger Downtown

    Downtown Columbus is changing rapidly, and local leaders are working to build a safer, more vibrant, and more connected urban core. We bring together experts from public safety, urban development, and community strategy to explore what it will take to strengthen the heart of the city. From new safety initiatives to long-term planning and partnership models, the conversation highlights how a thriving downtown Columbus drives Central Ohio's regional success. Featuring: Greg Davies, CEO, Downtown Columbus, Inc. Robin Davis, Executive Director, Safer Downtown Smith Weir, Deputy Chief of the Columbus Division of Police The host is Dawn Tyler Lee, former Deputy Chief of Staff with The City of Columbus, and Founder and CEO, Forrest Street Consulting. Amy Taylor, President of Downtown Columbus, Inc., presents opening remarks on the state of downtown. This forum was sponsored by Downtown Columbus, Inc., Event Marketing Strategies, MKSK, and The Robert Weiler Company. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you would like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America One Step at a Time by Jeff Speck (2022). This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on December 17, 2025.

    54 min
  7. Urban Power: How Cities Are Driving Ohio's Growth

    12/10/2025

    Urban Power: How Cities Are Driving Ohio's Growth

    In a rare joint appearance, the mayors of Columbus, Findlay, Lima, and Toledo—Andrew J. Ginther, Christina Muryn, Sharetta Smith, and Wade Kapszukiewicz—take the stage for a powerful conversation on the future of urban leadership in Ohio. Together, these four leaders represent more than a million Ohioans—nearly 10% of the state's population. From economic growth and urban development to transit, public safety, and civic engagement, they share strategies for building stronger, more connected, and more resilient cities. Featuring: Andrew J. Ginther, Mayor, City of Columbus Christina Muryn, Mayor, City of Findlay Sharetta Smith, Mayor, City of Lima Wade Kapszukiewicz, Mayor, City of Toledo Your host is Stacia Naquin, News Anchor, WBNS 10TV. This forum was sponsored by The Ohio State University, The Ohio Mayors Alliance, and The Robert Weiler Company. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you'd like to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our partners at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "Silicon Heartland: Transforming the Midwest from Rust Belt to Tech Belt," by Rebecca A. Fannin (2023).  This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on December 10, 2025.

    51 min
  8. Creative Capital: How the Arts Power Community Infrastructure

    12/03/2025

    Creative Capital: How the Arts Power Community Infrastructure

    The arts are more than inspiration—they're critical infrastructure. Across Central Ohio, cultural organizations are using shared data and collaborative evaluation to show how the arts drive workforce readiness, economic development, public health, and community well-being. This forum spotlights the Central Ohio Arts Impact Initiative and a growing movement to position the arts as essential to the region's social and economic infrastructure. This week, we hear from arts leaders, data experts, and civic partners on how creative work is delivering measurable outcomes that align with Central Ohio's priorities to nurture vibrant urban suburban, and exurban communities. Featuring: Dr. Kimberlee Goodman, Executive Director, The McConnell Arts Center Angela Meleca, Chief Advocate Officer, Meleca Creative Advisors Priscilla R. Tyson, Former Columbus City Councilmember, Founder, Priscilla Tyson Consulting Your host is Sheri Chaney Jones, Co-Founder and CEO, SureImpact. The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC's livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by Downtown Columbus, Inc. and The National Veterans Memorial and Museum. If you're ready to keep exploring this week's forum topic, our friends at The Columbus Metropolitan Library recommend reading "Run It Like a Business: Strategies for Arts Organizations to Increase Audiences, Remain Relevant, and Multiply Money – Without Losing the Art," by Aubrey Bergauer. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio on December 3, 2025.

    55 min
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About

Visionary speakers. Bold conversations. Meaningful connections. The Columbus Metropolitan Club cultivates big conversations, bold ideas, and meaningful connections that drive the region forward. For nearly 50 years, CMC has hosted weekly forums featuring visionary leaders — including CEOs, members of Congress, college presidents, UN ambassadors, artists, and other changemakers — sharing insights and discussion. Together, we examine issues that matter, exchange diverse perspectives, and forge connections that create a better Columbus. Whether it's a topic that impacts our local community, has global implications, or both, CMC participants leave our forums better educated, informed, and engaged. We invite you to join our community conversations each week. All CMC forums are recorded live in Columbus, Ohio.

Information

  • Creator
    Columbus Metropolitan Club
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2025 Columbus Metropolitan Club. All rights reserved.
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    The Community's Conversation