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Staff

Kathy Chipps, Development Director

Kathy Chipps is a seasoned professional with a passion for driving positive change in her community. As the Development Director at Leadership Columbus, she combines her extensive experience in fundraising and strategic planning with a genuine commitment to fostering leadership excellence. With a background rooted in philanthropy, Kathy has successfully spearheaded numerous fundraising campaigns, forging lasting connections with key stakeholders and contributors. Her dynamic approach to development has played a pivotal role in advancing the mission of Leadership Columbus, empowering emerging leaders and shaping the future of the region.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Kathy is a multifaceted individual with a diverse set of interests. An avid culinary enthusiast, she channels her creativity into the art of cooking and entertaining. Her flair for crafting memorable dining experiences reflects not only a love for good food but a keen understanding of the importance of building connections around the table.

Kathy’s wanderlust extends beyond the boardroom, as she finds joy in planning and embarking on travel adventures. Whether immersing herself in the vibrant cultures of distant lands or discovering hidden gems closer to home, Kathy’s passion for travel is a testament to her adventurous spirit and open-minded approach to life.

A die-hard fan of Buckeye football, Kathy’s Fall weekends often revolve around the exhilarating energy of the game. Her unwavering support for the team not only showcases her commitment to local pride but also serves as a reminder of the importance of community bonds in fostering a sense of belonging.

Kathy Chipps embodies the spirit of Leadership Columbus through her multifaceted approach to both professional and personal endeavors. With a passion for bringing people together, and a love for exploration, she continues to make a lasting impact on the community she serves.

Collin Ries, Program & Marketing Manager

Collin Ries (he/him) serves as the Program & Marketing Manager for Leadership Columbus. He is the staff lead on the Leadership Columbus Signature Program, Nonprofit Board Governance Training, and LC Table Talks, as well as providing programming and administrative support for the Leadership Columbus team. He also manages the organization’s marketing and social media presence.

Prior to joining the Leadership Columbus Team, Collin served as the Graduate Assistant for the Nonprofit Administration Program at John Carroll University (JCU), working to advance the program’s mission to “develop unapologetic social justice leaders.” He has also worked and interned in various capacities at the CityMusic Cleveland Chamber Orchestra, Ohio Environmental Council and The Ohio State University.

A Columbus native, Collin holds a Master’s in Nonprofit Administration from John Carroll University and a Bachelor’s in Evolution and Ecology from The Ohio State University, as well as Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting from BoardSource. Collin was named a 2020 Nonprofit Leader of Tomorrow by the Nonprofit Administration Program at JCU. In his free time, he enjoys birdwatching in Columbus’s Metro Park system and continuing to explore all that Columbus has to offer.

Laddan Shoar, Central Ohio Leadership Academy Program Manager

Laddan Shoar (she/her) is the Program Manager for the Central Ohio Leadership Academy (COLA) for Leadership Columbus. She has a background in both corporate and non-profit sectors, with 18 years of financial services experience. She is passionate about organizing various community events, fundraising, and outreach opportunities with an emphasis on resource distribution and leveraging networks in order to serve community members of all ages and backgrounds. 
Laddan is committed to community connection and social justice, as they pertain to the health and sustainability of society and collective quality of life. She is an enthusiastic collaborator in advancing equity and opportunities for all.  

An avid Rotarian and board member serving three community organizations, she also serves on a local DEI Task Force. She is a transformational and emotional intelligence leadership mentor/coach, with a focus on heart-centered leadership. 

She is most excited about Leadership Columbus’s adoption of the COLA program and developing the leadership skills of young leaders in Central Ohio, to inspire them to lead with purpose and make a positive impact in their communities through collaboration and teamwork.  

Laddan enjoys the arts, traveling, gardening, community service, and spending quality time with family and friends.