Media Release
September 21, 2022
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: Jane Scott, 614-315-7298, janescott@columbusmetroclub.org
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Jane Scott announced her retirement as President and CEO of the Columbus Metropolitan Club at the organization’s annual meeting, September 21 at the Boat House. Having held this role with CMC since September of 2003, Scott will conclude her tenure in May 2023.“The Metropolitan Club plays an important and unique role in Columbus,” Scott said, “and it’s been an honor and privilege to serve the community through our work with CMC. Most people may not realize that there are very few organizations anywhere in the entire country like CMC that promote free speech and convene meaningful community conversations, and CMC is one of the best.”
At the annual meeting, CMC Board of Trustees Chair Kelly Atkinson responded to the announcement by reminding members that during Scott’s years with the nonprofit organization, she has led the growth of membership from 600 to nearly 1,400, with forum attendance growing from 110 per Wednesday forum to a 220 pre-COVID average.
As the pandemic surged in the spring of 2020, CMC quickly shifted from in-person audiences to livestreaming its weekly forums as a community service. While in-person audiences have resumed, CMC has also continued livestreaming, providing a valuable option and a great opportunity to reach more people with audiences that match or exceed those prior to pandemic shutdowns.
Sponsorships have also grown significantly since Scott took the reins in 2003 from $82,000 to upwards of $400,000 representing more than 100 sponsors.
Atkinson said the Board of Trustees has a transition team who has engaged The Benefactor Group to guide the organization’s search for a new leader. “It will be difficult to fill Jane’s shoes,” said Atkinson, “but she is leaving the organization in a very strong position financially and with an incredibly talented professional staff in place so the next CEO will have a tremendous opportunity to continue CMC’s success.”
Resource Development Chair Carey Schmitt announced that the Board is establishing a new CMC Legacy in Civic Engagement Fund to honor Scott.
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