Kate Bauer (she/her) is the Executive Director of Leadership Columbus, where she is dedicated to cultivating leadership excellence and fostering community engagement within Central Ohio. She oversees the strategic direction of the organization, aiming to empower both emerging and established leaders through comprehensive training and development programs. Kate is a people-led, conscious leader committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Before joining Leadership Columbus, Kate crafted and executed impactful philanthropic strategies at CoverMyMeds and Columbia Gas of Ohio. She developed community partnerships with local non-profit organizations, fostered employee engagement, and managed philanthropic grants. Kate has also held leadership development roles at NiSource and Big Lots Stores, Inc. where she supported teams by facilitating leadership programs, creating leadership development initiatives, and mentoring emerging leaders.

An active member of the community, Kate previously served as President of the board of directors for Dress for Success Columbus. She currently serves on the board of trustees for the Wexner Center for the Arts. Kate holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from The Ohio State University and a certification in Corporate Citizenship Management from Boston College. She is a 2017 alumna of Leadership Columbus.

Kate resides in Upper Arlington with her children, where she continues to be an engaged community member.