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July 28, 2026
The Columbus Bar Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the Fellows who participated in the 2026–2027 Board of Trustees election, held June 29 through July 10, 2026. By casting their ballots, Fellows helped shape the Foundation's leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing its mission of supporting the legal profession and expanding access to justice throughout Central Ohio. Through grants, philanthropy, and volunteer leadership, the Foundation strengthens legal education, supports lawyers in need, promotes professionalism, and invests in programs that make the justice system more accessible for our community.
The Foundation is proud to announce its newly elected and reelected Board of Trustees. Trustees play a vital role in guiding the Foundation's strategic direction, stewarding its philanthropic resources, and ensuring its continued impact for generations to come.
The Columbus Bar Foundation congratulates its 2026–2027 Board leadership and newly elected Trustees:
Geoffrey Kunkler (Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP) will serve as President of the Board of Trustees.
Caitlyn Nestleroth Johnson (Office of the Ohio Attorney General, Health & Human Services Section) has been reelected to a third consecutive term on the Board of Trustees.
David Rees Alexander (Squire Patton Boggs LLP) has been elected to his first term on the Board of Trustees.
Sarah Newberry (Babin Law LLC) has been elected to her first term on the Board of Trustees.
The Foundation also extends its heartfelt appreciation to departing Trustees Erin Herbst (Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter), Hon. Chad Readler (United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit), and Lee Wendel (Squire Patton Boggs LLP) for their years of dedicated service. Their leadership has helped advance initiatives that promote legal education, strengthen the profession, and improve access to justice across Central Ohio.
The strength of the Columbus Bar Foundation depends on the active involvement of its Fellows. Whether by voting in Foundation elections, serving in leadership roles, or supporting the Foundation's philanthropic work, Fellows make it possible to fund programs that provide civil legal services, support community mediation, assist self-represented litigants, recognize excellence within the profession, and invest in the future of justice in Central Ohio.
Join the Columbus Bar Foundation at the Annual Meeting & 50 Year Breakfast this October as we celebrate our newly elected Board of Trustees, recognize our 50 Year Honorees, and honor the volunteers and Fellows whose dedication continues to strengthen the legal profession and the communities we serve.
We look forward to celebrating with you.
Leah Dotson, MPAP
Development & Engagement Manager
Columbus Bar Foundation
