University trustees elect new officers

The Ohio State University Board of Trustees has approved a slate of new officers for the upcoming year. New officers include Robert H. Schottenstein, chair; Brian K. Hicks, vice chair; and John C. “Jack” Fisher, vice chair. The board also reappointed David G. Horn as secretary.

Schottenstein replaces Leslie H. Wexner as board chair, a position he has held since April 2009. Hicks and Fisher replace Walden W. O’Dell and Alex Shumate as vice chairs.

President E. Gordon Gee praised Wexner for his leadership on the board, and particularly for focusing the board’s work on strategic priorities, effective governance and fiduciary responsibilities.

“Having the opportunity to work closely with Les Wexner ranks as one of the most rewarding aspects of my time at Ohio State,” said Gee. “He has improved this university in innumerable ways, and I am proud to count him as a friend. Truly, our university is blessed to have a remarkably strong board, and Bob Schottenstein will provide exceptional leadership and continue our forward progress.”

Schottenstein, chairman of the board, chief executive officer and president of M/I Homes, Inc., was appointed to the board in 2005; his term expires in 2014. He currently chairs the board’s Audit and Compliance Committee and is a member and past chair of the Finance Committee. He is also a member of the Medical Affairs Committee. As chair of the Audit and Compliance Committee, Schottenstein has led the process to assess the quality of compliance functions across the university and make recommendations for enhanced effectiveness.

Trusteeship Committee chair Alex Shumate said, “This is a significant moment for the university. Under Les Wexner’s leadership we developed both a strong board governance structure and strategic goals that set forth a clear and compelling vision for the future of the University. Bob Schottenstein is perfectly positioned to lead us forward as we take the steps necessary to realize that vision.”

“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve Ohio State,” stated Schottenstein. “Both the board and the university have made enormous strides under the extraordinary leadership of Chairman Les Wexner and President Gordon Gee. This is indeed a special time for the university as we are aligned on a set of ambitious goals that will secure Ohio State’s position as one of the nation’s premier universities.”

Schottenstein, Hicks and Fisher will assume their leadership posts following the April 6 board meeting. Hicks, president and CEO of Hicks Partners, LLC, is a 2004 appointee to the board. Fisher, executive vice president of The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, Inc., is a 2006 appointee to the board. Their terms end in 2013.