August 2 at 8:00 AM
Navigating the Political Divide
Hilton Columbus at Easton, Regent 1
Capacity: 50
Ticket: $40
Join us for a continental buffet breakfast and a special program designed for directors, CEOs, and leaders at any level and career stage. During a 30-minute fireside chat with Dr. Frederic Bertley, CEO of COSI, and Kent Johnson, CEO of Highlights, we’ll learn how two local organizations are setting and staying true to their values, navigating social and political divisions, and advocating for their organizations’ audience members. Hear their perspectives and bring your own burning questions to the conversation!
This hour-long event (8:00-9:00 a.m.) will include time to mingle with your peers during breakfast service (~15 min) and immediately following the fireside chat (~15 min).
The leadership breakfast is sponsored by Distinguished Fine Art & Collectibles and Hub International.
Guest Speakers:
Frederic Bertley, Ph.D.
President and CEO, Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
Dr. Bertley is a scientist, scholar, immunologist and educator. His passion for science and innovation brings the joy of discovery to people of all ages where they live, learn and lounge.
His innovation has led to experiences including the COSI Science Festival, The Color of ScienceTM and EiPIC, as well as the COSI STEM kits. Under his leadership, COSI has been voted the nation’s #1 science museum for four consecutive years in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and been awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal.
After graduating from McGill University where he studied Physiology, Mathematics and the History of Science, and earned a Ph.D. in Immunology, Bertley worked internationally in preventative medicine and basic vaccines. He continued this focus in a research group at Harvard Medical School, focusing on the development of DNA vaccines for HIV/AIDS. Before COSI, Dr. Bertley served as SVP for science and education at The Franklin Institute.
Bertley co-created and hosts the prime time television show QED with Dr. B, in partnership with PBS-WOSU Public Media. He also created the animated online series, Dr. B in 3. These science literacy creatives have won a combined six EMMYTM awards.
He has presented at The United Nations, The White House, the National Academy of Sciences, NASA and in Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. Dr. Bertley has received honors including: the Spirit of Columbus Award, the George Washington Carver Award, Columbus CEO of the Year and blooloop 50 Museum Influencer (UK). He was also awarded honorary degrees from Otterbein University, Columbus State and the Presidential Medal of Service from The Ohio State University.
Kent S. Johnson
Chief Executive Officer, Highlights for Children, Inc.
Kent S. Johnson is Chief Executive Officer of Highlights for Children, Inc. and a member of the corporation’s board of directors. Johnson is also the great-grandson of the company’s founders, Garry and Caroline Myers, who began Highlights in 1946.
Highlights for Children creates content and experiences that engage, delight and foster joyful learning in children, all in service of creating a kinder, more empathetic and more optimistic world. Operating a family of brands including Highlights, Zaner-Bloser, and Stenhouse Publishers, Highlights for Children reaches millions of children, families and educators in over 50 countries, in dozens of languages and across content platforms and formats.
Johnson also serves on the board of directors of Schurz Communications, Inc., The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and Momentum Excellence. He is also a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO).
Johnson received his bachelor’s degree from Amherst College and his Doctorate in Physics from Harvard University. Prior to joining Highlights, he served in various roles in research and development, manufacturing and operations in the biotech industry. Johnson lives in Bexley, Ohio with his wife and two sons.