John Steven Christie

Inducted: 2026

John Christie’s career spanned leadership roles for several pivotal regional entities. At just 32 years of age he was made president of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce due to his ideas and passion for the city. There he helped establish and grow the region’s auto supply network, frequently traveling to Japan in pursuit of this goal. As senior vice president of corporate development at Battelle Memorial Institute, he expanded their business model to include commercial strategic and product development solutions. As president of JMAC, he was instrumental in securing the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey franchise for our region. His final role was as president and chief operating officer for Worthington Industries. John served on many worthy boards: as founding member & longest serving chair for the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority; board member and president of Miami University’s Board of Trustees; the board of I Know I Can - which has sent over 30,000 area students to college; Franklin University; Ohio Public Works Commission; Battelle Pension Management & Investment Council, and several private enterprises. John was also an active member of the Upper Arlington Rotary Club. John and his wife, Linda, lived in UA for 40 yeras, with three children and seven grandchildren continuing the family’s community pride and traditions.