Linda Gold Readey

Inducted: 2021

At Wittenburg University, Linda was tapped as a “shifter,” a change maker who reflected the motto “Having light, we pass it onto others.”

Linda carried her light to UA, ultimately becoming the founding Executive Director for the UA Community Foundation. There she helped the Foundation achieve its first major gift to UA — the Amelita Mirolo Barn at Sunny 95 Park.

Linda was a guiding example of volunteerism. She served on the UA School Board and was a graduate of the Columbus and UA leadership programs, a member of the UA Rotary, president of the Children’s Hospital Guidance Centers, a board member for First Community Church, and director of Promote UA.

Over seven years with the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, Linda helped oversee the design and construction of Columbus’ first world-class convention center, helped develop and support major sports and arts event, and planned the hosting of the United Nations Trade Summit.

Linda was Rotary’s 1983 Northwest Woman of the Year and received the Margine Moul Leadership Award in 2011.

With a sparkling smile, innovative creativity, and superb communication shills — and as a loving wife to her husband of 48 years, Jim; an adoring mother to her sons Jay and Jonathan; and a wonderful grandmother to Chad, Evelyn, and Oliver — Linda was a builder of community, teamwork, and ideas.