Blaine T Sickles

Inducted: 2019

Blaine T Sickles was an Upper Arlington resident for 58 years. He served as a member of Upper Arlington City Council from 1966-1985, including as Vice President from 1974-1985. He also chaired the Council Finance Committee, Safety & Service Committee, Board of Zoning, and Parks & Recreation Committee. In his 34-year career in community relations for Nationwide Insurance, Mr. Sickles’ service extended to participation on the Development Committee for Greater Columbus, the Columbus Downtown Council, the Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau Board, and the Santa Maria Committee. He was instrumental in the success of the Christopher Columbus Quincentennial celebration and Ameriflora. His passion for various community causes led him to serve on several boards including Ready to Read, Cystic Fibrosis, COSI, and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters boards. His most beloved and notable leadership commitment was serving on the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Board for 44 years. In 1978-1979 Mr. Sickles was President of the Zoo Board and Chairman of the Committee that hired Jack Hanna. He also served on many Zoo levy campaigns. When Mr. Sickles retired from the Zoo Board in 2012, he was named as Trustee Emeritus.