Below Is my written testimony submitted to Columbus City Council on the District 7 vacancy:
Dear Members of the Columbus City Council,
I am writing to express my interest in filling the District 7 vacancy created by Councilmember Shayla Favor's departure. As a dedicated member of the Columbus community and an experienced leader in the public and private sectors, I believe I am uniquely qualified to serve our community until the November election.
My professional and civic experiences reflect a deep commitment to community service, equity, and collaboration. As the founder and former president of the Stonewall Sports Columbus chapter, I helped build an inclusive and empowering organization that fosters community and belonging. This initiative, along with my five years of service on the organization’s national board, demonstrates my ability to create and sustain impactful programs that address the needs of marginalized groups.
As a Senior Program Manager at NetJets, I collaborate across diverse teams to deliver strategic, user-focused solutions. My work requires careful stakeholder coordination, problem-solving under tight timelines, and clear communication—all skills directly related to city governance responsibilities. Moreover, my role leading inclusion efforts as a PRISM Inclusion Resource Group Lead at Bath and Body Works underscores my commitment to equity and representation within organizational structures.
I applied for this role not as a step toward running for public office but as an opportunity to contribute my expertise and serve my community as a caretaker. I understand the importance of maintaining stability, transparency, and continuity in city leadership, and I am prepared to bring a thoughtful, collaborative approach to this interim position. I intend to support the council’s ongoing work while ensuring the residents of District 7 have consistent representation until the next election.
I am honored to have the opportunity to be considered for this position. I would welcome any opportunities to discuss further how my experiences and skills align with the needs of the Columbus City Council and the residents of District 7.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Rob Leis III