2026 Hall of Fame Inductees
Presented By: Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP
Jim Hackbarth
Board Member, Advisor, Former CEO & Executive, Angel investor
Assurex Global, Cornerstone Partners, Information Dimensions Inc. (subsidiary of OCLC)
Jim Hackbarth is an entrepreneur and executive whose career has been defined by building companies, developing leaders and strengthening Central Ohio’s business community. He founded Columbus-based executive search firm Cornerstone Partners and held senior leadership roles across the technology and software sectors before becoming President and CEO of Assurex Global. Under his leadership, Assurex grew into one of the world’s largest privately held organizations of its kind, building a global partnership of independent firms from its Central Ohio headquarters. Jim has served on the boards of Bold Penguin and Sophisticated Systems ahead of their respective acquisitions and today serves organizations including Unison Risk Advisors, Ennabl and StoicLane. Jim’s also angel investor for more than 25 years, advising management teams on strategy, governance, M&A, and value creation.
A trusted mentor and connector, Hackbarth’s enduring influence can be seen in the companies, executives and entrepreneurs he has helped succeed throughout the region.
Mark Kvamme
CEO & Chief Investment Officer
The O.H.I.O. Fund
Mark Kvamme is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur and executive who has played a significant role in building Central Ohio’s investment and technology ecosystem. After spending 12 years at Sequoia Capital, where he led investments in companies including LinkedIn, Kvamme brought his Silicon Valley experience to Ohio. Mark came to Ohio in 2011 because newly elected Governor John Kasich—a longtime personal friend—recruited him to help launch, fund, and privatize the state's economic development framework by creating JobsOhio.He went on to co-found Drive Capital in 2013, helping establish a major venture capital platform focused on opportunities across the Midwest. Today, Kvamme serves as CEO and Chief Investment Officer of The O.H.I.O. Fund, investing in companies and opportunities designed to drive economic growth throughout the state. His career also includes leadership and board roles across numerous technology, health care and consumer businesses. Through decades of investing, company building and mentorship, Kvamme has helped connect capital with entrepreneurs and strengthen Central Ohio’s position as a growing center for innovation.