When Mac Joseph made the move from the New York City area to Columbus with his wife, Jessica, he didn’t expect that a welcome program would be the first step in transforming him into a community supporter and advocate. But that’s exactly what happened.
In New York, board service was typically reserved for those with decades of connections and influence. It wasn’t something commonly accessible to young or mid-career professionals. But Columbus has a different mindset, one that welcomes new voices and encourages civic involvement regardless of tenure or status.
With the support of his company, Paul Werth, Mac enrolled in Onboarding Columbus (now Columbus 360), a program that welcomes new residents by showcasing the city’s vibrant culture, government, arts, sports, and diverse neighborhoods. It was there that Mac first connected with leaders at WOSU Public Media, which sparked his interest in board service. That introduction turned into a seat at the Friends Board table—his first experience serving a local nonprofit organization in a formal role.
But his journey didn’t stop there. Through Onboarding Columbus, Mac also learned about the Signature Program, and soon after, he joined the Signature Program Class of 2018. The experience expanded both his understanding of Columbus and his capacity to make meaningful contributions. Through the program, Mac deepened his knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing the city and connected with diverse leaders and causes — including the Reeb Center, where he recently reengaged to join the CEO’s Advisory Board.
Leadership Columbus played a pivotal role in helping Mac plug into the community and provided him with the framework and confidence to serve meaningfully. It was a gateway to discovering how his passions and experience could make a positive impact.
Since then, Mac has continued to serve Columbus nonprofits, including North Market Development Authority and Columbus Museum of Art, giving his time, talent and expertise through boards, committees and other volunteerism. His trajectory exemplifies the mission of Leadership Columbus: to develop, connect, and inspire diverse leaders to serve as catalysts in building a stronger community.
Today, Mac is fully entrenched in Columbus life both professionally and personally. And as he continues to give back through service, he credits much of his civic foundation to those early introductions through Onboarding Columbus and the Signature Program.
Through Leadership Columbus, Mac Joseph didn’t just find a new home — he found his place as a community trustee.