I remember standing on the lawn at Chemical Abstracts in 2009 as thousands of Pelotonia participants gathered for our first Ride Weekend. As a member of the Pelotonia Board during that inaugural year, we all believed we were witnessing something extraordinary. We knew we had strong leadership and community members who were willing to give 100%, and we had a hunch that this brand-new movement could dramatically impact cancer treatment, prevention, and care. 

Today, Pelotonia has achieved more than we ever dreamed possible. The community’s passion and commitment to this cause has changed and saved lives. 100% of every dollar you have raised over the past 15 years has resulted in more than a quarter billion dollars invested in cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital. As someone who was treated at the OSUCCC – James, I know firsthand how critical our collective work is.  

As we prepare to launch our 15th anniversary year, there is much to be excited about. This year, we will:

The Pelotonia board is very excited about the future of the organization. To achieve our aspirational goals, we are positioning Pelotonia’s leadership team for even greater impact. Doug Ulman – whose personal survivorship experience and extraordinary vision over the past nine years have inspired some of Pelotonia’s boldest efforts – will remain as Board Member and CEO while shifting his role to focus on fundraising and advancing strategic research partnerships for Pelotonia. Doug will continue to leverage his unique entrepreneurial strengths as he also engages in other outside civic and community leadership opportunities in Central Ohio. Additionally, we want to share that Joe Apgar’s role as President will expand as he takes on additional community-facing responsibilities and continues to lead the implementation of our strategic plan while managing the day-to-day operations of the organization. A skilled visionary on the team who is deeply motivated by his cancer survivorship, Joe has earned the respect and admiration of our community over the past six years, previously serving in several roles at Pelotonia including Chief Operating Officer. 

I am also honored to further my 14-year service on the Pelotonia Board by stepping into the role of Board Chair – a position that has been held and tremendously stewarded since 2009 by Dan Rosenthal, one of the founders of Pelotonia. Dan’s service as Board Chair over the past 14 years has been exemplary in every respect.  Simply stated, Pelotonia could not have accomplished all that it has without Dan. We are grateful for Dan’s leadership and thrilled that he will continue to serve on our Board.

We are all encouraged by the tremendous work and research output from our colleagues at the OSUCCC – James. In particular, I want to highlight the groundbreaking research pioneered by the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, led by Dr. Zihai Li and established in 2019 with an initial pledge of over $100 million by Pelotonia. The investment by Pelotonia in immunotherapy is significant; immunotherapy is likely to have a transformative impact on all cancers and those affected by it. We are also inspired by you: the participants, volunteers, donors, and partners who have made this 15th anniversary milestone possible. Pelotonia is only as powerful as those who believe in it, engage in it, and support it. Pelotonia's greatest power is you, and as we begin this exciting year, we want to celebrate all that you have made possible.

Thank you for your commitment and dedication to our community. On behalf of our entire Board, we can’t wait to join you this year when registration opens on March 1, as we achieve more together than we ever dreamed! 

Robert H. Schottenstein, Chair – Chairman & CEO, M/I Homes, Inc.

Carol R. Bradford MD, MS, FACS – Dean, College of Medicine and Vice President for Health Sciences, Wexner Medical Center 

Renee Cacchillo – President & Chief Executive Officer, Safelite® Group

Cindy Hilsheimer – Managing Principal, BeecherHill

Peter J. Mohler PhD – Interim Executive Vice President of Research, Innovation and Knowledge, The Ohio State University

Raphael Pollock MD, PhD – Director, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center 

Daniel Rosenthal – Chief Revenue & Operating Officer, Root Insurance Company 

Julie Sloat – President & CEO, American Electric Power 

Steve Steinour – Chairman, President & CEO, Huntington Bancshares Inc. 

Doug Ulman – Chief Executive Officer, Pelotonia 

Abigail Wexner – Chief Executive Officer, Whitebarn Associates