2025 Fisher Alumni Awards: Honoring vision, commitment and achievement in business

Stay curious and surround yourself with people who think differently.

That advice has helped James J. Kavanaugh navigate an ever-changing tech landscape during his nearly 30 years with IBM, including the last seven as chief financial officer and senior vice president. 

“I have an insatiable appetite for learning, and I believe it is one of the most important traits a leader can cultivate,” he said.

For his visionary leadership, extraordinary accomplishments and commitment to service, Kavanaugh (MBA ’92) has been named the recipient of Fisher’s 2025 Alumni Award for Distinguished Leadership.

As CFO, Kavanaugh is responsible for aligning financial strategy with IBM’s shift into an AI-powered, hybrid cloud leader. Since 2018, he has played a pivotal role in the company’s transformation, leveraging innovation across AI, automation, data and services. 

We asked him to share his thoughts about leadership, Ohio State and what this award means to him.

Q. This award recognizes principled leaders who affect positive change in their company and community. How would you define principled leadership? 

To me, being a principled leader means operating with integrity and consistently doing what is right for the people involved, not just what is easy, popular or profitable. In my role, I strive to make an impact on my team every day. I am fortunate to work for a company that aims to make a positive impact globally in the communities where we operate, through business ethics and responsible technology, striving to be the catalyst that makes the world work better. Working for IBM helps me to stay true to my core values, even in the face of tough decisions or external challenges. My years at Ohio State taught me to pursue excellence while also sharing the responsibility of making a difference for others around me, and I practice that to this day. 

Q. As a leader, what strategies do you use to build meaningful connections with your team and corporate partners? 

One of the most important aspects of my role is shaping a positive, engaging culture where people feel connected to a shared purpose. I believe that meaningful connection starts with clarity, ensuring that everyone understands our company’s mission, values and the behaviors that define who we are. When people are aligned with this foundation, it fosters a sense of ownership and pride in our work and what we stand for. This is what fuels passion, deepens engagement, and builds confidence. I believe that these are all qualities that naturally strengthen collaboration and relationships, both internally and externally. By leading with purpose, clarity, and empathy, I hope to inspire followership and commitment, drive ownership mentality and build lasting partnerships that drive collective success. 

Q. What’s the most impactful piece of advice you’ve ever received — or shared with others — and why did it resonate with you? 

Never stop being curious. That simple, yet powerful advice has shaped the way I approach both my personal growth and my professional journey. I have an insatiable appetite for learning, and I believe it is one of the most important traits a leader can cultivate. One principle I live by is to surround myself with people who think differently. By doing this, I hear diverse perspectives that lead to some of the most innovative and strategic outcomes. This was especially true during my time at Ohio State. The diversity of thought among classmates from different backgrounds and disciplines was incredibly enriching.

Q. What’s a favorite memory you carry from your time at Ohio State? 

This is simple — the people. The connections I made at Ohio State are invaluable. I crossed paths with several talented individuals — peers, professors, staff — many of whom have gone on to become leaders in the business world and beyond. The people I have encountered, and the lasting influence each one has had on me, have been instrumental to my career. 

Q. Knowing what you know now about business and career success, what advice would you have for your younger self? 

From my perspective, success starts with pursuing a passion — doing what you love, honoring your values and working hard. Success doesn’t come easy, and to me, happiness is the highest form of success. If I was back at Ohio State, getting my MBA, I would remind myself that whatever you're passionate about, go for it, just make sure you're all in. Give it everything you've got, and most importantly, have fun along the way.

Q. What significance does this award from Fisher hold for you ─ personally and professionally? 

Ohio State was foundational in developing who I am as an individual today, both as a professional executive and as a husband and a father. I have always respected the values that Ohio State stands for, such as integrity and pursuing excellence, and I am honored to be the recipient of this award, inspired by the incredible legacy of Max M. Fisher. 

Dr. Henry Xiang’s ground-breaking research using virtual reality in pediatric care has changed the way health care providers worldwide help children manage pain and recover from injury and trauma.

In addition, he has mentored dozens of emerging researchers, served as President of the Society for Advancement of Violence and Injury Research, and helped shape national and international health policy through his contributions to the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization. 

Xiang is a professor of medicine and epidemiology in The Ohio State University College of Medicine, co-director of the Pilot Translational and Clinical Studies Program at Ohio State’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), and the founding director of the Center for Pediatric Trauma Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. 

For his contributions to pediatric medicine, transformational leadership and deep commitment to educating the next generation of medical and public health leaders and researchers, Xiang has been named the recipient of Fisher’s 2025 Alumni Award for Empowering Excellence.

We asked him to share his thoughts about the impact of his Executive MBA, mentoring future leaders in medicine and the significance of this award.

Q. You are a researcher and professor in the College of Medicine, the founding director of the Pediatric Trauma Research Center and author of 285 journal articles. How has your EMBA from Fisher informed that work?

My Executive MBA totally changed my perspectives about scientific research. There are many things I learned at Fisher that our traditional training in medicine and medical research does not teach.

To a certain degree, medical research has become a business enterprise. Running a lab and managing a collaborative research team is like running a small business. I wished I could have received my MBA much earlier in my career.

Q. This award honors those who continue to empower and create opportunities for others. You have shared your time and knowledge by mentoring numerous researchers over the years. Why is this important to you and the work that you do?

Mentoring and growing future generations of scientists, physicians and business leaders is not only our responsibility, but is also fun. The world needs professionals with integrity to advance. It’s important to my professional society and our medical research.

Q. Do you have a teaching philosophy?

The top priority in my teaching and mentoring focuses on active participatory learning. One of my ultimate objectives in teaching and mentoring is to facilitate learning and skill building in such a way that students and mentees become active participants in their own learning and research projects. 

I truly believe that knowledge and skills gained through active participation and creative thinking stay with and benefit individuals for a lifetime, regardless of their field or job. These basic skills include problem-solving and critical thinking, conceptualizing study ideas, planning and implementing studies, writing and publishing research papers, effective communication, and leadership and management skills. 

Q. Did you have a mentor at Fisher or in your career who left a lasting impact on you?

I have several mentors who profoundly impacted my career and life journey. My parents are role models for me. They are kind, hardworking people. They value education and they did their best to send me to the top medical school in China. After I immigrated to the United States, my PhD advisor, Dr. Lorann Stallones, at Colorado State University, did her best to create many opportunities for me to grow professionally. She was very patient with me and taught me how to learn from our life struggles.

Among many other great mentors are Dr. Frederick Rivara at the University of Seattle and Dr. Kelly Kelleher at The Ohio State University. They have mentored me for more than 20 years, and I learned a lot from them. My close interaction with them and their families taught me to be humble and hardworking. Most importantly, they taught me how to become an outstanding scientist. 

Q. What’s a favorite memory you carry from your time at Fisher and Ohio State?

The interaction with outstanding professionals from diverse backgrounds. We not only did class projects together, but we also had fun outside of the classroom.

Q. What significance does the Empowering Excellence Award from Fisher hold for you —personally and professionally?

Personally, I am humbled, privileged and very excited to receive this award, and I appreciate those people who nominated me. I view this award as one of those achievements that I never imagined. I immigrated to this country 30 years ago, and when my family started our life journey in Fort Collins, Colo., we never dreamed of these kinds of achievements in this country. We feel so grateful to this country and the people here.

Professionally, this award is a testimony of what we can achieve together. There are so many extraordinary individuals whom I have interacted with during my career. Without them, each and all my achievements could not have happened. Furthermore, the Empowering Excellence Award makes me think about what more I can do to contribute to the growth of young people, particularly Ohio State students and young professionals. I am excited about the endless opportunities available to them, and I will do my best to help them whenever possible. 

Neethi Johnson’s service to her community is as important to her as her highly successful career with JPMorganChase.

The vice president of digital payments has volunteered countless hours as board treasurer and president for Student Success Stores, a nonprofit providing Central Ohio students with school supplies, mobile meals and other essential items. She also serves on the boards of Forté Foundation, an organization supporting women in business, and Leadership Ohio, a statewide organization of civic-minded leaders who through networking, education and service strive to make Ohio the best place to work and live. 

For her tireless volunteer work and dedication to her community, Johnson has been named the recipient of Fisher’s 2025 Alumni Award for Excellence in Service.

We asked her to share her thoughts about her inspiration to serve, her time at Fisher and what this award means to her.

Q. This award honors your dedication and service to the community, particularly your work with Student Success Stores. What sparked your passion for service?

It's really been about providing access. For Student Success Stores (SSS), that means access to basic essentials — hygiene products, clothing, food and school supplies — for school children who don’t have it already. 

Over the last eight years, we have supplied over 300,000 items to over 8,000 students who have access to 16 free stores located inside Columbus Public Schools. But what has been most profound to me have been the individual stories from the students, families and educators whose lives have been changed for the better. Every instance we provide a student with these essential items provides an opportunity for them to get one step closer to success, and to me that is what service is all about. 

In my work with other organizations and nonprofits, it's been about access to things like mental health services, clean water or education. 

Q. Did you have a mentor at Fisher or in your personal life who influenced your career path and interest in volunteer work?

My dad will always be my biggest source of inspiration in life. As a psychiatrist working with primarily disadvantaged clients, he started his career treating one patient at a time, then built an entire mental health agency and was able to scale, treat and impact tens of thousands of lives over the course of his 30-plus year career. He always taught me that if I ever have the opportunity to help someone, I should take it. Watching his dedication to his profession, community and humankind has left a profound impression on me to do whatever is in my power and my expertise to give back to those who need it most. 

Q. How does your volunteer work inform your professional career?

Being the treasurer and then board president of SSS allowed me to practice every single element taught in my business school experience. Because SSS is a smaller and more recently formed nonprofit, I had to wear many hats: CFO, operations expert, logistics coordinator, marketer. It allowed me to put into tactical practice everything I had learned at Fisher. But the difference was, this was not just theoretical, there were real students at the receiving end of this organization. I quickly learned that every decision I made had very real implications on the viability, success and sustainability of the nonprofit as a whole. 

Seeing inequity firsthand has informed the way I think about the financial services industry, and I continue to endeavor in my job to further democratize banking services to those who don’t traditionally have access to them. 

Q. What advice do you have for Fisher students — and graduates — about getting involved in community service?

Start with where you are and what you can do. Think about the skills you practice in your day-to-day work and life and how you can apply them to helping improve the quality of life for others. There are plenty of amazing organizations here in Columbus that would love to utilize your time, treasure and talents. Find something you are passionate about — access, education, equity ─ in a population you are passionate to serve — refugees, kids, animals — and give whatever you can, whenever you can. It will make more of a difference than you realize. 

Q. What’s a favorite memory you carry from your time at Fisher and Ohio State?

Through Fisher Serves, my MBA classmate Kaitlyn and I held a Meals on Wheels route every Sunday for LifeCare Alliance. We would pick up the meals and then spend the afternoon driving around Columbus delivering them to residents. We were often invited in, sometimes to share a coffee or tea, but mostly just to sit and chat with the recipients. We quickly realized that our meal delivery was often the only human contact that some of these (mostly elderly) citizens had during the week, and it meant a lot to them to not only receive the meals, but to connect with people. It meant even more to us. 

Q. What significance does the Excellence in Service Award hold for you — personally and professionally?

Personally, the Excellence in Service Award is a deeply meaningful honor to receive. It’s a reminder that showing up with heart, empathy and purpose matters. Service has never been a box to check — it’s a way of life rooted in gratitude for the communities that raised me and the mentors who guided me. This award reflects the values I hold most dear: lifting others, creating access and building trust through consistency and care.

Professionally, it represents the highest kind of recognition — not for individual achievement, but for collective impact. It acknowledges the unseen hours, the hard decisions and the belief that leadership is ultimately about service to something bigger than yourself. It inspires me to keep leading with intention, empowering others and advancing missions that make our world more equitable, inclusive and connected.

Marna Ricker knows the importance of a global mindset in today’s business climate. 

As Global Vice Chair – Tax at EY, she oversees more than 76,000 of the firm’s Tax, People Advisory Services (PAS) and Law professionals worldwide.

“Every decision you make as a business leader has to take into account the interconnectedness of today’s global economy,” she says.

For her international business acumen, transformational leadership and commitment to mentoring the next generation of global leaders, Ricker has been named the recipient of Fisher’s 2025 Alumni Award for Global Business Excellence.

We asked her to share her thoughts about business on a global scale, her time at Ohio State and the significance of this award.

Q. In your view, what are some benefits — tangible and/or intangible — of having a global business perspective? 

Well, that’s the way the working world works — globally. Every decision you make as a business leader — from finance, to operations, to supply chain and talent — has to take into account the interconnectedness of today’s global economy. One thing I’ve learned is that a “global strategy” has value when it can be translated into local actions. On the personal side, without a doubt, having a global perspective makes me a better human and champion for humanity.  

Q. What did your time at Ohio State mean to you? 

It’s a gift to get to attend such a prestigious university and college, to gain the experiences that are available to you there, where most of the students are from Ohio. It’s a true launching pad to the world. 

Q. What motivates you to stay engaged with the college and its community?  

There’s so much pride and joy in being able to give back the opportunities that have been given to me by Ohio State and Fisher.  I am a big karma and “pay it forward” person, and it’s important to me to help the next generation. 

Q. What’s a favorite memory you carry from your time at Fisher and Ohio State? 

Singing Carmen Ohio at the end of every game. It just gives me chills, especially the line “time and change will surely show, how firm thy friendship OHIO.” Fisher, graduating, and being handed my diploma. 

Q. Knowing what you know now about business and career success, what advice would you have for your younger self? 

Every opportunity is one to learn and grow, even if you don’t think it’s one you want to do. Just figure out what there is to learn and nail it. To my younger self in particular, it’s a marathon not a sprint. Marathons take time, training, help and fuel. Give yourself patience and practice, so that you can succeed over the long haul.   

Q. What significance does the Global Business Excellence Award from Fisher hold for you ─ personally and professionally? 

Professionally, Fisher is where my interest in business, particularly in accounting and finance, all began — it was my launch into the world. Personally, Fisher is full of incredibly accomplished business leaders from across the globe, so to be “placed” in that peer group is deeply humbling and a huge honor. 

Venkatesh Ganapathy is a leader in strategic sourcing, business development and supply chain management. His work centers on customer-centric solutions and fostering a culture of engineering excellence.

He co-founded and currently leads LiveEasy (formerly MoveEasy), a full-service concierge platform that helps homeowners and renters with moving and home management services. LiveEasy partners with mortgage, insurance and real estate brokerage firms to customize services for clients. Venkatesh received the HousingWire Vanguard award and the RISMEDIA Futurists award for his innovation and leadership.

He previously worked as a sourcing associate at A.T. Kearney, where he led several sourcing and procurement transformation projects in the consumer goods, food and chemical sectors. He also interned with TechColumbus, a leading technology business incubator, and Primus Power, a provider of energy storage systems. Early in his career, he co-founded Konserve in Mumbai, a renewable energy consultancy focused on energy, waste and water management.

Venkatesh holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Government College of Engineering at Pune University in India.

Success for Nicole Balkenbusch is not measured solely in career promotions and titles, but in her ability to impact and influence others along the way. 

“You can be successfsul in business and give back to your community, you can deliver results and care about people,” says Balkenbusch, chief storyteller and FP&A director for WW Amazon Stores and founder of COLES LTD.

For her career success, commitment to lifting others as she climbs and her unwavering support of Business Buckeyes, Balkenbusch has been named recipient of Fisher’s 2025 Alumni Award for Professional Achievement.

We asked her to reflect on her career, her devotion to Ohio State and Fisher and what this honor means to her. 

Q. This award is given for outstanding achievement. Your own achievements are evident in your rise previously at Procter & Gamble and now at WW Amazon. Given your experiences and career journey, how would you define achievement?

Achievement isn't just about climbing the corporate ladder — it's about making an impact while bringing others along with you. I love the expression “to lift up others with you as you climb.” In my experience, true achievement comes when you can say "and" instead of "or.” You can deliver results and care about people, you can have a successful career and quality family time, you can follow your passions and make money. 

Sometimes, you need to take sideways or even backward steps to move forward. At P&G, I moved four times in 10 years to make a dual-career marriage work. At Amazon, I took what felt like a risk leaving finance to join leadership development, only to return to finance with new skills that made me a stronger leader. 

Achievement is about having the courage to say "why not?" vs “why?” when opportunities arise. 

Q. Your title at Amazon is chief storyteller and FP&A director. What does storytelling mean in the context of your work in finance planning and analysis?

In finance, numbers tell a story — but it's how you interpret and communicate that story that drives business decisions. As I first learned when I was the finance leader at a manufacturing plant years ago, facts/numbers don’t lie, but it’s how you communicate them that captures the hearts and minds to drive changes. Now as Chief Storyteller, my role is to take complex financial data and transform it into meaningful insights that influence Stores Leadership. It's about asking "tell me more" to understand the story behind the numbers, being able to connect different data points to see patterns and then communicating those insights in a way that drives action. 

Q. You’re a frequent speaker and presenter at conferences and in the classroom — including here at Fisher. What do you hope students and others in business learn from you and your experiences?

I want them to ask "why not?" when opportunities arise, even if those opportunities seem scary or different from their original plan. As I often say, "if I don't say what I want, how will others know?”

When I speak to students, I emphasize three key things: First, ask questions and truly listen. Early in my 20s, I thought I knew everything and wanted to run circles around everyone else. A mentor once even gave the direct feedback that “while you deliver results, you’re leaving dead bodies in the wake” — talk about a wake-up call. Many guided me to slow down to hear the answers and internalize what was said.  Second, operate your work life as if personal doesn't exist and your personal life as if work doesn't exist. When I really wanted a bigger role and potential promotion, but also wanted a baby, I chose to still try for both and then they happened in the same year. Third, clearly and boldly communicate your goals. I've never once stopped saying I want to progress in my career, and I've equally communicated when I needed to take a break. If I don't say what I want or need, establishing boundaries, how will others know?

Q. Is there a lesson, piece of advice or experience from your time at Fisher that has stayed with you over the years?

From the Honors Cohort Program, I learned the importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to be better, plan for flexibility and have new experiences to truly foster a growth mindset. My original plan was Ohio State, Honors Cohort, accounting and pre-law. Instead, the program opened my eyes to different possibilities, leading me to P&G and eventually Amazon. The program taught me to think bigger than myself, which has influenced my personal legacy statement to be a "strong businesswoman who helps others break down barriers." 

The program also instilled the value of paying it forward, which is why I spent five years as Selection Committee Chair for the Honors Cohort Alumni Board and was rated "Best Mentor" for multiple years. Most importantly, Fisher taught me about the power of community and support. The entrepreneurial spirit and focus on service that I developed at Fisher continues to guide me today.

Q. What’s a favorite memory you carry from your time at Fisher and Ohio State?

I have to choose one?! I remember being part of the 9th Honors Cohort class where we pioneered combining service with experiences, creating the first-ever trip to teach Junior Achievement in the Bahamas. This concept of merging purpose with impact has stayed with me throughout my career.

I also treasure the mentorship and guidance I received. The women in my family and my mentors taught me to "stand up tall, don't be afraid of who you are" — a lesson that has served me well in corporate America. 

And, of course, there's the Buckeye spirit! The energy, the community, the pride — it's something that stays with you (OH!). I remember rushing the field after the Ohio State vs. “that team up North” at The Game in 2002 with a triumphant victory. That feeling and camaraderie! It's why I've remained so involved with Fisher. 

Q. What significance does the Professional Achievement Award from Fisher hold for you ─ personally and professionally?

Being recognized by the institution that helped shape my foundation is particularly meaningful.

Professionally, this award validates my belief that you can have "and" instead of "or.” You can be successful in business and give back to your community, you can deliver results and care about people. It reinforces my personal legacy statement to be a "strong businesswoman who helps others break down barriers." From my early days at P&G to now leading $500B in financials at Amazon while running my own coaching business, COLES LTD, this recognition affirms that taking risks and saying "why not?" to new opportunities can lead to meaningful achievement and sustained happiness.

Most importantly, this award reminds me of the power of paying it forward. Just as I had amazing mentors and supporters throughout my journey at Fisher and beyond, I hope to continue inspiring the next generation of business leaders to dream big and never settle.

JPMorganChase is one of the largest and most-recognized financial institutions worldwide and one of Ohio’s largest private employers.

They have hired hundreds of Fisher graduates and interns over the years, including approximately 280 undergraduate and 60 graduate full-time hires since 2021. Their commitment to Business Buckeyes extends beyond employment opportunities to career fairs, classroom presentations, mentorships and board participation.

For their unwavering dedication to Fisher students and programs and their strong engagement across the college, JPMorganChase has been named the recipient of Fisher’s 2025 Corporate Partner Award.

We asked company leaders about the importance of their relationship with Fisher, what students might expect from this partnership in the future and what the award means for the institution.

Q. Why is it important for JPMorganChase to foster and maintain a relationship with Fisher and Ohio State?

Fisher College of Business and The Ohio State University are leaders in developing future business professionals. By maintaining a strong partnership, JPMorganChase benefits from innovative ideas, diverse perspectives and a pipeline of talented students. This collaboration enables us to shape curriculum, provide real-world learning experiences and ensure our workforce reflects the values and skills needed in today’s financial industry. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship that strengthens both our organization and the academic community.

Q. As one of the top employers of Fisher interns and graduates, what sets Fisher students apart from other hires?

Fisher students consistently demonstrate a strong work ethic, analytical thinking and adaptability. Their education emphasizes both technical skills and leadership, preparing them to excel in dynamic environments. Fisher graduates are known for their collaborative spirit, commitment to continuous learning and ability to tackle complex challenges — qualities that make them outstanding contributors to our teams at JPMorganChase.

Q. Is there a particular event on campus that Chase representatives enjoy being a part of? 

Fisher’s Fall Career Fair is a highlight for our early-career recruiters and business representatives, especially those who are proud Ohio State alums. The career fair provides an outstanding opportunity to connect with hundreds of highly talented candidates. We are continually impressed by the preparation, professionalism and confidence of the students. Their excellence reinforces our commitment to hiring Buckeyes.

Additionally, engaging with student organizations through chapter meetings and information sharing sessions allows us to build meaningful relationships and share insights. These interactions help us understand students’ aspirations and foster a sense of community, making our engagements especially rewarding.

Q. Fisher students often learn from Chase representatives in the classroom and through their internship experiences, but is there anything that Chase has learned from Fisher that may influence programming or hiring? 

Our engagement with Fisher students and faculty has provided valuable insights into emerging business trends, new technologies and evolving skill sets. Student feedback has helped us enhance our internship programs and refine our hiring practices to better match the interests and strengths of today’s graduates, ensuring our opportunities remain attractive and relevant.

Q. Is there a program(s) that epitomizes the benefits of Chase’s longstanding partnership with Fisher? 

The JPMorganChase Leadership Development Program and our internship initiatives are prime examples of success. These programs offer Fisher students hands-on experience, mentorship and exposure to various business functions, allowing us to identify and nurture future leaders. Collaborative projects such as joint research and classroom presentations further highlight the strength and impact of our partnership.

Q. What does this honor mean for JPMorganChase?

Receiving the Corporate Partner Award from Fisher College of Business is a tremendous honor for JPMorganChase. It recognizes our commitment to fostering talent, supporting education and building meaningful relationships with academic institutions. This award validates our ongoing efforts to create opportunities for students and contribute positively to the Fisher and Ohio State communities. It inspires us to deepen our partnership and continue making a lasting impact together.

Q. What can Fisher and its students expect from Chase in the years to come?

Fisher and its students can expect JPMorganChase to remain a dedicated partner, committed to supporting academic excellence and career development. We will continue to offer internships, mentorship and professional development opportunities, while seeking new ways to collaborate on innovative programs and foster an inclusive environment. Our goal is to build on our shared achievements and help prepare the next generation of business leaders.