Leadership
Founded in Columbus. Rooted in Service.
Columbus Executive was founded by three leaders who believe that this city's greatest asset is the trust between the people who lead it.
Micheal Cudgel
Co-Founder
A builder and strategist who has spent his career at the intersection of technology and civic infrastructure. Micheal understands that cities don't grow stronger by accident — they grow because leaders choose to know and trust each other. He founded Columbus Executive on the belief that Columbus deserves a permanent table where the people who shape the city's future already know each other by name. His work bridges private enterprise and public purpose, and his leadership style is defined by patience, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to long-term impact over short-term visibility.
Jariatu Mansaray
Co-Founder
A connector and community architect who brings both warmth and strategic clarity to every room she enters. Jariatu has spent her career building the invisible infrastructure that holds communities together — the introductions, the follow-ups, the trust. At Columbus Executive, she ensures that the community reflects the full diversity of talent and perspective that drives Columbus forward. Her leadership is defined by intentionality: every connection she makes is designed to strengthen both the individuals involved and the broader network they serve.
Hamid Elaissami
Co-Founder
A trusted advisor whose experience spans private enterprise and public service. Hamid brings a rare understanding of both sides of the executive equation — the pressures of the boardroom and the complexities of government leadership. His conviction that Columbus can lead the nation in how its leaders work together is the animating force behind the organization's founding. Hamid's approach to leadership is rooted in discretion, depth, and the belief that the most important work often happens away from the spotlight.