CFFA President Retirement

President Jean Carter Ryan, who was hired as the first employee of the Columbus-Franklin County Finance Authority in 2007, has announced her intention to retire in May 2023.  

A process is now underway to identify the next CFFA president.  Here’s how our Board is managing the search.
• The CFFA Board of Directors established a search committee consisting of three board members, a Franklin County designee, and a City of Columbus designee. 
• The search committee interviewed a variety of professional search firms to provide assistance and management of the recruitment process. Once selected the search firm interviewed a variety of community stakeholders seeking public input into the desired qualifications and attributes of candidates for the role. 
• Based on research and input from stakeholders, the search firm then identified and approached prospective candidates. The interested prospects were interviewed by the search firm, which then produced a short-list of individuals they deemed best qualified for the role. 

  • The recruiting firm and search committee are now conducting individual interviews with the candidates.
  • The search committee will form and present a recommendation to the Board of Directors.  The Board, by majority vote, will select the preferred candidate.

“CFFA is a port authority, and the role of president requires a unique set of skills,” said CFFA Board Chair Ralph Abbott. “Jean has established a model that balances financial knowledge, diplomatic savvy, and a collaborative spirit. She’s earned the respect of a broad network of partners and clients. We hope to find the same in our next president.”

Abbott expects to announce the new president in May.