Leadership Symposium

Raymond E. Mason, Jr. Leadership Symposium

The Raymond E. Mason Jr., Leadership Symposium was established in 2003 with the support of the Raymond E. Mason Foundation, which continued its support in 2007 by generously creating a permanent endowment providing funds for this annual event. The Raymond E. Mason Jr., Leadership Symposium is designed to raise the level of leadership in business, nonprofit organizations, government and educational institutions throughout central Ohio.

The Symposium's intent is to act as a catalyst for organizations and individuals to launch and sustain long-term commitment toward developing leadership skills and leaders within various communities. Each year the Symposium has taken on a unique character of its own. From national speakers to regional presentations, to local expertise being put on display, the Symposium has never failed to deliver poignant and relevant lessons for leadership development. This success has led many to provide testimony of the enhancement to their professional development as a result of the "pearls of wisdom" gleamed from the years of attending the Mason Leadership Symposium.

The Mason Family

mason family photo

The Raymond E. Mason, Jr. Leadership Symposium was established in 2003 with the support of the Raymond E. Mason Foundation. Its namesake, Raymond E. Mason Jr., was a community philanthropist known respectfully as “the General” for his military service. After he graduated from The Ohio State University in 1941, Mason served in World War II in the European theater with the Fourth Armored Division of Gen. George S. Patton’s Third Army. Mason was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, as well as a number of other citations.

After serving his country, Mason served his community as well, devoting his efforts to helping to provide higher-education opportunities for young people in the Appalachian areas of Ohio and Kentucky. This commitment extended locally through his service as a past chairman of the Franklin University Board of Trustees and founder of the Ohio Historical Foundation. He served on the Columbus Symphony board of trustees and was a past president of the Central Ohio Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Mason founded the Columbus Truck and Equipment Co. in 1949.