With a career spanning over 30 years, Leo Knoblauch has built a reputation as a strategic leader, adept at bridging the gap between business operations, accounting, and IT to drive efficiency and optimize organizational performance. His expertise lies in process management, data governance, and business intelligence, with a track record of delivering results through innovative problem-solving and practical decision-making. Over the years, he has cultivated a deep understanding of how to balance business objectives with the realities of resource constraints, ensuring that organizations receive accurate, timely, and reliable information.
Leo’s career is marked by significant contributions to major institutions, including his 26-year tenure at Nationwide, where he served as a Data Steward and led Data Governance Operations. In this role, he managed data governance and information quality functions for a $100 billion investment segment, overseeing projects that optimized business performance and enhanced efficiency. His ability to translate business requirements into IT solutions led to numerous improvements, such as implementing reconciliation and validation processes, developing system discrepancy alert indicators, and integrating quality-controlled reporting methods. His leadership in data transparency and management contributed to reducing errors, streamlining workflows, and ensuring critical information reached decision-makers with higher accuracy and reliability.
Beyond his corporate experience, Leo dedicated 16 years to the United States Air Force, where he played a pivotal role in manpower management, geodetic surveying, and public affairs. His tenure in the Air Force was defined by his ability to drive organizational improvements, including saving over $50 million through automation and innovation. He managed large-scale survey projects, evaluated personnel and organizational structures, and implemented strategic efficiencies across multiple locations worldwide.
Leo’s leadership extends into public service and community engagement. Since 2018, he has served as a School Board Member for Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools, representing the people of Whitehall and overseeing a $34 million city budget. His role involves setting policies, resolving disputes, and ensuring the educational system operates effectively. Prior to this, he served for eight years as a School Board Member and Vice President for Whitehall City Schools, where he contributed to financial oversight and policy-making. His commitment to civic duty also includes eight years as a City Councilperson and Council President Pro Tempore for Whitehall, Ohio, where he played a key role in municipal governance, legislation, and budget management.
In addition to his professional and public service roles, Leo has a long-standing passion for community enrichment and historical preservation. He is a dedicated member and former Vice President of the Whitehall Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association, where he supports law enforcement initiatives. He has also been actively involved with the Whitehall Education Foundation, Whitehall Historical Society, and the Whitehall Community Celebration Association, holding leadership positions in these organizations to support education, local history, and community events.
Leo’s commitment to honoring veterans is evident in his role as a Parade Coordinator for Honor Flight Columbus, an organization dedicated to recognizing senior veterans for their service. Since 2014, he has coordinated parade participation, led ground crews, and delivered talks on the significance of supporting veterans.
Academically, Leo holds multiple degrees that reflect his diverse skill set and leadership capabilities. He earned an MBA in Financial Leadership from Franklin University, along with a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Accounting. Additionally, he holds a BS in Management & Leadership from Otterbein University and multiple associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force and the University of Maryland Global Campus, specializing in areas such as personnel administration, geodetic surveying, and management.
Leo Knoblauch’s career is a testament to his ability to drive transformation across industries, from corporate data governance to public administration and community service. His dynamic leadership, combined with his dedication to efficiency, transparency, and public engagement, makes him a distinguished professional with an enduring impact on every organization and community he serves.
Character: Leo Knoblauch is a dedicated and principled leader, committed to improving organizational efficiency, public service, and community engagement.
Knowledge: With expertise in data governance, financial management, and process optimization, he has successfully led large-scale projects across corporate, government, and military sectors.
Strategic: He excels at aligning business, IT, and financial objectives to drive innovation, streamline operations, and enhance decision-making.
Communication: A skilled communicator, he translates complex technical and financial concepts into clear, actionable strategies for stakeholders at all levels.
