COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus REALTORS® is proud to announce that Kenny McDonald has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Rupert “Twink” Starr Citizen of the Year Award. The recognition honors an individual who demonstrates business integrity, civic leadership, and a sustained commitment to the Central Ohio community and real estate industry.
“Kenny has consistently shown what it means to serve Columbus and Central Ohio with dedication and purpose,” said 2025 Columbus REALTORS® President Buffie Patterson. “His leadership, work ethic, and commitment to teamwork set a standard for all of us. We are proud to honor him with this year’s Rupert “Twink” Starr Citizen of the Year Award.”
Kenny McDonald will receive the award at the Columbus REALTORS® Awards Gala in December 2025.
McDonald brings decades of experience in regional economic development. Since 2010, he has led One Columbus, originally launched as Columbus 2020 under the Columbus Partnership. Under his leadership, One Columbus has managed more than 800 company-expansion projects, bringing over 80,000 new jobs and nearly $50 billion in capital investment to the Columbus Region. During this time, McDonald frequently partnered with Columbus REALTORS® as a regular keynote speaker or panelist at various Association-sponsored events. McDonald had a keen understanding of the symbiotic link between job growth and housing needs.
Before joining Columbus, he served in economic development roles across multiple states and worked internationally as a site-location advisor for a global consulting firm.
McDonald holds certification as an economic developer from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). He has advised companies in industries ranging from advanced manufacturing and logistics to biotechnology and R&D.
He has helped shape regional growth strategy, workforce development, and public-private collaboration that contributed significantly to Central Ohio’s economic expansion over the last 15 years.
The Rupert “Twink” Starr Citizen of the Year Award was established in 1973. McDonald is the 51st person to receive the award. In 2021, the award was renamed to honor REALTOR® and 1973 Columbus REALTORS® President, Rupert “Twink” Starr. A World War II Bronze Star recipient and pioneer in the LGBTQ community, Starr passed away on November 4, 2024.
