Uptown Columbus hires Columbus State University’s Steve Morse as new president and CEO
Steve Morse, assistant vice president of university operations and chief facilities officer at Columbus State University, was announced Thursday as the new president and chief executive officer for Uptown Columbus Inc. and the Uptown Columbus Business Improvement District.
Multiple interviews were conducted to find the best candidate before Morse was chosen for the position, Robert Watkins, chairman of the Uptown Board of Directors, said in an emailed statement.
Morse’s 30 years of experience in event planning, facility operations and public space management make him a good fit for the role, according to a news release from Uptown Columbus Inc.
“We are confident that Steve’s extensive experience and vision will help lead Uptown Columbus into a new era of growth and innovation,” Watkins said.
Morse began his career managing operations at the Columbus Civic Center and South Commons Sports Complex before joining the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts as operations director during its final construction year in 2001.
In his role at CSU, Morse leads the university’s largest division, which includes Campus Planning, Facilities, Transportation and Event Services.
“As a longtime resident and leader in this community, I’m honored to step into this role,” Morse said in the news release. “Uptown is the heart of Columbus — always up to something, always amazing.”
Former Uptown Columbus president and CEO Ed Wolverton resigned, Watkins said in his statement. Wolverton has founded a new organization called Downtown Visioneering, according to his LinkedIn account.
“We are grateful for his contributions to our community during his time with us,” Watkins said.
Wolverton was hired as the Uptown Columbus president and CEO in 2020.
Morse now looks forward to working with Uptown’s partners and business owners in his new role, he said in the news release.
“I’m committed to supporting our local businesses and making Uptown a vibrant place to live, work and enjoy life,” Morse said.
This story was originally published March 27, 2025 at 12:48 PM.
