Bolton has new role with regional trade association

 The ABC Ohio Valley chapter has named Doug Bolton as its new president, effective Aug. 1.

ABC Ohio Valley is a construction trade association representing nearly 300 companies in southeast Indiana, southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky. The chapter is one of about 70 affiliates of the national organization, which has 23,000 members.

“We are excited to have Doug at the helm of the chapter and look forward to a future of member growth, innovation and member-focused excellence,” said Evan Derr, chair of the nonprofit’s board of directors.

Bolton spent 30 years in the media industry, beginning as a reporter and later serving as publisher of the Dayton Business Journal from 1997 to 2000 and the Cincinnati Business Courier from 2000 to 2011. He later led the Dayton and Cincinnati offices of Cushman & Wakefield and helped launch volunteer-matching platforms Cincinnati Cares and Dayton Serves.

Most recently, he was president of the Metropolitan Club in Covington, which abruptly closed in mid-July.

Bolton has also held volunteer leadership roles with several organizations, including recently serving as president of the Rotary Club of Cincinnati. He’s currently the board chair of Cincinnati Cares and serves on the boards of Social Venture Partners, the Economics Center at the University of Cincinnati and both the Dayton and Cincinnati Scouting councils.

“I’m humbled to be selected by the ABC board to lead this chapter, which I have admired for many years,” Bolton said. “I’m motivated by the growth opportunities to help our members and strengthen the regional economy.”

Bolton is a native of Piqua and a graduate of Edgewood High School in Trenton. He earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Morehead State University. He and his wife, Kateri, live in Sugarcreek Township in Greene County.

Bolton succeeds Brian Schlise, who resigned earlier this year after being hired in 2024 to replace longtime president John Morris. Morris led the chapter for nearly 14 years.

“I’m looking forward to reconnecting with my Dayton roots,” Bolton said. “I’m excited about the opportunities to advance the construction sector and the economies of the 35 counties across three states.”