Sean Rugless

Sean L. Rugless, Founder and President of the Katalyst Group, is an accomplished executive with a passion for building innovative businesses and impactful economic development opportunities. A former corporate brand manager and chamber of commerce executive, he brings to bear a unique perspective in building scalable business models, creating well-aligned strategic partnerships, and developing brands that resonate across markets. His dynamic approach integrates collaborative consultant teams into existing infrastructure to realize exceptional client partnerships.

Recognized as one of Cincinnati’s Power 100, Sean previously served as President and CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky, where he developed programs and strategic public-private partnerships to strengthen minority businesses, build scale and create economic opportunity. He more than doubled the Chamber’s size, developed $45M in supplier development opportunities, and conducted research that resulted in new regional supplier development policies and initiatives.

Sean is the former President and CEO of the Cincinnati USA Regional Tourism Network, where he partnered with business and community leaders to establish Cincinnati as a top travel destination. His experience includes brand management at Procter & Gamble, where he lead product launches, managed brands such as Downy and Bounce, and drove growth through a Dollar General campaign, shifting it from P&G’s 10th largest to its 8th largest customer. Sean also headed the Fisher Design, Inc. Brand Strategy Group, where he led repositioning and rebranding for global brands.

His passion is evident in his commitment to business education as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business. A prolific business development evangelist, Sean's frequently featured in business news and has written for such publications as Black Enterprise and the Cincinnati Business Courier.