03/12/2026

Chrisy Wright Receives Darryl Dever President's Award

Chrisy Wright Honored with 2026 Darryl Dever President’s Award

The Ohio Lobbying Association is proud to announce that Chrisy Wright is the recipient of the 2026 Darryl Dever President’s Award. The award was presented at the OLA’s Annual Meeting on March 11 at the Athletic Club of Columbus by outgoing President Melissa Kuhn Wheeler.

The Darryl Dever President’s Award is the OLA’s highest annual honor, presented to a member who has demonstrated exceptional service and commitment to the association and the lobbying profession.

A Career Defined by Integrity and Leadership

Chrisy Wright has been a fixture on Capitol Square for her entire career, earning a reputation as one of Ohio’s most respected government affairs professionals. As Government Affairs Director at IGS Energy, she advocates on energy policy and regulatory matters before the Ohio General Assembly — work that reflects the OLA’s values of professionalism, transparency, and ethical advocacy.

Beyond her work at IGS Energy, Chrisy is deeply committed to public service and civic engagement. She chairs the Ohio Statehouse Family Feud Fundraiser for Ohio Youth & Government, an annual event that brings the Capitol Square community together to support programming that educates high school students in a hands-on experience of the legislative process.

Remarks from Outgoing President Melissa Wheeler

Presenting the award, Wheeler reflected on what Chrisy Wright has meant to her personally and to the association:

“Chrisy was one of the first female lobbyists I met when I was an LSC fellow, and I immediately understood that she was someone I needed to know. She has been an icon in our profession and a true partner to me as OLA President. It is especially fitting that we honor her during Women's History Month — this organization could not be in better hands.”

Incoming President

In addition to receiving the President’s Award, Chrisy Wright was elected as the 2026 OLA President at the same Annual Meeting, stepping into the role with the full confidence and support of the membership. She succeeds Wheeler, who served as President in 2025.

Congratulations to Chrisy Wright on this well-deserved recognition. The OLA is grateful for her leadership, her friendship to so many in the profession, and her unwavering commitment to making Ohio’s lobbying community stronger.