Editor’s Note: The College of Arts & Sciences launches the Notable Alumni Awards, honoring 37 Notable Alumni in 2017 for broad accomplishments in their careers, a commitment to community service at Ohio University, and valuable contributions to Ohio University, the College of Arts & Sciences, and its students.
David A. Wolfort ’74 Government, with Honors
David A. Wolfort ’74, President of Olympic Steel, among the College of Arts & Sciences Distinguished Alumni, became a founding member of the college’s Notable Alumni in October.
Wolfort joined Olympic Steel, headquartered in Cleveland, in 1984 and has been in the steel industry since 1974.
- Connect with Wolfort on LinkedIn.
- Hear Wolfort talk about careers on Arts & Sciences Alumni Career Panel on Thursday, Feb. 1, from 2 to 3 p.m., Baker Theatre.
- Bring your resume or questions for Wolfort to Roundtables, Resume Review and Recruiters, Feb. 1, from 3-5 p.m. in Baker Ballroom.
- Network with Wolfort at Networking Reception for Arts & Sciences Students and Alumni, Feb. 1, from 4:30-7 p.m. in Baker Ballroom.
David A. Wolfort
Wolfort was a member of the Ohio University Board of Trustees and served as chair of the trustees for 2016-17.
“Being a trustee…means a great deal to me,” Wolfort said at the time. “It extends my relationship with Ohio University, which spans over the last 46 years from the first day I entered the Athens Campus as a freshman in 1970.”
Wolfort has had a special relationship with OHIO since he entered as a freshman in 1970. Having come to OHIO “sight-unseen,” he became the first person in his family to earn a college degree, and he attributes much of his success in the business world to the diversified education that the College of Arts & Sciences offered him. Now he is also a Bobcat parent; his daughter, Erica, graduated with a bachelor of fine arts in 2008.
“We never missed a Dads Weekend, Moms Weekend or Parents Weekend,” Wolfort said. “It’s a bond between myself and my daughter that we celebrate. Ohio University provided the vehicle for her to not only extend her passion and education in fine arts, but also was able to give her a full university experience.”
David A. Wolfort at Commencement
About His Career
Wolfort is responsible for leading the operations of the company, including the management of all sales, purchasing and operational aspects of the corporation. He also oversees corporate strategic planning, overall marketing initiatives, and quality assurance.
Wolfort entered the Service Center industry full-time in 1974. In 1976, he joined Sharon Steel Corp. as an outside sales trainee and held various sales assignments concluding as General Manager Field Sales for Sharon Steel Products. He began his employment with Olympic in 1984 as General Manager after spending eight years with Sharon Steel. He has been the Chief Operating Officer from 1995 to 2016 and assumed the position of Olympic Steel President in January 2001. He also serves as a member of the Board of Directors.
Wolfort received his Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in Government from Ohio University and has completed 2 1/2 years of Graduate Studies at Bentley College.
Wolfort is currently Vice-Chairman of the Human Resources Committee, a member of the Finance Committee and a Trustee with The Musical Arts Association (Cleveland Orchestra). In addition to his civic roles, he is a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s ITAC-12 Committee, serving his third four year appointment. He is a past director of the Metals Service Center Institute and past Chairman of the MSCI Political Action Committee and Past Chairman of MSCI’s Government Affairs Committee.
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