Steve Geppi Named Baltimore CEO of the Year
Steve Geppi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Comic
Distributors, was named Baltimore CEO of the Year by Baltimore SmartCEO
magazine at the publication's fourth anniversary party.
The gala event, attended by many of the top business leaders in the region, was held on September 29 in the former National Bohemian building, which has a spectacular view overlooking the water. The building, part of an area rapidly undergoing gentrification, was the perfect setting since it represented both the city's industrial past and its resurgent present, both subjects near to Geppi's heart.
Each issue of the magazine, which has also recently launched Washington SmartCEO in the nation's capital, is filled with case studies, columns and feature articles designed to help the region's CEOs face the daily challenges of running a business. For their CEO of the Year issue, company leaders from around the region are nominated and the winner is then chosen by the magazine's editorial staff.
Spotlighted in a lengthy article by award-winning writer-editor David Callahan, Geppi's seemingly implausible rise from postal carrier to head of an entire family of companies and part-owner of the Baltimore Orioles has long been the stuff of legend within the comic book world. Increasingly, though, it has become clear that business and community leaders outside the industry have taken note of Little Italy's favorite son as well.
"It isn't all about which CEO in town had that most spectacular year," Callahan wrote of the award. "We try to name a CEO who has had a number of interesting years and has positioned his company to succeed in the future. We look to someone who is not just important to Baltimore, but breaking important ground within his or her own industry. We look for someone who has unique ideas and a convincing and fascinating leadership style. Someone who gives back to his employees, shareholders and community alike. We think Geppi fits that bill."
After being introduced by publisher Craig Burris and Callahan, Geppi gave a short speech touching on many of his favorite subjects -- family, friends, the comic book industry, and Baltimore.
The gala event, attended by many of the top business leaders in the region, was held on September 29 in the former National Bohemian building, which has a spectacular view overlooking the water. The building, part of an area rapidly undergoing gentrification, was the perfect setting since it represented both the city's industrial past and its resurgent present, both subjects near to Geppi's heart.
Each issue of the magazine, which has also recently launched Washington SmartCEO in the nation's capital, is filled with case studies, columns and feature articles designed to help the region's CEOs face the daily challenges of running a business. For their CEO of the Year issue, company leaders from around the region are nominated and the winner is then chosen by the magazine's editorial staff.
Spotlighted in a lengthy article by award-winning writer-editor David Callahan, Geppi's seemingly implausible rise from postal carrier to head of an entire family of companies and part-owner of the Baltimore Orioles has long been the stuff of legend within the comic book world. Increasingly, though, it has become clear that business and community leaders outside the industry have taken note of Little Italy's favorite son as well.
"It isn't all about which CEO in town had that most spectacular year," Callahan wrote of the award. "We try to name a CEO who has had a number of interesting years and has positioned his company to succeed in the future. We look to someone who is not just important to Baltimore, but breaking important ground within his or her own industry. We look for someone who has unique ideas and a convincing and fascinating leadership style. Someone who gives back to his employees, shareholders and community alike. We think Geppi fits that bill."
After being introduced by publisher Craig Burris and Callahan, Geppi gave a short speech touching on many of his favorite subjects -- family, friends, the comic book industry, and Baltimore.
