Next Up Columbus 2025: Chase Waits
Name: Chase Waits
Age: 42
Profession: Director of Communications & Community Engagement at Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Neighborhood: Westerville
Education: Master of Public Administration/Government Management, County Board of Developmental Disabilities Superintendent Certification
Community Involvement: 12-year rider in Pelotonia, former board member for Delaware County Transit
Motto: “Change never happens at the pace we think it should. It happens over years of people joining together, strategizing, sharing, and pulling all the levers they possibly can. Gradually, excruciatingly slowly, things start to happen, and then suddenly, seemingly out of the blue, something will tip.” ― Judith Heumann
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Chase Waits has spent his life turning empathy into action. Born and raised in Lancaster, Ohio, Chase grew up with a personal understanding of the disability community; his father is legally blind. From an early age, Chase learned that barriers exist not within people, but in the environments around them. That mindset sparked a lifelong drive to question the status quo and advocate for a more inclusive world.
While attending college, a part-time job as a Direct Support Professional opened his eyes to his true calling: empowering individuals with developmental disabilities. What began as a job quickly became a purpose. Inspired by the work of his wife, Amie, and the people he supported, Chase chose to dedicate his career to making a larger impact through systems change.
Today, Chase serves as the Director of Communications & Community Engagement for the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities, where he brings passion, lived experience, and strategic leadership to building a more inclusive community. His journey—from direct support to community advocate—is proof that purpose isn’t just found; it’s lived every day through action, service, and heart.
What gets you up in the morning? And what gets you through the workweek?
In my position, I get to utilize all of my personal and professional experience to (hopefully) make a positive impact on the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities so that everyone has the opportunity to live the life they want to live. It is challenging, and things can often move slowly, but it is so rewarding. The work will never be complete – there is always more we can do. I am genuinely excited to get to work each day toward this purpose.
What advice or mentors have helped guide you along the way?
The best advice I’ve received is to embrace challenges and inevitable failures to help build resilience, because nothing great comes easily. To step back and look at the big picture. And of course, to delegate more!
What do you do or where do you go to unwind?
To unwind, I enjoy spending time with my family (shout out to my kids Stella & Scarlett), whether it’s traveling to a National Park we haven’t been to, visiting one of our local parks, cycling on the Ohio-to-Erie Trail, stopping by a brewery, or just sitting on a patio sipping bourbon. I also officiate wedding ceremonies, which is a welcome change of pace to my day-to-day work (and quite rewarding in its own right!).
What are a few of your favorite local spots in Columbus?
Most of my favorite local spots are in Westerville – Uptown Deli & Brew, High Bank Distillery Co. (and PO Box Twenty One), and The Draft Room – but I also enjoy Hoof Hearted in Marengo and Dirty Frank’s downtown.
When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
Growing up, I always thought that I was going to become a corporate attorney. I guess going into social services was a slight detour, but I still get to utilize practice litigation skills through my advocacy efforts.
What books or podcasts are you reading/listening to right now?
I enjoy listening to podcasts as a way to stay up to date on current events/politics, which often directly affect many social services – Pod Save America, Hysteria, and America Dissected are a few of my go-tos. Next up on my reading list is The Small and The Mighty by Sharon McMahon.
What does it mean to you to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award?
Being chosen for the Next Up Columbus award, alongside so many accomplished and inspiring people from the region, is incredibly humbling. Much of the work that I have dedicated my life to, by building relationships, advocating, and raising awareness, is unseen by many but incredibly impactful to those who benefit from it. Being recognized with this award validates that work and hopefully brings more awareness to the importance of building a society where people of all abilities are able to participate.
If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
Columbus is an incredible place to live and continues to evolve and grow because people want to be here. The people of Columbus are invested in its present and its future and embrace the constant change that comes from a growing city because that brings with it opportunity. There truly is a community for everyone here.
The Next Up Columbus Awards, presented annually by the Columbus Young Professionals Club, recognize emerging leaders who are making a meaningful impact across Central Ohio. These honorees are innovators, connectors, and community champions helping to shape a brighter future for Columbus. Meet the entire Class of 2025 »