Teruko Wada is the Executive Director of Keidanren USA, leading the Washington, DC office of Keidanren (Japan Business Federation)—Japan’s foremost economic organization representing over 1,500 major companies, industry associations, and regional economic organizations in every prefecture. Keidanren plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable economic growth and shaping domestic and international policy dialogue. In her role, Teruko advances U.S.-Japan economic relations and promotes the contributions of Japanese businesses in the United States. She brings extensive experience in public policy advocacy, developed over decades of career at Keidanren. As Director of International Affairs at the organization’s Tokyo headquarters, she managed portfolios spanning trade policy, economic security, and strategic engagement with partners such as the U.S., EU, and Canada. She also coordinated dialogue with key global forums, including the G7, G20, WTO, OECD, and APEC. Earlier in her career, she led initiatives in antitrust, taxation, corporate governance, energy, and regulatory reform. Teruko holds a B.A. in Law from Waseda University and LL.M. degrees from the University of Tokyo and Georgetown University Law Center, where she was a Fulbright Scholar and graduated with distinction. She is admitted to the New York Bar. She is also an active advocate for youth leadership, having served as the Chair of Girl Scouts of Japan and as a Board Member of WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts). She currently serves on the Board of the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation.

With over 25 years at Columbus State Community College, Jeff Spain has been instrumental in advancing workforce and economic development across Central Ohio. He has led the design and implementation of hundreds of strategic initiatives that strengthen partnerships between education and industry, ensuring employers have access to the skilled talent they need to grow and compete. As Senior Director of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) at Columbus State, Jeff oversees a team committed to enhancing the competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers. Guided by the principle “One partner, multiple service solutions,” his team develops and delivers innovative strategies that drive productivity, increase sales, and accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies. In addition to his leadership role, Jeff serves as an adjunct instructor, focusing his teaching and research on applied customer service, leadership development, and personal productivity—empowering students and professionals with the practical skills to succeed in today’s dynamic workplace.

With two decades of experience in logistics and supply chain management, Josh Compton has been pivotal in guiding major retailers such as DSW, Abercrombie & Fitch, Walmart, and Lowe’s toward operational excellence and exceptional service levels. As a Partner and Chief Operating Officer at ClearView Management Resources, he leads large-scale initiatives focused on workforce　development, process　optimization, and community growth. Josh also co-leads the O-SCAN Industry Sector　Partnership, connecting Ohio’s employers, educators, and policymakers to strengthen the state’s supply chain ecosystem.

Deborah Scherer joined the One Columbus team in January 2011 and is now serving as Senior Vice President, Global Trade and Investment. In her capacity as Senior Vice President, she is responsible for leading the Columbus Region in worldwide marketing and business development efforts for the One Columbus strategy. Scherer brings more than 25 years of global business development experience from both the private and public sectors. Previously, Scherer was the Director of the Ohio Department of Development’s Global Markets Division. In that role, she was responsible for managing a US$3.9 million budget, the programs and operations of the Global Markets Division’s headquarters in Columbus, and the State’s network of 11 international offices. While Director, Scherer developed and implemented a foreign direct investment strategy and supported initiated investments from foreign-owned companies — totaling $2.75 billion that were projected to create more than 8,400 jobs. Scherer’s private-sector experience as an International Sales Manager includes sales and marketing on five continents, territory development, mergers and acquisitions, and promotion of Ohio products globally. Scherer is a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) accredited by the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE). She holds a Bachelor of Business degree from Ohio University where she majored in International Business and Marketing and minored in Spanish.