The Economic Roundtable of the Ohio Valley kicks off its 2025 Speaker Series with industry leader and current Marietta College Trustee Joe Chlapaty H’10, P’97.
Mr. Chlapaty, an entrepreneur and retired CEP of Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc., will be the featured speaker for two events, presenting his topic: ADS, A Classic Story of American Opportunity during a public Business Q&A on January 27 and at the ERT Luncheon on January 28. The January 27 event is free and open to the public and will be from 7:00–8:00 p.m. in Thomas 124 on Marietta College’s campus. The January 28 event will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Parkersburg Country Club in Vienna, West Virginia. Attendees must register for the luncheon by January 22 at https://secure.touchnet.com/C23012_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=17 . The $25 fee includes lunch.
“Now in its 42nd year, the Economic Roundtable offers a renowned speaker series to engage with our community on a wide variety of topics,” said Dr. Greg Delemeester, Milton Friedman Professor of Economics at Marietta College. “We’re excited to welcome Joe Chlapaty to kick off this year’s lineup with his story on how he helped build ADS into a billion-dollar company.”
An accomplished business executive, entrepreneur, and civic leader with over five decades of experience in corporate leadership and community service, Mr. Chlapaty’s distinguished career spans 37 years at Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (ADS), where he served as Chief Financial Officer, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board, transforming the company from a $55 million business into the world's largest producer of thermoplastic corrugated pipe and related products, with sales revenue reaching approximately $1.5 billion.
Under his leadership, ADS expanded to encompass 60 manufacturing plants and 19 customer service centers worldwide, employing approximately 4,000 people. One of his crowning achievements was successfully leading the company's initial public offering and listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 2014.
Mr. Chlapaty is a proud veteran, having served in the US Army Reserve from 1968 to 1974. He holds a B.S.B.A. (Cum Laude) from the University of Dubuque, where he was a recipient of both the Wall Street Journal Award and Student Athletic Award, and an M.B.A. from DePaul University. He is also a Certified Public Accountant and has been honored with honorary doctorate degrees from both the University of Dubuque and Marietta College.
As a dedicated community leader, Mr. Chlapaty has been on the front lines of economic development and education advancement in Ohio. He serves on the Board of Directors for Nationwide Children's Hospital and KIPP Journey Academy, a charter school for disadvantaged inner-city children. His commitment to education is further demonstrated through his role as Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Trustees at the University of Dubuque and his service on the Board of Trustees at Marietta College.
Currently, Mr. Chlapaty leads Chlapaty Investments LLC, where he continues to apply his extensive business acumen and strategic vision. A longtime resident of Dublin, Ohio, he remains actively engaged in supporting and strengthening the local community through various civic and philanthropic initiatives.