Stephen E. Chappelear (SBS, 1974: JD, 1977), a member of the law firm Frost Brown Todd in Columbus, Ohio, was elected to the Ohio State Alumni Association’s board of directors. A five-member nominating committee recommended the directors-elect after reviewing a large base of candidates. Chappelear will serve a five-year term to begin at the conclusion of the October 2013 meeting.

Chappelear is a member of the law firm Frost Brown Todd in Columbus, Ohio, with more than 35 years of experience in business and complex litigation, construction law, employment, and intellectual property litigation. He is the immediate past president of the National Conference of Bar Foundations and past president of the Ohio State Bar Foundation, the Ohio State Bar Association and the Columbus Bar Association. Among his many accomplishments, Chappelear is the recipient of the Ohio State Bar Foundation Ritter Award, the highest honor given by the Foundation for professionalism, integrity and ethics in the practice of law.

In 2006, Chappelear co-founded the SBS Alumni Society. When the university announced the move to a unified College of Arts and Sciences, Chappelear stepped up to assume the leadership role in moving the SBS Alumni Society into the new Arts and Sciences Alumni Society. His strong leadership skills were a tremendous asset in building the consensus and support necessary to ensure a smooth transition He currently serves as a member of the OSU Moritz College of Law National Council and president of its Law Alumni Association.

Chappelear continues to give of his time and talents to the College of Arts and Sciences and the Moritz College of Law, mentoring students and young alumni as well as volunteering at recruitment events and taking on the role as ambassador for university at a variety of alumni events across the country.

In 2012, the College of Arts and Sciences awarded Chappelear the Alumni Distinguished Service Award.

Chappelear and his wife, Sharon, a 1977 Ohio State graduate, live in Pataskala, Ohio, and are the parents of two children, including a 2007 Ohio State graduate.