Dublin-Worthington News Stories
Membership Spotlight: Dick Ollila
By Paul J. CynkarSunday, December 19, 2021
Advancing the Leadership Mindset
Finding Success in the Success of Others
Paul Cynkar, October 2021
This is another in a series of member profiles based on discovery interviews that were designed to get an up close view of the traits and strengths of the members who provide leadership to this organization.
Membership Spotlight: Dick Ollila
Engineer, Education Advocate, Poinsettia Pro
Finding Success in the Success of Others
Paul Cynkar, October 2021
This is another in a series of member profiles based on discovery interviews that were designed to get an up close view of the traits and strengths of the members who provide leadership to this organization.
Membership Spotlight: Dick Ollila
Engineer, Education Advocate, Poinsettia Pro
Tell us about yourself. Give us three facts that include information about your family, your career and your pastimes.I was born in Chicago and raised there and in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. When I was young I wanted to be a pilot. Unfortunately, my eyesight didn’t meet the military standards needed to qualify. I attended Lane Tech High School in Chicago. It was a selective high school that had an enrollment of 5,500 boys. I graduated from the University of Illinois with a BS in Aeronautical Engineering and a commission in the USAF through ROTC. Then I joined the U.S. Air Force for three years. It was at the University of Illinois that I met Nancy. We have been married for 60 years! We have two adult children, a son, David, and a daughter, Karen.
In 1964 we relocated to Columbus and joined Battelle. At Battelle I first worked on aviation projects, trajectory analysis and one special project involving large tethered balloons used for military and scientific purposes. As I look back, this was the most challenging project of my career. Later at Battelle, I was involved with program management which meant I was trying to sell to industrial firms and government agencies the things that Battelle was really good at. From there I went to the Transmet Corp, a manufacturing company in west Columbus, until I retired in 2006.
Today, I like to play golf. I like to read current events, history and biographies. Business and personal traveling has always been a part of my life. I’ve been to 48 states, several Provinces in Canada, 12 European countries and several cities in Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
How long have you belonged to Rotary? What’s the best thing about membership?
In 1974 the Columbus Rotary Club had grown so large that they encouraged groups to spin off in the suburban cities. In October 1974, thirty-five of us, including Lou Goorey, Frank Dunbar, John Jacob, Sam Milliron and me were initiated into the Dublin -Worthington Rotary Club that still exists today. Rotary gives me an opportunity to work on projects that benefit others. I have been chairperson or co-chairperson of the Poinsettia Sale for over fifteen years. This project supports the scholarship program which is very important to me.
As you look back on your life and your career, where and when did you have the biggest impact on others? Who was impacted and how?
At Battelle, I had the opportunity to mentor several young engineers. I was able to share best practices and to help them learn and grow.
As you look back, which of the opportunities you’ve had has been the most fulfilling to you personally? Why?
I was involved with our Rotary Club’s Aviation Career Day at Don Scott Field which involved aviation professionals and over 400 students recruited from local high schools. The project had the support of local businesses such as NetJets, Rockwell and Battelle.
Describe the most challenging project you’ve ever worked on. What was your role? What was the result? What did you learn?
Earlier I referred to the Tethered Balloon project at Battelle. These large balloons (as big as the Goodyear blimps) carried communication packages or radar equipment and are used for defensive and scientific purposes all over the world. This project, funded by the Department of Defense, revolutionized the use and deployment of tethered air balloons, and improved their overall quality by leading to the development of materials that resulted in lighter balloons that can carry larger payloads.
What are some things you are passionate about? What really excites you? What gets your adrenalin flowing? What makes your heart sing?
I passionately believe in the benefits of a good education. I have served on the scholarship committee for many years. Initially we granted two $500 awards, one to Worthington High School and one to Dublin High School. Today we give $1000 reward to each public high school in Worthington and Dublin. Several projects within our club provide support to the scholarship fund.
What are you especially skilled at? What is something that others often tell you that they think makes you stand out?
As an engineer I am good at organizing projects. I help to identify the needs, determine the direction then chart a course for improvement.
When you have a moment to sit back and think (dream) about your future, what do you think about? What things would you like to do in your life that you haven’t gotten around to yet? Is there something else you would like to accomplish?
At my age I simply try to live each day to the fullest!
If you could choose anyone (alive or deceased) to have lunch with, who would it be? Why?
I would enjoy lunch with my parents. They encouraged me to get an education. Both of my parents lost their fathers at an early age and had to work to support their families. Though they didn’t have the opportunity to get the full benefits of school, they ensured that their four children did.