John P. McConnell is chairman and chief executive officer of Worthington Industries. He is majority owner of the Columbus Blue Jackets National Hockey League franchise and chairman of the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation. The foundation uses the unique resources of its professional athletes, coaches and staff to improve the quality of life throughout central Ohio.

McConnell began his career at Worthington in 1975 as a general laborer in the Louisville, Kentucky steel plant. He also worked as a sales representative for two of Worthington's divisions. McConnell served as corporate personnel director and has been instrumental in administering the company's highly recognized employee-based policies. He was appointed vice president and general manager of the company's largest steel facility in Columbus, Ohio in 1985. member of Worthington's board of directors since 1990, McConnell became vice chairman in 1992 and was named chief executive officer in March of 1993. In September of 1996 he was named chairman of the board. McConnell is active in numerous community organizations and currently serves on the board of directors for OhioHealth. He has served on the boards of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Children's Hospital, the YMCA and the Columbus Zoological Association.

Worthington Industries is a leading diversified metals manufacturing company with 2011 fiscal year sales of $2.4 billion. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the Company is North America’s premier value added steel processor; the world’s leading manufacturer of pressure cylinders such as propane, oxygen and helium tanks, hand torches, refrigerant and industrial cylinders, camping cylinders, scuba tanks, and compressed natural gas storage cylinders; framing systems and stairs for mid-rise buildings; steel pallets and racks; and through joint ventures, suspension grid systems for concealed and lay-in panel ceilings, current and past model automotive service stampings; laser welded blanks, and light gauge steel framing for commercial and residential construction.

Worthington employs approximately 8,000 people and operates 74 facilities in 11 countries. Worthington Industries has been named a "100 Best Companies to Work For" four times by Fortune magazine and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, stock listing: WOR.

Founded in 1955, the company operates under a long-standing corporate philosophy rooted in the golden rule, with earning money for its shareholders as the first corporate goal. This philosophy, an unwavering commitment to the customer, and one of the strongest employee/employer partnerships in American industry serve as the company’s foundation.