The Columbus Citizens Foundation today announced Thomas Iovino, the Founder of Judlau Contracting, Inc., and CEO, Judlau Enterprises, LLC, and Dr. Laura L. Forese, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of NewYork-Presbyterian, as honorees of the 2017 Columbus Celebration. They will join Barnes & Noble Founder and Chairman Leonard Riggio, who was previously announced as 2017 Grand Marshal.

Angelo Vivolo, President of the Columbus Citizens Foundation, said of the announcement: "Thomas and Laura demonstrate what it means to be Italian-American. Through their hard work and dedication, they are leaders in their respective fields and in the community. It is an honor to have such successful and inspiring Italian-Americans join Grand Marshal Leonard Riggio in leading the parade."