Gateway Film Foundation Announces Charly Bauer as New Chief Executive Officer and President

COLUMBUS, OH (October 10, 2025) —Accomplished entrepreneur and community leader Charly Bauer will lead nationally recognized art house Gateway Film Center as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of Gateway Film Foundation.

“Movies are magic, and there’s nothing like experiencing them together,” Bauer said. “Now more than ever, people want—and need—communal experiences. I love Gateway Film Center’s commitment to providing those experiences. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to build on an incredible legacy, reimagine how we can deliver those experiences and continue connecting people through storytelling.”

Bauer brings a unique blend of experiences to the position, as well as a passion for the hospitality industry and the Columbus community. He co-founded Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and helped grow it from a single shop in the North Market to 65 stores nationwide over 20 years. He then helped hundreds of nonprofits use data to increase fundraising and improve outcomes as executive director of Measurement Resources Company. He’s also served several nonprofits as a board member, including Besa, Short North Alliance, North Market and Leadership Columbus, among others.

Plus, cinema is in his blood: Bauer grew up in an art house in St. Louis, where his father has been a 1/3 projectionist for more than 50 years. He’s also a 30-year Columbus resident who has been an active supporter of Central Ohio’s thriving indie film community, which includes other noteworthy organizations like the Wexner Center for the Performing Arts, the Drexel Theatre, and the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA).

“Charly Bauer is the right leader at the right time for the Gateway Film Foundation,” said Larry James, who chairs the Gateway Film Foundation Board of Directors. “His experience, creativity and commitment to our mission will ensure that the Film Center continues to thrive as a vital cultural institution for Central Ohio.”

Bauer, who begins on November 3, was selected following a comprehensive nationwide search led by Broadview Talent Partners. He succeeds longtime Gateway Film Foundation leader Chris Hamel, who will step down on October 30 after more than 17 years of visionary service. Under his leadership, Gateway Film Center became one of the nation’s most respected film exhibition spaces, known for its diverse programming, innovative partnerships and commitment to community impact.

“The Film Center is more than a theater. It’s a gathering place for discovery, storytelling and connection,” Bauer said. “Chris Hamel did remarkable work here, and it’s an honor to accept the torch from him. I look forward to working with the staff, board, and community to carry this important mission forward.”

The Gateway Film Foundation, which owns and operates Gateway Film Center, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization. Through its nationally recognized programming, educational initiatives, and community partnerships, the Foundation is dedicated to advancing film as an art form and strengthening Columbus as a destination for cinema culture. The Foundation receives support from the Ohio Arts Council, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, Campus Partners, The Columbus Foundation, and thousands of individual donors. To learn more, visit the website at gatewayfilmcenter.org.