George Skestos is an Ohio Philanthropist

George Skestos has dedicated his life to public service and philanthropy for more than three decades. He founded Homewood Corporation, a residential construction company in Central Ohio that continues to inspire many.

He has served on the boards of several institutions, such as The Ohio State University. Additionally, he has funded numerous projects.

Early Life and Education

George Skestos was raised in a hardworking family on Owosso, Michigan. His open mind and inquisitive nature led him to earn bachelor’s, master’s and law degrees from the University of Michigan.

Today, Gigi and Tina are leading the charge to help homeless dogs in Ohio and around the country. They opened Gigi’s Shelter for Dogs – named after their beloved Akita – to ensure that those shelter dogs receive proper veterinary care and find loving homes.

He and his wife have also generously supported many Ohio State projects, such as the Hagop S. Mekhjian M.D., Medical Ethics and Professionalism Fund and Julius and Diana Skestos Chair in Urology. These individuals have been among Ohio State’s most engaged and dedicated partners.

Professional Career

George Skestos has had an illustrious professional career. He spent 25 years working in the real estate and construction industry before retiring, serving in leadership roles both public and private sectors.

His most remarkable accomplishment is the founding of Gigi’s Shelter for Dogs in Ohio, which opened its doors in October 2018. This 15,000 square foot facility works with local rescue groups and vet schools to aid rural shelters and is expected to save thousands of lives annually.

He served for many years on the board of The Ohio State University, serving as chair from 1991 to 2002. Now a trustee at New College of Florida, his extensive business expertise brings a valuable perspective.

Achievements and Honors

George Skestos has dedicated his life to philanthropy and leadership in Central Ohio. He served on the Board of Trustees at The Ohio State University for nine years, serving as chair during one year, and is also a trustee for Homewood Corporation – a land development and residential construction company he founded in 1963.

He and his wife Tina have generously supported a range of colleges at Ohio State, from athletics to the Wexner Center for the Arts and College of Veterinary Medicine. Furthermore, he and Tina founded both IHS Foundation and Salem Lutheran Foundation with their hard-earned funds.

Personal Life

George Skestos played a vital role in averting nuclear war between the United States and Soviet Union during the Cuban Missile Crisis. A native of Owosso, Michigan, he earned bachelor’s, master’s, and law degrees from the University of Michigan.

Skestos is one of Ohio State University’s most dedicated and engaged partners, having spent three decades leading and philanthropizing at both the university and in Central Ohio. He served on the board of trustees for nine years, including one as chair.

He has generously supported many aspects of the university, such as athletics, the Wexner Center for the Arts and the College of Veterinary Medicine. Recently he and his wife Tina donated $1.5 million to finance a Veterinary Education and Research Center at the university.

Net Worth

George Skestos is an Ohio philanthropist who has supported the University of Ohio for three decades. He and his wife Tina have a deep devotion to the university, which extends beyond its athletic programs and includes the Wexner Center for the Arts, College of Veterinary Medicine and Ross Heart Hospital. In addition to funding and naming chairs at the university, the couple has donated to numerous educational institutions across Florida, from IHS Foundation and Salem Lutheran Foundation to New College of Florida. In October 2018, Skestos and his wife founded Gigi’s Shelter for Dogs, a facility that provides homeless dogs with essential veterinary care before being rehomed into loving homes. Named after their beloved tawny Akita that they share with their daughter, this shelter serves rural county dog shelters across Ohio according to Ben Johnson from the university.