President, ODS Transportation
Christopher C. King III is the President of ODS Transportation. This full-service school transportation company partners with local school districts, charter schools, and alternative schools across Ohio and Indiana to provide supplemental busing and van transportation services. ODS also provides van transportation to several leading centers for students with autism spectrum disorder in Cleveland, Columbus, and Youngstown. Some of ODS’s notable Ohio clients include Cleveland Metro School District, Columbus City School District, Lorain City School District, Sandusky City Schools, and close to 30 additional districts. Chris’ relentless commitment to growth has propelled ODS to one the largest African American owned busing companies in the Midwest region since its founding in 2014.
ODS has strategically aligned itself for expansion nationwide, with a fleet goal of expanding to 1500 vehicles by 2027.
A true entrepreneur, over the past 15 years, Chris has opened some of Cleveland’s most notable restaurants this past decade. Continuing that trend, Chris recently opened Charter House Grille, his newest fine dining endeavor, in August of 2024. Charter House Grille will focus on modern American cuisine and offer amazing handcrafted cocktails. Aside from transportation and hospitality, King has spent 11 years as an aggressive real estate investor throughout Northeast Ohio and Lorain.
Chris is native to the Cleveland area. He was raised in Richmond Heights, Ohio, where his mother, Kim Thomas, currently serves as Mayor. He is an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, Vice Chairman of the COD non-profit board, board member of Burten, Bell, Carr Development, and member of the President’s Council.
Chris is an avid Browns fan, golfer, and traveler, but most importantly, he enjoys spending time with his son.