Ohio Arts Council Hires New Public Information Office Director
by PIO Staff

The Ohio Arts Council has hired Amy McKay as the new Public Information Office Director. McKay, 27, is an Ohio native who possesses a strong journalism and new media background.

"I am very happy to welcome Amy to the OAC staff," said OAC Executive Director Julie S. Henahan. "She brings a terrific education and solid experience with her that will serve the OAC very well. I look forward to working with Amy."

McKay cut her journalistic teeth at The Ohio State University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in journalism. After graduating, McKay worked as a writer and editor for nearly five years at Columbus C.E.O. magazine and won multiple statewide awards for her writing from the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists and the Press Club of Cleveland.

In 2008, McKay enrolled in the Graduate Program in Journalism at Stanford University in California. During her time at Stanford she studied under Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists and also served as an intern in the Office of Communications for Gavin Newsom, Mayor of San Francisco. After earning her master's in journalism in June 2009, McKay joined S.R. Education Group, an online publisher of educational resources located in the Seattle area. In her role as a Content Manager, McKay was responsible for managing the content creation process for more than 20 highly-focused education websites.

Despite leaving behind the gorgeous scenery of the Pacific Northwest, McKay is delighted to be back in Ohio and working for an organization whose mission she is passionate about.

"I recognize that I am joining the Ohio Arts Council during challenging times when many state agencies are struggling to hold onto their funding," McKay said. "However, I'm confident we will be able to raise the visibility of the OAC throughout the state, and to remind everyone just how important the arts are to our economy, our community and our lives."

Contact Amy McKay at 614/728-4463 or amy.mckay@oac.state.oh.us

About the Ohio Arts Council:

The Ohio Arts Council is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally and economically.

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