A familiar name to mid-Missouri reporters has been selected as Columbia’s first director for the recently formed communications department.
City manager De’Carlon Seewood has announced that University of Missouri director of media relations Christopher Ave will begin his new role on Monday June 22. Mr. Seewood says Christopher’s extensive experience in journalism and strategic communications makes him an outstanding addition to their team.
Mr. Ave has more than 30 years of experience and is also a former editor at the “St. Louis Post-Dispatch.” He says he’s thrilled to lead communications and engagement efforts for Columbia, describing it as a world-class city.
The other two finalists were University of Missouri Extension communications director Rob Jones and Missouri Office of Administration (OA) public information officer Shayne Martin.
Mr. Seewood has pushed for the hiring of a communications director, saying that strong public communication will allow the city to control the narrative regarding its mission/accomplishments.
What’s next: Mr. Ave begins his new position on Monday June 22.