Bishop Hee-Soo Jung is bringing together the Communications teams of East and West Ohio to better resource local churches and Ohio Episcopal Area ministries. The combined team will be led by two executive directors, each with distinct responsibilities. The bishop has named Rick Wolcott executive director of Conference Communications and Kay Panovec executive director of Local Church Communications & Engagement.

“The vision for One Ohio is about resourcing and enhancing the ministries of our nearly 1,000 local churches. We are here to serve them,” said Bishop Jung. “Aligning our Communications teams will create one shared strategy for communicating with local churches while ensuring their questions and experiences are heard by Conference leadership.”

As executive director of Conference Communications, Wolcott will guide the implementation of strategies for branding, messaging and promoting Ohio Episcopal Area ministries. His primary responsibilities will include working with the bishop and Cabinet and resourcing ministry teams.

“I am excited by Bishop Jung’s vision for Communications ministry. Having one Ohio Communications department with half of our team partnering with Conference staff and the other half working full-time to resource local churches is a model that should benefit all,” Wolcott said.

As executive director of Local Church Communications & Engagement, Panovec will work alongside pastors, local church staff and volunteers to provide strategic communications and marketing resources while helping amplify positive stories from local churches across the state.

“The local church is where lives are changed, communities grow stronger and faith takes root. We are energized by this vital work, and excited to support local churches across Ohio,” Panovec said.

Under the new structure, the current East Ohio Communications team will resource Conference communications, while the West Ohio team will resource local churches. The combined Communications team will begin its new statewide roles November 1.