Media Relations/Staff Bios

Shelly Hoffman joined Ohio State University in October 2005 and manages the overall direction for the university's media relations program. She has more than 20 years of experience in public and private sector communications. Prior to coming to Ohio State, Shelly was director of corporate public relations for Nationwide, a Fortune 100 insurance and financial services organization, where she managed media relations as well as internal and executive communications. Her accomplishments at Nationwide included a Silver Anvil, the highest award from the Public Relations Society of America, for the public relations campaign supporting the development of the Nationwide Arena. Shelly also served as spokesperson for the Ohio Secretary of State and managed public relations and alumni affairs for the Columbus College of Art and Design. She also was publications manager for the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. Shelly is a graduate of Ohio State, where she earned a B.A. in journalism. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and serves on the board of the Thurber House, a Columbus-based literary center.

Jim Lynch directs the day-to-day operations of the media relations office. Prior to joining Ohio State in January 2006, he spent more than 13 years as the key spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources - one of the largest agencies in Ohio state government. While at the agency, he served as assistant chief of the Office of Communications, with responsibilities for media relations, marketing, photography, art & design, Internet, video programming and publications. He has also served as press secretary for several statewide political campaigns and is a former statistician for the Ohio State Football Radio Network. Lynch is a graduate of Ohio University, where he earned a B.A. in communications.

Amy Murray is the voice you hear on many Ohio State radio and TV spots. A veteran radio reporter, Amy produces Info Line, Ohio State’s news service for radio stations, which includes news and features on cutting-edge research. She also helps media locate sources and resources for stories; plans and executes many university news conferences and events; and writes and produces all radio PSAs for OSU football and basketball games and occasional TV basketball half-time spots. Amy's PSAs have been recognized among the nation’s best by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) four times. Before joining Ohio State in 1985, the Pittsburgh native was a radio news reporter for WBNS and WCOL radio in Columbus.

Liz Cook joined the media relations staff in March 2002 and assists in promoting university initiatives and programs to local, state and national media. She brings with her better than 15 years experience as a writer, editor and public relations practitioner. Prior to her appointment Liz worked in the Department of Athletics as the media relations director for the Ohio State women’s basketball program. Many of the publications Liz produced were recognized nationally, including the women’s game-day program voted "Best in the Nation" three years running by the College Sports Information Directors of America. Liz’s resume also includes stints as a Public Information Officer for the State of Ohio and as a sports editor for the Columbus Call & Post. A native of Lexington, Ky., Liz earned a B.A. in journalism from Ohio State.

Melinda Sadar is a writer and editor for special media relations projects, including writing commencement biographies and citations. She joined Ohio State in 1984 in the university development office after working as a writer at Otterbein College and the University of Virginia. She also was a reporter for the former Cleveland Press. Melinda has a B.A. in English from Case Western Reserve University.

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