Young Alumni Council

Blake grew up in a family of seven — the oldest of five brothers. Four of them are Bobcats. Blake and his wife recently moved home to Ohio after three years living and adventuring in Colorado.

While in Colorado, Blake served as the marketing and communications director for three pro sports teams simultaneously. Professionally, he enjoys connecting with new and interesting people, telling stories and growing within a community. He has spent his entire young career in the sports industry so far, but his new role as the marketing writer for Ohio State Newark and Central Ohio Technical College presents a new and exciting challenge.

Mary Carter leads PRE4CLE's communication efforts, including coordinating its year-round, multi-media marketing campaign-and supports its advocacy efforts through paid, owned, and earned media storytelling as the organization’s communication director.

Previously, Mary was an account executive at Lamark Media, a performance marketing agency, with a focus on strategy and planning. She also served as an associate writer and public relations specialist with Shark&Minnow, a marketing consultancy, spearheading efforts around communicating the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations to Cleveland's most vulnerable communities.

Mary also works with local organizations across the city of Cleveland as a freelance copywriter and editor, focusing on projects that tell the story of micro-communities, underrepresented communities, and communities of color. Most recently, Mary has worked with Jews of Color Cleveland, Reframe History, The Hispanic Heritage Hub, and Pueblo Strategies. In the pursuit of giving back to her community, Mary serves as a co-chair of the Scripps Young Alumni Council at Ohio University, her alma mater and favorite place on earth.

Mary holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. Mary lives in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood of Cleveland and spends her free time reading any book she can get her hands on and exploring the national parks with her daughter Sadie, dog Ollie, and husband Shaun.

Danny Cox is an entrepreneur, consultant, and passionate advocate for continuing education. After establishing a well-rounded foundation at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, he began his career in Chicago working for award-winning agencies such as Weber Shandwick and Razorfish, supporting clients including Delta Air Lines, Samsung Mobile, Google and others.

In 2014, he relocated to the Reno/Tahoe area for an opportunity to lead the marketing team for one of Vail Resorts' Tahoe resorts, Northstar California. In 2015, he began his first business, a full-service marketing agency/consultancy, supporting startups, SMBs and mid-market organizations with everything from branding to website design and development to performance media campaigns.

He is currently pursuing an MBA from the University of Nevada, Reno, where he is also an instructor for the College of Business.

Alyssa Goodenow is a life-long storyteller, a non-profit communications professional, a proud OHIO alumna and a passionate advocate for the welfare of humans and animals. In her role as Communications Coordinator at Mid-Ohio Food Collective, she captures the stories of individuals involved in a network of partners — from the inspiring narratives of the people it serves, the volunteers that dedicate their time to its mission, the donors who make it their mission to fight hunger and partner agencies who have selflessly decided to give back to their communities every single day.

During her time at OHIO, Alyssa founded and was the president of Ohio University's cat-based student organization, All 9 Lives (A9L). A9L works with the Athens County Humane Society to better the lives of cats in Athens County. Alyssa is happy to say that A9L continues to remain a strong student organization. Because of her presidency, she was the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award through the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. Alyssa also served as the VP of Finance for Scripps PRSSA and was in the Culture, Art & Design and Audience Engagement sections of The Post.

Sedric Granger Jr. is a communications professional, broadcaster, and proud 2024 graduate of Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. Since graduating, he has built a career spanning collegiate athletics, professional baseball, amusement parks, and live event operations. Sedric currently works as a freelance play-by-play broadcaster for MLB.com and MLB Network, where he has called nationally streamed baseball events since joining the inaugural MLB Voices Program in 2024. He is also pursuing a Master of Science in Sports Administration while working in Group Sales and Events at Kings Island.

Before returning to Ohio in 2026, Sedric spent two years as a Sports Information Coordinator at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, serving as the primary communications contact for the baseball and women's volleyball programs while also broadcasting UMES baseball and softball. Throughout his career, he has combined storytelling, broadcasting, media relations, and event management to help organizations connect and resonate with their audiences. He also spent the Summer of 2025 in Texas where he was a Broadcast and Media Relations Intern with the Frisco RoughRiders (Double-A Affiliate of the Texas Rangers).

At Ohio University, Sedric broadcasted more than 40 ESPN+ events across multiple sports, served as Director of Student Broadcasting for Ohio Athletics, and worked as a game day host for Bobcat Athletics. His experience also included serving as Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the Battle Creek Battle Jacks of the Northwoods League, broadcasting and writing for the Southern Ohio Copperheads in Athens, sports reporting for WOUB Public Media, organizing the 2022 Ohio University High School Journalism Workshop, and serving as the Voice of Athens High School Athletics on Classic Hits 970 WATH Radio. To cap off his college career, he was named the 2024 Outstanding News and Information Senior. Those experiences sparked a passion for mentorship and leadership that continues to shape his career today. As a member of the Scripps Young Alumni Council, he is proud to support current students, strengthen connections among young alumni, and give back to the university community that helped launch his career and bring him a ton of joy.

Sedric currently resides in Hamilton, Ohio, with his fiancé Emer and dog Luna. You will often find him at Kings Island or Cedar Point during his free time riding the tallest and fastest roller coasters he can find.

Hanna Holman is a communications professional and writer with a passion for using strategic communication to strengthen communities and elevate meaningful voices. She graduated from Ohio University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism, with a major in Strategic Communication.

Hanna’s professional experience spans editorial work, nonprofit organizations, and scientific associations. Through her work with Public Responsibility in Medicine and Research (PRIM&R) and the International Anesthesia Research Society (IARS), she has developed a strong appreciation for academic writing and research-based communications. She has created compelling content, supported community-centered initiatives, and developed engagement strategies intertwining research, data, and thoughtful storytelling. She believes effective communication has the power not only to inform, but also to inspire and create lasting social impact.

In addition to her professional experience, Hanna values authentic networking and cultivating relationships that foster collaboration and growth. She enjoys freelance work, partnering with organizations and individuals to bring creative ideas to life through initiatives like podcasts and creative writing.

Passionate about the intersection of journalism and community engagement, Hanna is especially interested in opportunities that combine storytelling with purpose. As an intentional listener and lifelong learner, she believes the strongest stories are built through connection, collaboration, and a genuine desire to serve others.

Brooklynn Kramer is a communications professional with a passion for telling stories that connect people to brands and communities. Over the past ten years, she has led content, public relations, and engagement strategies for healthcare to hospitality to local culture, growing audiences and building authentic connections along the way.

She is the Ohio University Alumni Network representative for Nashville and past chair for the Scripps Young Alumni Council. She completed the Young Alumni Leadership Program in 2024. 
 

Emma Kramer is a proud 2019 graduate of Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication, where she studied Information Design in the School of Visual Communication and minored in Marketing. During her time in Athens, she discovered a passion for storytelling, sports, and strategic content creation. That passion has fueled a dynamic career across the NHL, MLS, NFL, and now the craft beer industry.

She previously held leadership roles with Real Salt Lake and the Arizona Cardinals, where she built social strategy grounded in data and creativity. Today, Emma serves as the social media manager for Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., where she continues to lead bold, authentic brand storytelling. She’s especially passionate about platform-specific content, emerging trends, and helping brands connect with their audience in meaningful ways.

Kasey Lenhart is the senior graphic designer at Bob Evans Farms, where she brings brand stories to life through thoughtful, strategic design across print and digital platforms. She is passionate about creative problem-solving and enjoys translating complex ideas into clear, engaging visual experiences.

A graduate of Ohio University, Kasey earned her bachelor’s degree in visual communication with a focus on publication design and informational graphics, along with a minor in marketing. She also holds a master’s degree in digital media management from Arkansas State University, further strengthening her expertise in digital media and integrated marketing.

Throughout her career, Kasey has worked across health care marketing, advertising, and consumer packaged goods, building a strong foundation in brand consistency, cross-functional collaboration, and campaign execution.

Bridget Livengood is a strategic marketing and communications leader with a passion for purpose-driven storytelling. A 2010 graduate of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, she currently serves as senior director of donor brand experience at City of Hope—one of the nation’s most trusted cancer nonprofits and among the top five cancer centers in the U.S. for research and treatment. In her role, Bridget leads brand strategy and marketing campaigns that connect donors to groundbreaking science and compassionate care.

Bridget’s career spans journalism, brand marketing, and philanthropy communications, giving her a unique perspective at the intersection of mission and message. She credits Ohio University with shaping her professional foundation—and some of her closest lifelong friendships.

Adam works as a technical sales engineer for Vertiv, a company dedicated to providing equipment to digital infrastructure sites. Vertiv sells to small sites to enterprise sites, offering server racks, cooling, and power equipment, as well as monitoring/IT management tools. His main role is to demonstrate the company’s monitoring portfolio and provide presales support for related products. Having a dual major in strategic communications and technology helped him bridge the gap between complex technical jargon for customers, as well as understand network solutions that would be beneficial to both small and large businesses.

Adam Maslowski graduated from Ohio University in 2021 with a Master's in the ITS program, which is now the ECT program. He also graduated in 2020 with a dual bachelor’s degree in strategic communications and ITS. During his time in college, he was an avid member of PRSSA, the Public Relations Student Society of America; president of TSMA, the Telecommunications Systems Management Association, where he brought in alumni to chat with current students; and cofounded the Bobcat Esports organization. 

During his off time, he typically pursues a variety of interests. From volleyball to gaming or baking and cooking, he is rarely bored after work and is constantly trying new things. Adam currently resides in Columbus, Ohio, with his girlfriend and their two cats, Cap and Frito.

Arielle Patterson is a 2015 graduate of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. While Arielle studied News and Information Journalism during her time at Ohio University, her career has allowed her to grow in multiple fields of communications, including media relations for an athletic conference, editor for print publications and content writer for a billion-dollar company.

Arielle currently works in tourism marketing for the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, where she oversees the digital content for the company's tourism website and serves as the editor of the annual Charlotte City Guide. When Arielle isn't working, she's exploring the (true) Queen City's culinary scene and showcasing her epicurean adventures on her blog.

Alexa Pressman graduated from Ohio University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication degree. She studied in the School of Media Arts and Studies. Since then, she has been working in the live music industry, which took her to Nashville in 2022.

Alexa is the ticketing director for a small venue management company where she supervises six box office managers at different venues. She is a dedicated leader in the UpDog (Disc Dog) local community as well as an active member of Diva Dance Nashville and the Women in Music Business Association.

Rachel Roberts is a strategic media planning leader with eight years of experience in developing integrated, data-driven media strategies for some of the world’s most recognized consumer brands at Procter & Gamble. 

Passionate about mentorship and professional development, Rachel is committed to helping the next generation of marketers build successful careers.

Rachel graduated from Ohio University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication in Media Arts & Studies and currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio

When she’s not at work, Rachel can be found on the pickleball or sand volleyball court, exploring new coffee shops with her golden retriever, Rudy, or traveling to new places with family and friends.

Heather Wilson Schiltz is a motorsports communications and marketing consultant. As the CEO of High Gear Success, she helps motorsports companies, event organizers and racers get noticed, improve operations and increase revenue. A lifelong motorcyclist, Heather enjoys teaching others how to ride safely and responsibly. Beyond motorsports, she enjoys traveling with her husband and two golden retrievers.

Heather holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Ohio University and has worked in the motorcycle industry for more than a decade. She is deeply involved in her community -- contributing to causes she champions, such as the 4-H program and various nonprofits.

I remember coming to Athens for my orientation, telling Jeff Redefer that I was planning to apply and switch to the VisCom school after my first quarter, and having him answer: "You know you can do both?"

I knew then that I'd made the right choice in coming to Ohio University. In 2014, I graduated from the school of Media Arts and Studies with my BSC in Media Production, and from the School of Visual Communication with my BSVC in Multimedia Design. After spending time in Los Angeles in broadcast news at KTLA, I moved back to Cincinnati in 2018, freelancing as a graphic designer and continuing to work in broadcast news production, before taking a big leap and moving on to my current role as art director at Mertz Design, fully embracing the agency lifestyle and managing our Startup & Small Business program with a whole team of co-ops to manage.

At my core, I'm a visual designer who's passionate about storytelling and brand building. I'm a Cincinnati native, part-time D&D dungeon master, jack-of-all-trades, and a Capricorn Sun/Taurus Moon – ambitious, stubborn, responsible, problem-solving and fundamentally hard-working. Need I say more?

Janelle Sohner is a 2010 Scripps graduate and first-generation college student who studied the journalism PR "track" (when "tracks were still a thing). Flash forward, and today, she is proud to be a brand storyteller and communications leader with 15+ years of experience translating culture, creativity, and mission into earned media moments, compelling content, and community connection.

Janelle is known for turning bold ideas into tangible brand impact—rallying teams and partners to craft narratives that matter, whether she is building a communications function from scratch, leading major campaign launches, or navigating a crisis with clarity and care. She leads with empathy, delivers with precision, and always keeps people and purpose at the heart of the story.

Janelle has built and led high-performing PR, social, and content teams across industries like travel, outdoor, wellness, and sustainability. Her work has shaped reputations for brands, including Orvis, Ski Utah, the Wyoming Office of Tourism and Filson—bringing to life everything from creator programs and influencer strategy to global media coverage, C-suite positioning, and owned storytelling platforms.

Most recently, she is proud to have transitioned from a career of PR agency work to being "in-house" at Aspen Skiing Company, a world-class, year-round destination in the heart of the Colorado Rockies.

Mimi Stillman Heath is a creative producer and video editor with expertise in production, digital content, social media, and brand building.

Mimi began her career in television production and marketing in New York City at Endeavor (WME-IMG), where she supported the Miss Universe Organization. After returning to Columbus, Ohio, Mimi worked as a Content Strategist at EXPRESS before launching her own business, Stillman Studios. Mimi has produced and edited content for nationally recognized brands including EXPRESS, Victoria's Secret, AC Hotels by Marriott, and more. She also partners with creative agencies and local businesses across the hospitality, wellness, fashion, and entertainment industries. 

Mimi earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication in Media Arts and Studies from Ohio University and is currently serving her third year on the Scripps College Young Alumni Council. 

After graduating in 2018 from Ohio University, Emily moved to Washington D.C. to complete a year of federal service as a first grade Math and Science Teacher via the AmeriCorps program. She then moved into the non-profit sector working with collegiate nursing programs to maintain their accreditation under the U. S. Department of Education.

In 2022, Emily transitioned to the private/consulting sector where she works heavily in the world of healthcare technology and assists clients in managing federal drug programs. Outside of work, Emily enjoys reading, traveling, attending trivia. She currently volunteers with the local shelter as a volunteer case manager for their foster program.

Wes is a marketing strategist with an extensive background in creating impactful content for brands. This, along with a strong passion for problem solving and business optimization, gives him the ability to create tailored marketing strategies that drive meaningful results.

Before working at Gorilla 76, he led marketing for a nationally-recognized commercial construction company, and spent time interning with NFL Films and Pella Windows and Doors.

Wes graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication (focus in media studies) and currently resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Outside of work, he enjoys serving at his local church, powerlifting, and spending time with his wife Kathryn and two cats: Diva and Lucy.

Brittany Tyree, BSC '12, MBA/MSA '15, is the managing director of career education and coaching at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, where she oversees the undergraduate and specialized master’s career teams as well as career data analytics and strategy. Together, these teams prepare McCombs students to launch careers that shape the future of business.

Brittany’s career in the field began at Ohio University, where she started as a graduate assistant in career management and helped grow the peer coaching program serving the undergraduate business community. She has spent the decade since building career education programs in higher education, with roles at Elon University and the University of Florida before arriving at Texas. A former captain of the Bobcat track and field team, she credits her years competing for how she leads teams and develops talent today.

Brittany earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies and a dual MBA and Master of Sports Administration from Ohio University.

Salma Youssef is a 2024 graduate of the Ohio University Scripps College of Communication, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a major in Communication Studies and a certificate in Human Resources Management. During her time at OHIO, she served as vice president of communications and board secretary for the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) student chapter, helping grow membership, coordinate professional development events, and represent the organization at the university's LEAD! Live event. Today, she works as a human resources recruiting partner at The Equity Technology Group in Cleveland, Ohio.

As a member of the Young Alumni Council, Salma is excited to give back to the Bobcat community by supporting current students and recent graduates as they explore career opportunities, build professional connections, and navigate the transition from college to the workforce.