Ryan Matthews named Ohio Farm Bureau director of communications and media relations

COLUMBUS – Ryan Matthews of Leesburg has been named director of communications and media relations for Ohio Farm Bureau. 

In this role, he will serve as the organization’s primary point of contact for journalists reporting on farm, food, environmental, and public policy issues. He also will contribute content across Farm Bureau’s print and digital channels and will work with Farm Bureau members as they communicate with public officials and consumers.
 
Matthews is a proud product of Ohio’s agricultural youth programs, being a former leader of his local 4-H chapter and serving as the 2017-2018 Ohio FFA state president. He also is an alumni of Ag Future of America, served as Collegiate Farm Bureau president during his time at The Ohio State University and is a past Ohio State Fair Land & Living exhibit ambassador. 

Prior to joining Ohio Farm Bureau, Matthews served as a communications specialist for the American Farm Bureau Federation. In his role, he crafted columns, speeches and quotes for executive leadership around key policy issues and advocacy efforts. He also traveled the country with AFBF President Zippy Duvall, providing logistical and executive communications support. 

Matthews graduated from Ohio State in political science and agricultural communications and has a master’s degree in Christian ministries from Liberty University. 

Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission is working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org.