Columbus making changes to communications staff

The city of Columbus is making changes to its communications and event planning personnel.

The city has announced that Jody Coffman will now be filling a new role as community development specialist. Previously she was communications and events coordinator for the city, where she served as a spokeswoman and organized Ethnic Expo and other large events. Coffman has also helped manage the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area or (DORA) in downtown Columbus.

In her new role, Coffman will be serving as a liaison between community stakeholders and city government, as well as keeping the public aware of community development initiatives, performing community outreach, supporting community development activities and general office administration. She will still be the organizer for events such as Ethnic Expo.

Coffman is a graduate of Greensburg High School and Ball State University. She is also nearly finished with a public management course of study at Ball State.

Also this week, Mike Wolanin started as communications manager for the city, a new position. He will oversee the city’s internal and external communication strategies, manage media relations, and enhance transparency between city hall and the public.

Wolanin has previously been a photojournalist, most recently working at The Republic newspaper as photo editor. Wolanin is a U.S. Army veteran.