Tom Betti
Public Information Program Administrator 3 (Media Relations & External Affairs) @Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
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WORK HISTORY
Public Information Program Administrator 3 (Media Relations & External Affairs) @Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Columbus, OH, US
Serve as strategic communications advisor to executive leadership for programs serving millions of Ohioans statewide, including SNAP, unemployment insurance, workforce development, and child support services. Lead crisis communications planning and execution for complex, high-visibility issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic response, unemployment system challenges, and federal funding disruptions impacting essential public benefits. Manage statewide media relations strategy, building and sustaining relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets while ensuring message discipline, accuracy, and public trust. Oversee the agency’s social media strategy and digital storytelling initiatives, developing human-centered narratives, video content, and campaign materials to promote awareness and understanding of public programs. Translate complex public policy, operational changes, and regulatory requirements into accessible, audience-focused communications for the public, legislators, advocacy groups, and community partners. Coordinate public events, press conferences, and community visits for agency leadership, ensuring consistent brand expression and effective engagement with external stakeholders.
EDUCATION
The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business
Certificate, Non-Profit Management
The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business
Executive Education Series
Franklin University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Organizational Leadership and Business Administration, Minors: Global Business and Cultural Studies
Norwich University
Master's Degree, History
SKILLS
ABOUT TOM BETTI
With more than two decades in marketing, communications, media relations, and public policy, I’ve built my career helping complex public-sector and nonprofit organizations find their voice, growing into senior leadership roles focused on advising executives, driving integrated communications strategies, and translating institutional priorities into narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.I bring an unusual combination to this work: deep operational experience in government and non-profit communications paired with the instincts of a published historian and brand storyteller. As the co-author of five books on Columbus history and creator of The Pan Am Podcast, an award-winning program reaching listeners worldwide, I understand how to find the story inside complex information and present it in a way that earns attention and sparks curiosity.That perspective shapes how I approach every communications challenge: with context, precision, and a genuine belief that HOW YOU TELL YOUR STORY IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE STORY ITSELF.HIGHLIGHTS: Co-authored five history books: Forgotten Landmarks of Columbus (2021); Historic Hotels of Columbus, Ohio (2015); On This Day in Columbus, Ohio History (2013); Columbus Neighborhoods (2013); and Historic Columbus Taverns (2012). Creator and Host of The Pan Am Podcast, an award-winning program exploring global aviation history, culture, and geopolitics. The show has earned critical acclaim and reached a worldwide audience with over downloads across 180+ countries. Consistent five-star rating on Apple Podcasts (S1-5). Partnered with Columbus Metropolitan Library staff and members of the 501st Legion in 2023 to co-create the now annual May the 4th-Star Wars Day, a free, full-day celebration that draws thousands to the library for immersive fun activities promoting literacy and community. Authored and secured approval for two successful nominations of historic buildings in Central Ohio to the National Register of Historic Places, preserving significant architectural landmarks for future generations. Produced and curated historical content for the award-winning short documentary film Operation Babylift: 50 Years Later – A Celebration of the Human Spirit, a collaborative project between the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum and the Pan Am Museum. Developed and grew the Pan Am Museum YouTube channel into a widely accessed digital public archive, generating more than 5 million views and subscribers, and significantly expanding public access to Pan Am’s historical materials.
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