The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is restructuring its Marketing Division to expand outreach and marketing opportunities for Ohio's food and agricultural businesses. The restructuring will establish a director of marketing and add the new Ohio CAN program to the division.
Christy Eckstein will assume the role of Director of Marketing. She has been with ODA for 20 years, serving as executive director of the Ohio Grape Industries Committee (OGIC) since 2007. The Marketing Division will include OGIC, Ohio Proud and Ohio CAN. OGIC promotes Ohio's grape and wine industry, Ohio Proud promotes products grown and produced in the state, and Ohio CAN helps regional producers provide their products to underserved areas in Ohio.
Eckstein looks forward to revitalizing ODA's Marketing Division by implementing programs that will assist farmers and agricultural businesses in promoting and marketing their products, expand existing markets, and develop new markets for their goods and services. The Division will also focus on direct farm marketing, education, and outreach. The addition of two new employees will strengthen these efforts.
"I'm honored and excited for this opportunity to create a stronger connection between Ohio's agricultural producers and our consumers." Eckstein said.
Eckstein graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in Animal Science and a minor in Communication. She grew up on a dairy farm in Champaign County where she was involved with both 4-H and FFA, serving as a State Officer. She and her husband, Aaron, have two children.
Categories: Ohio, Government & Policy