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This summer, I stepped into the role of director of communications and media relations for Ohio Farm Bureau.

For me, this role feels like coming full circle — returning to the Buckeye State and working for the organization that helped me find my place in agriculture.

While life has taken me across a few state lines, Ohio, and specifically Highland County, has always been home. I grew up around agriculture, with many of my extended family members as farmers, but it wasn’t until I joined 4-H and FFA that I saw just how diverse and vital agriculture is to our daily lives. Through my ag education and the encouragement of family, mentors and community members, I knew I wanted to work in this field and went on to study political science and agricultural communications at The Ohio State University.

In college, I served as Ohio FFA state president, led Ohio State’s Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter, interned at American Farm Bureau and worked as an Ohio State Fair Land and Living ambassador for Ohio Farm Bureau.

After completing my master’s in Christian ministries from Liberty University, I moved to Washington, D.C., to work for American Farm Bureau as a communications specialist. At AFBF, writing for executive leadership and traveling the country with President Zippy Duvall, I gained a national perspective on how grassroots leaders drive real change. Now, back home, I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned, dig into Ohio-specific issues, and connect the media, lawmakers and the public to Ohio farmers.

One of the biggest blessings in this transition has been working with former senior director of communications and media relations, Ty Higgins. With an incredible career in Ohio agricultural media, and six years in this role, Ty has left big shoes to fill, and I’m thankful for the foundation he built. I’m also glad Ty will remain a key voice in Ohio agriculture as he begins the role of general manager for Ag Net Communications.

I am more than ready to get started, and an important part of this position, perhaps the most important, is keeping in touch with members and the farming community so I can share your challenges, experiences, priority issues and perspectives.

I could use your help. I am updating and building a member network that I can go to for insight. Please complete this form to connect with me. I look forward to hearing from you.

Ryan Matthews is director of communications and media relations for Ohio Farm Bureau.