(COLUMBIA, MO) ~ Columbia, MO - The City of Columbia is excited to announce that they will be hosting a meet and greet open to the public with the final candidates for the City's Communications director position. The event will take place on May 20 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Columbia Training Center, located at 500 E. Walnut St., Suite 108.

During this meet and greet, members of the public will have the opportunity to drop in anytime between 5 and 6:30 p.m. to speak with the finalists. Light refreshments will be provided for attendees.

The three finalists for the position are Christopher Ave, Rob Jones, and Shayne Martin. Each candidate brings a wealth of experience and qualifications to the table.

Christopher Ave has over 30 years of experience in journalism and strategic communications. Currently, he serves as the director of media relations and public affairs at the University of Missouri. Ave's previous roles include director of communications with the St. Louis County Department of Public Health and political and national editor with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He holds a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University.

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Rob Jones has more than 10 years of experience in strategic communications. He currently works as director of marketing and communications for the University of Missouri Extension. Jones' previous roles include director of the Missouri Education Business Incubator with the University of Missouri and director of research insights and innovation communication with Teach for America. He holds a doctoral degree in strategic communications from the University of Missouri.

Shayne Martin brings over 12 years of experience in strategic communications to his candidacy. Currently serving as public information officer with the Missouri Office of Administration, Martin's previous roles include deputy director of National Office of Communications with USDA Forest Service, public affairs specialist at U.S Department of Treasury, and Communications Director at U.S House Representatives. He holds a master's degree in defense and strategic studies from Missouri State University.

The City of Columbia welcomes members of the public to attend this open meeting and get to know the final candidates for the Communications director position. For any requests for accommodations related to disability, please contact 573.874.CITY (2489) or email a designated email address. To ensure appropriate arrangements can be made, please make your request as early as possible before the meeting date.

The City is looking forward to filling this important position and encourages all interested individuals to attend the meet and greet on May 20.

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