Jason Mays of Columbus will become the Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Columbus on May 24. Previously, Mr. Mays was a staff member at WCMH NBC4 TV for 21 years, most recently as the station’s managing editor.
In this capacity, Mr. Mays will oversee diocesan communications efforts, including serving as press secretary for the Bishop of Columbus, overseeing media relations for other diocesan offices, publication of The Catholic Times newspaper, coordination and planning of other diocesan media tools, and marketing and public relations advice and guidance to diocesan offices.
“We are very pleased to welcome Jason to the Diocese of Columbus team,” said Matthew Schlater, diocesan Chief Operating Officer. “His considerable experience coordinating the fast-moving projects of TV news coverage and his dedication to his Catholic faith and the Church’s mission make Jason the perfect candidate for this vital role in the Diocese of Columbus.”
Mr. Mays succeeds Deacon Thomas Berg Jr., diocesan Chancellor, who has served as interim Director of Communications since July 2021. Deacon Berg will continue as Chancellor.
“I have had the opportunity to work with Jason a number of times on coverage of various aspects of the Diocese of Columbus,” Deacon Berg said. “He is a true professional who cares about and assures the quality of the work for which he is responsible. He will be an outstanding member of our diocesan team, and, like everyone else here, I look forward to working with him.”
At NBC 4, Mr. Mays’ experience included vetting and approving newsroom story pitches for on-air broadcast and digital platforms, assisting reporters in story crafting, fostering station relationships with news sources, the design and implementation of breaking news response protocols as well as protocols for tracking personnel, equipment, and other resources, keeping staff informed on assignments, daily newsroom editorial meetings, and so forth.
Mr. Mays also worked for NBC 4 as an assignment editor and photojournalist. In addition, his personal experience includes being a bicycle mechanic and builder.
Mr. Mays and his family are members of St. Timothy Parish in Columbus.
