Melissa York

As Assistant Vice President, Marketing Planning and Operations, Melissa York works to connect the dots between business goals and priorities, marketing practices and audience needs and motivations. She has a talent for effortlessly establishing common ground, utilizing data to identify audience truths and mobilizing and inspiring high-performing teams to deliver.

York joined Ohio State in 2018 as a senior marketing strategist, providing stewardship and leadership in translating business objectives and audience insights into marketing approaches and collaborating with Advancement and academic partners on fundraising initiatives and alumni and donor experiences. She was the liaison between these partners and the Office of Marketing and Communications, bringing the right team members to any given initiative to support the development of strategic frameworks and integrated marketing plans to drive audience actions and brand perceptions through meaningful messaging and intentional journeys.

York is a seasoned marketer, serving as a senior marketing leader and member of executive teams at several corporations. With a career spanning more than 25 years, she draws upon a vast array of experiences, including global product launches, redefining/launching new corporate brands, and positioning a company through IPO and/or acquisitions across B2C and B2B environments. Hence, her passion for building and leading change that brings growth to organizations, embracing diversity, collaboratively identifying solutions, and celebrating contributions that move the needle. 

York is a graduate of The Ohio State University and worked for The Lantern during her time as a student. The university demonstrated to her that a small-town girl can embrace and live within this big place, moving cross-country post-graduation and garnering friendships from around the world. Melissa is a mother of two young children and enjoys long hikes and gardening, as well as spinning, art and travel.