Tracy Townsend is moving from the anchor desk to Columbus City Hall.
A day after her scheduled final day at WBNS-10TV, Mayor Andrew Ginther announced Oct. 1 that the longtime journalist will become his deputy chief of staff for community affairs. She begins Oct. 5, according to a release from the mayor’s office.
"I've spent much of my career listening to people across Columbus, learning about their experiences and sharing the stories that shape our community,” Townsend said in the release. "I'm excited for the opportunity to serve this city in a new way, working alongside residents, neighborhoods and community partners to help strengthen the connections
between people and their city government."
Townsend announced her departure from 10TV in September, saying her last day would be Sept. 30. At the time, she did not disclose her next role.
What will Tracy Townsend do in the mayor’s office?
Townsend will help lead and coordinate work across Columbus Public Health, CelebrateOne, Recreation and Parks and the Department of Neighborhoods, according to the release. Her responsibilities also include strengthening the administration’s relationships with residents and community organizations.
"Tracy brings deep knowledge of Columbus earned as a respected journalist and through her commitment to community service and advocacy," Ginther said in the release.
He said her experience would help the city connect with residents and neighborhood leaders as his administration focuses on safety, transportation and housing.
Who is Tracy Townsend?
Townsend joined 10TV in 2005 and most recently anchored "10TV News This Morning." During her more than two decades at the station, she covered breaking news, politics, health and other issues affecting central Ohio.
A Cincinnati native and Ohio State University graduate, Townsend previously worked at television stations in Cincinnati, Kansas City and Chicago. Her journalism has earned multiple Emmy Awards and regional and national Edward R. Murrow Awards.
Townsend is also a breast cancer survivor and advocate for women’s health who has served on the board of Komen Columbus. Her community involvement includes Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the Columbus chapter of The Links, a women’s service organization, according to the mayor’s office.
Ginther announces other leadership appointments
Ginther also announced expanded responsibilities for Craig Conley, who will serve as deputy chief of staff for enterprise services and director of inclusive growth and innovation.
Conley will oversee efforts involving supplier diversity, small business, economic development, innovation and sustainability, while supporting operations in the city’s Civil Service, Human Resources and Technology departments.
Randy Borntrager has also joined the mayor’s office as deputy chief of staff for communications and marketing after seven years leading public affairs and communications at the Department of Public Service, according to the release.
Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Former 10TV anchor Tracy Townsend joins Columbus mayor’s office
