Columbus, OH – Columbus 2020 Director of Marketing and Communications Irene Alvarez has been named a 2015 Columbus Business First Forty Under 40 honoree, beating out 200 others in a recordbreaking year for nominations. The 23-year-old award program recognizes professionals – all under the age of 40 – making an impact in the Columbus Region.
“Irene has worked tirelessly the past 10 years to promote the Columbus Region, and it’s no surprise her tremendous efforts haven’t gone unnoticed – they certainly haven’t within Columbus 2020,” said Kenny McDonald, chief economic officer, Columbus 2020. “We’re extremely proud of Irene, and are grateful to have her on our team and as a driving force in the continued elevation of the Columbus Region’s global reputation.”
Alvarez joined Columbus 2020 in November 2012 and is responsible for marketing activities supporting the Columbus Region’s overall business attraction and economic growth strategy. Prior to that, she was an account supervisor at Fahlgren Mortine, where she executed strategic marketing and communications plans on behalf of several clients including Columbus 2020, the City of Columbus, 200Columbus, the Columbus Chamber, Experience Columbus, the Greater Columbus Sports Commission and The Columbus Dispatch.
Alvarez is a board member of Dine Originals Columbus and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Franklin County, and recently served as a member of Available Light Theatre’s board of directors. She lends her marketing expertise to those organizations and also volunteers with Camp Sunrise, Ohio’s only summer camp program developed specifically for children affected by HIV/AIDS. Alvarez is a member of the Columbus Brand Marketing Committee, the Experience Columbus Marketing Committee and the Columbus Arts Sector Marketing Advisory Committee. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Ohio University.
A Columbus Business First panel judged the 240 nominees’ careers and community service initiatives to choose the top 40. The Class of 2015 will be honored at a celebration dinner and awards program May 28, followed by recognition in a special Columbus Business First supplement May 29.