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Columbus, Ohio – The Columbus Partnership has named Irene Alvarez as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, a key addition to the executive team as the Columbus Region enters a new era of international visibility, growth and opportunity. Already the Midwest’s fastest-growing metro, the addition of Alvarez will help ensure it remains a model for innovation, collaboration and economic growth.
She comes to the organization from the brand and marketing consultancy she founded, where she served civic and nonprofit clients in the Columbus metro area and nationwide. Her practice focused on brand strategy, stakeholder engagement and message alignment for mission-driven organizations, and followed 10 years of previous leadership roles within the Columbus Partnership.
“Irene brings a unique blend of executive leadership, ambition, a national profile and an exceptional track record of regional collaboration,” said Jason Hall, CEO of the Columbus Partnership. “She understands our values and has unflinching sight on how we must innovate to win the new opportunities in one of the country’s most dynamic and ascendant metropolitan economies. Irene’s return to the Partnership is a huge win for the Columbus Region.”
Alvarez will return to the Partnership to help lead efforts to strengthen the Columbus Region’s competitive position with a focus on amplifying our region’s narrative, stakeholder alignment and long-term brand strategy. She will oversee integrated marketing and communications for the Columbus Partnership and its portfolio of work, including One Columbus, Smart Columbus and other strategic efforts.
“Columbus is at the beginning of its next defining era,” said Bobby Schottenstein, Columbus Partnership Executive Committee member and chairman, president and CEO of M/I Homes, Inc. “Irene drives results, and she’ll bring the competitive spirit and leadership we need to elevate our expectations as our region pursues even greater achievements.”
Alvarez brings more than twenty years of experience in civic leadership, marketing and economic development. She helped bring the Columbus Region’s unified brand to life and established it as a nationally recognized model for economic development marketing. Her work also supported several key moments, including major economic development wins, the retention of the Columbus Crew, and innovative place branding campaigns and marketing initiatives that earned international recognition.
“Irene knows how to position communities like ours as part of the Columbus Region’s story of growth and opportunity,” said Rick Szabrak, One Columbus Executive Committee member and director of economic and workforce development for Fairfield County. “She is known not only for her expertise, but for bringing people together to move big ideas forward.”
Her collaborative approach, which also included convening chief marketing officers from civic, public and private organizations to strengthen Columbus’ voice across industries and institutions, will guide her work in this new chapter. Alvarez begins her new role on October 1.
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About the Columbus Partnership
The Columbus Partnership brings together civic-minded business leaders to advance a shared vision to make Columbus the most prosperous region in the country. Columbus Partnership member CEOs are committed to the future of the Columbus metropolitan area through high-impact civic and philanthropic engagement. Through our One Columbus and Smart Columbus brands and investor support, our team works to help create jobs and attract capital investment, expand access to opportunity and improve the economic competitiveness of the Columbus Region. Learn more at columbusregion.com.
For Immediate Release
September 8, 2025
Columbus Partnership Media Contact
Jon Keeling
614-657-5917
jk@columbuspartnership.com