Meet Mikaela Hunt | Chief Communications Officer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mikaela Hunt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mikaela, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
If you’re not in the communications and media industry, you’re probably not aware of all the different ways you can tell a story for maximum impact on your audience. The use of video, sound, the written word, special effects and more all go into a story that inspires movement on behalf of your client, customer, patient and more. The combination created can be unique to your organization when working with the right professional who understands your organization’s mission and unique selling proposition.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am honored to lead the Communications team at the Ohio Department of Commerce, the principal regulatory body serving our state across diverse industries. Our mission is to safeguard and promote prosperity by protecting what matters most to Ohioans. My journey to this role was unexpected, stemming from a departure from TV news in 2015 due to a non-compete clause I couldn’t renegotiate with NBC4’s new leadership. Determined to stay in Columbus with my family, I started down my path in a relatively unknown area- that of a brand journalist, crafting social media strategies, delivering media training, and producing videos for businesses ranging from local startups to Fortune 500 companies. Starting my own business, Mikaela Media, was challenging, yet the support of the Central Ohio community, which had followed my work in journalism, made the transition smoother.

Throughout my career, I’ve held fast to the belief that authenticity is paramount in storytelling, a principle that guided me through my entrepreneurial venture and continues to shape my approach today. In 2019, I was drawn to state government by several agencies impressed with my client work. The Department of Commerce offered a natural fit for my systems-oriented and news desk approach and presented daily opportunities to engage in meaningful storytelling across diverse subject matter.

Eight years ago, the prospect of serving as Chief Communications Officer with such an exceptional team at Commerce would have been beyond my imagination. It is a profound privilege to contribute to Ohioans’ understanding of critical issues, and how they impact their homes and their finances. I am grateful every day for the opportunity.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Because I worked for so long in TV in Columbus, I really got to know the city. I would take them to kayak at Darby Bend Lakes just outside of Hilliard, We’d definitely have dinner at Cameron’s Bistro in Worthington and cocktails at Lincoln Social in the Short North. We’d go to the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s main branch to check out some books and read in the double-decker reading room and we’d also take in a show at the Ohio Theater. Some shopping at Easton would be a must. We’d also grab coffee and play cards in the lobby of the Junto after a trip over to COSI. We’d stop by Littleton’s Market in UA to pick up some great food items for the week and I’d ride my bike with them on the Heritage Rail Trail to Old Hilliard. We’d get cinnamon rolls at the Hilliard Baking Company or have a beer at the Crooked Can. I’m a bit fan of finding things to do around the city on Instagram, so we’d leave some slots open for exploration.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
“My incredible husband, Marcus Thorpe, who also happens to be my former colleague from our days at NBC4 in Columbus, has been the unwavering anchor of our family. While I ventured into launching my own business and later took on a leadership role for a state agency’s Communications team, Marcus has been my steadfast support. Even after his full day’s work, he’s the one who humbly takes care of a lot around the house, allowing me to show up fully as a leader and stay deeply engaged in our community through my radio show and other endeavors. In both my toughest trials and my proudest achievements, Marcus has been my rock, cheering me on with unwavering love and encouragement. This shoutout is dedicated to him—without his love and support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Website: https://www.mikaelahunt.com

Instagram: @mikaelahunt78

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaela-hunt-storyteller/

Twitter: @mikaelahuntnews

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikaelahuntnews

Youtube: @commerceohio

Image Credits
Peters Photography