Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) and The Ohio State University at Newark have announced the appointment of Ashton Lahman as the campus’s director of marketing and public relations.

Lahman will assume this cost-shared role — which serves both institutions — on May 4. She will report directly to COTC’s president and Ohio State Newark’s dean and director.

As director of marketing and public relations, Lahman will collaborate with campus leadership to drive enrollment and the institutions’ positive brand image through engaging marketing tactics. She will also generate advertising campaigns, oversee development of marketing content and campus publications, and help advance the institutions’ overall goals.

“Ashton brings a depth of experience and a strategic vision that will elevate how we tell our story locally and statewide,” said Matthew J. Smith, PhD, Ohio State Newark dean and director. “We’re excited to have a leader with her background in high‑impact marketing and communications join our campus community.”

Lahman holds more than a decade of experience leading global marketing initiatives in the technology and scientific space. Most recently, she was manager of global marketing programs at Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS), a division of the American Chemical Society. She has spent her career connecting with and creating campaigns for commercial, government and academic audiences.

“I immediately recognized how special Ohio State Newark and COTC are,” Lahman said, “especially in how they empower students to succeed, grow and reach their goals. I’m eager to support the meaningful work taking place.”

A champion of brand consistency and messaging quality, Lahman holds an MBA from Ohio Dominican University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Otterbein University. She’s also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). She lives with her family in Columbus and enjoys reading, hiking and camping.

Lahman will take over for interim director Jackie Parrill, EdD, also COTC’s vice president and both institutions’ chief of staff. Parrill has served in the interim capacity since a nationwide search began back in January.

“After a thorough search, Ashton emerged as the clear choice to lead our marketing and communications efforts,” said John M. Berry, PhD, COTC president. “She brings both the strategic depth and the technical discipline needed for this essential role. Ashton has a proven track record of aligning marketing initiatives with organizational goals, and we’re confident her expertise will greatly enhance how we share the unique stories of COTC and Ohio State Newark with our students and the broader community.”