Staff Notes

One of the most gratifying aspects of this business is the opportunity to continually discover new talent. It is always a pleasure to celebrate the people who give the state its unique blend of beauty, adventure and fun. Telling their stories is very much a team effort, and it is an additional pleasure to work with an outstanding group of individuals who love the state with a spirit of enthusiasm matching that of the personalities we feature on these pages each month.

Which brings us back to the subject of new talent. We are happy to announce some promotions and additions to the magazine’s creative staff.

Lesley Blake, formerly assistant art director, has been promoted to art director of Ohio Magazine. For the past two years, Lesley has been the spark behind many of the page designs that give the magazine its artistic character and quality. Now she takes charge of the overall look of the magazine, directing its photography and presentation. Lesley is a graduate of Susquehanna University.

Jessica Esemplare, formerly associate managing editor, has been promoted to managing editor of custom publishing for Ohio Magazine. Jessica has been a writer, editor and designer for The Cincinnati Herald and Our Week newspapers, and taught newswriting and media culture at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. She is a graduate of Syracuse University.

Adam Witwer, another familiar talent in our offices, has been named art director of custom-publishing projects for Ohio Magazine. Adam has been with Great Lakes Publishing for three years, most recently serving as art director for Inside Business, Cincy and West Shore magazines. Prior to joining us he was a designer for marketing and communications firms in Cuyahoga Falls and Akron. He is a graduate of Kent State University.

Amanda Hoover, one of those new talents we are always so happy to discover, joins Ohio Magazine as assistant art director. Amanda, who recently earned her master’s degree from Ohio University’s School of Visual Communication, has served as design director for Southeast Ohio Parent and as a graphic designer in the OU alumni association’s marketing department.

Ilona Westfall, yet another discovery we made in our midst, has been named assistant editor for Ohio Magazine. Ilona most recently served as an editorial intern for our sister publication, Cleveland Magazine, part of the Great Lakes Publishing group. Ilona is currently completing her degree at Cleveland State University, where she served as the culture section editor for CSU’s weekly newspaper, The Cauldron.

“Ohio — so much to discover,” the slogan goes. We’re pleased that it as true for the magazine as it is for the state.