COLUMBUS — One of Columbus’ most familiar faces on local television is trading the anchor desk for City Hall. Mayor Andrew Ginther announced October 1 that longtime WBNS-10TV journalist Tracy Townsend will join his administration as deputy chief of staff for community affairs, beginning October 5.
Townsend stepped away from 10TV after her scheduled final day on September 30, when she announced her departure without disclosing her next role. The move came one day later, as Ginther unveiled the appointment in a release from the mayor’s office.
As deputy chief of staff for community affairs, Townsend will provide executive leadership and coordination across Columbus Public Health, CelebrateOne, Recreation and Parks, and the Department of Neighborhoods, while strengthening the administration’s engagement with residents, neighborhoods, and community organizations. Ginther said Townsend brings deep knowledge of Columbus earned as a respected journalist and through her commitment to community service and advocacy, adding that her experience will help the city connect with residents and neighborhood leaders as the administration focuses on safety, transportation, and housing.
Townsend joined 10TV in 2005 and most recently anchored “10TV News This Morning,” covering breaking news, politics, and health across more than two decades at the station. A Cincinnati native and Ohio State University graduate, she has earned multiple Emmy Awards and regional and national Edward R. Murrow Awards.
The announcement also included expanded responsibilities for Craig Conley and the addition of Randy Borntrager as deputy chief of staff for communications and marketing.