[COLUMBUS] Dean Cathann A. Kress, PhD. announced the recent addition of two new staffers to the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. Kyle Hicks and Kolesen McCoy have joined the college as Government Affairs Senior Analysts. Both Kyle and Kolesen are alumni from the Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics.
Kyle, who earned a B.S. in Agribusiness and Applied Economics and a B.S. in Political Science from Ohio State in 2023, most recently served as a legislative aide for Representatives Darrell Kick and Rodney Creech. Kolesen earned a B.S. in Agribusiness and Applied Economics with a minor in Political Science from Ohio State in 2022 and most recently served as a strategist and director of Agribusiness for Majority Strategies.
“I could not be more excited to come back and work for the college that gave me so many of the opportunities that have helped me get to where I am today. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone in AEDE for my time as a student in the department. Advocating for CFAES has been a dream of mine ever since I stepped foot on this campus, and I cannot wait to share with legislators and our other partners all of the amazing things that we are achieving every day,” said Kyle.
“Since graduation, I have been with Majority Strategies leading national brand and advocacy campaigns for the firm’s agribusiness clients. It was an incredible place to start my career as it provided exposure to the critical role engaging our public officials plays in securing the future of our industry,” said Kolesen. “The opportunity to return to my alma mater is deeply meaningful and very exciting! I’m eager to help strengthen the connection between the college and its many partners and to advocate for the essential work CFAES does in teaching, research, and extension.”
Kyle and Kolesen will provide critical support to CFAES by educating leaders on legislative and policy issues that impact the college and strengthening relationships with public officials, agencies, university advocates, and stakeholders at all levels to advance the missions of CFAES. They will also monitor legislation and governmental issues and support CFAES leadership in efforts related to capacity funding for OSU Extension and research.
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