Katelyn Bowling is the Senior Director of Government Relations for the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, where she leads statewide advocacy efforts on behalf of Ohio’s 22 community colleges. In this role, Katelyn works closely with college leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to advance legislative priorities that expand access to affordable, high-quality education, enhance workforce development, and create opportunities for Ohio’s students and communities.
With over a decade of experience in government relations and public affairs, Katelyn is passionate about advancing policies that improve quality of life and strengthen Ohio’s reputation as a top destination for education, career growth, and family life. She brings a collaborative approach to her work, focusing on building partnerships across government, business, and community sectors to drive economic opportunity and empower individuals and communities.
Before joining OACC, Katelyn served as Deputy Director of External Operations at the Ohio Department of Development, where she led a diverse team across six divisions, including legislative affairs, marketing and communications, and the state’s tourism office. Working closely with Director Lydia Mihalik and the offices of Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, she played a pivotal role in shaping legislative and public affairs strategies and promoting the “Ohio, The Heart of it All” brand.
Katelyn also held various advocacy and communications roles at the Ohio Hospital Association, ultimately advancing to Director of Advocacy and Legislative Communications. There, she led statewide advocacy campaigns, developed engagement strategies, and worked with hospital leaders and policymakers to advance legislative priorities that improved healthcare delivery and supported Ohio hospital providers and patients.
A native of Dayton, Ohio, Katelyn earned her bachelor’s degree in strategic communications from Miami University. She and her husband, David, reside in Columbus with their two children, AJ and Kendall.