Courtney West Works to Create Buzz for the Columbus Chamber of Commerce

Interview by Steph Greegor

Name: Courtney West
Age: 25
Profession: Marketing Communications Specialist, Columbus Chamber of Commerce
Neighborhood: Grandview
One-word description: Passionate
Quote: “I was able to attend the live recording of Jeni Britton Bauer’s episode of NPR’s ‘How I Built This’ podcast, and it was such an inspiring experience and made me thankful to be a part of a community that is home to so many collaborative and hardworking individuals.”
Connect: Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

Perky and passionate Courtney West, a 2016 graduate of Butler University, wasn’t expecting to move up the ranks so quickly at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce—but this Marketing Communications Specialist seized the opportunity when it came to her.

“When I moved here, I was prepared to do networking and work in an internship if I needed,” said West, who, after interning briefly, ended up running the communications department briefly when her boss unexpectedly left for a new opportunity. “I’ve been here ever since. It’s funny how it started out but it worked out really well. I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world. It was fantastic.”

And now West, originally from northwest Indiana, has settled into her specialist job under a new boss and calls their department a “small, but mighty, team.”

“I get to touch a lot of things. Every day is different, whether it’s digital marketing or social media strategy,” said West. “I really get to practice a wide range of things I’m really passionate about. Everyone has such a unique story and is really making a difference in Columbus. I don’t just sit at my desk every day. I get to go out and meet people. It’s amazing.”

She’s also focused on the reboot of the chamber’s podcast, “CBuzz,” which is affectionately known to her as “her baby.”

“It’s been a lot of fun,” said the Grandview resident, who added she tries to be mindful about her time outside of work.

“There are fewer things I enjoy more in life than a good book or podcast,” said West. “I love to learn, whether it’s while I’m listening to a history podcast over my lunch or sitting on my front porch with a good mystery novel.”

West is also a member of the United Way’s LINC, which works to engage, educate and mobilize young professionals around reducing poverty in and around Columbus.

“The future for Columbus is bright, but we must ensure that ALL residents are able to capitalize on that success,” said West. “It was a great way to find a niche to give back to my Columbus community.”

West also volunteers a portion of her time to assisting the Play For Jake Foundation, which works to raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest in youth and to facilitate free heart screening and protection programs at middle and high schools.

“My family is extremely invested in this mission, and I consider myself lucky to be able to lend my digital marketing skills to the organization when it’s needed.”

And when she’s not working or volunteering, West enjoys the walkability of Grandview and all its shops.

“There’s a great mix of residential and commercial,” said West. “There’s a lot of really unique shops with businesses owners dedicated to Columbus. The residents want to support those local shops and businesses. It’s a great sense of community so close to a big city.”

Courtney was named to our annual list of 52 Young Professionals You Should Know in Columbus – one for every week in the year!
Meet the entire “Class of 2018” »