Next Up Columbus 2025: Sam Evans
Name: Sam Evans
Age: 26
Profession: Director of Logistics and Operations for Charity Newsies
Neighborhood: Old North Columbus
Education: B.S. Public Policy Analysis and Master of Public Administration from the Ohio State University
Community Involvement: Youth Challenge Cleveland, The Nature Conservancy of Ohio, F3 Columbus
Motto: “You, the people have the power – the power to create machines. The power to create happiness! You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure. Then – in the name of democracy – let us use that power – let us all unite. Let us fight for a new world – a decent world that will give men a chance to work – that will give youth a future and old age a security. By the promise of these things, brutes have risen to power. But they lie! They do not fulfil that promise. They never will!” – Charlie Chaplin in The Great Dictator.
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Originally from Cleveland, Sam Evans moved to Columbus to attend The Ohio State University, where he earned both his undergraduate degree in Public Policy Analysis and a Master of Public Administration. During his time at OSU, he dove into work that reflected his passion for environmental justice, education policy, and protecting democratic rights—most notably helping lead OSU Votes and supporting residential life and research programs. Now serving as Director of Logistics and Operations for Charity Newsies, Sam brings that same commitment to equity and service to one of Central Ohio’s most trusted nonprofit organizations. He’s especially energized about this year’s clothing distribution season and the chance to support students and families across the community in a meaningful way.
What gets you up in the morning? And what gets you through the workweek?
I am just glad to be doing the work I am doing and actually feel like I am making an impact in the lives of the families we serve. I make sure that my decisions are all guided by what will best serve our clients.
What advice or mentors have helped guide you along the way?
I have benefited from several really important mentors along the way and would like to thank Dr. Christopher Rea and Anna Wagner, who were both hugely influential mentors and supervisors during my time at OSU.
What do you do or where do you go to unwind?
I greatly enjoy cooking, and I am a very big film buff, but I also love spending time outdoors, especially along the Olentangy Trail.
What are a few of your favorite local spots in Columbus?
Without question, Gateway Film Center is my favorite place in Columbus, whose staff recently unionized, which is very exciting! I am also a huge fan of Bonifacio in Grandview, which has some of my favorite food in the city. Lastly, I love Eclectiques Antique Mall, which always has fun and unique finds!
When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
When I grew up I thought I was going to be a zoologist.
What books or podcasts are you reading/listening to right now?
I am currently reading Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro and can’t recommend the World’s Beyond Number podcast enough.
What does it mean to you to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award?
I am surprised but very honored to be chosen for this award. There’s so much good work being done locally to support this community, and I am very glad to be making a positive impact in Columbus.
If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
Columbus has a lot of exciting things going on if you know where to find them. It might take a bit of active work to engage with, but there is so much life, and people are passionate about what they do in this city.
The Next Up Columbus Awards, presented annually by the Columbus Young Professionals Club, recognize emerging leaders who are making a meaningful impact across Central Ohio. These honorees are innovators, connectors, and community champions helping to shape a brighter future for Columbus. Meet the entire Class of 2025 »