Woody Maglinger
Senior Account Director
Woody Maglinger is a Senior Account Director at RunSwitch PR, following a career of nearly two decades in state and local government. Woody served as Press Secretary and Deputy Communications Director for Kentucky’s 62nd Governor Matt Bevin, striving to keep the 4.5 million citizens of the Bluegrass State informed about vital developments in Frankfort—from record-breaking economic development to transformative adoption and foster care system reforms.
Background
As a senior executive staff member, his roles included strategic communications planning, serving as a spokesperson for Gov. Bevin, coordinating public events and appearances, writing and disseminating press releases and official statements, interacting with state, national and international media outlets, and providing guidance to cabinet communications officers throughout the Executive Branch.
Woody previously served as Communications Director for the Kentucky Education & Workforce Development Cabinet under Secretary Hal Heiner, assisting with the launch of innovative new programs like the Work Ready Skills Initiative and the Dual Credit Scholarship Program.
A native of Owensboro, Kentucky, Woody worked in a variety of roles over 15 years at the Green River Area Development District in western Kentucky prior to joining the Bevin Administration. In addition to communications, his diverse career experiences have included cartography, real estate, grant writing and serving as a “roving city manager” to rural municipalities.
Woody is a graduate of the University of Kentucky (BA in History/Political Science) and Western Kentucky University (MA in History). One of his passions is Kentucky history. He has taught courses at Western Kentucky University-Owensboro and Kentucky Wesleyan College and has published a book examining lynchings in Progressive Era western Kentucky.
He resides in Frankfort with his wife Leigh Ann (Sansom) and their two children Hope and Will. They are active members at Buck Run Baptist Church and part of the Classical Conversations homeschool community in Frankfort. When not frequenting youth baseball fields, cross country courses, and basketball courts, the Maglingers enjoy exploring the Commonwealth—especially its scenic backroads and incomparable natural treasures.
Education
MA in History – Western Kentucky University
BA in History/Political Science – University of Kentucky
Experience
- Senior Account Director, RunSwitch PR (2019 – Present)
- Deputy Communications Director, Governor Matt Bevin (2018 – 2019)
- Press Secretary, Governor Matt Bevin (2016 – 2018)
- Communications Director, Kentucky Education & Workforce Development Cabinet (2016)
- Communications Director, Green River Area Development District (2007 – 2016)
Civic Involvement
- Buck Run Baptist Church – Personnel Committee Chairman (2022)
- Journey Hoops Youth Basketball League – Head Coach (2022)
- Buck Run Baptist Church – Deacon (2021 – Present)
- Kentucky Land & Water Conservation Fund – Advisory Board Member (2009 – 2017)
- Leadership Kentucky Class of 2015
- Assistant Youth Baseball Coach (2013 – present)
