Woody Maglinger
Vice President
Woody Maglinger joined Run Switch PR in 2019, following a career of nearly two decades in state and local government. During his tenure at RunSwitch, Woody has directed numerous successful high-level public affairs campaigns in both Frankfort and Washington, DC. He has also provided strategic communications and public relations support for clients in the business, education, energy, government, healthcare and information technology sectors.
Background
Woody previously 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.
Prior to that, he served as Communications Director for the Kentucky Education & Workforce Development Cabinet under Secretary Hal Heiner, supporting 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 before joining the Bevin Administration. In addition to communications and public affairs, 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 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 local Classical Conversations homeschool community. When not frequenting youth baseball diamonds 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
- Vice President, RunSwitch PR (2025 – Present)
- Senior Account Director, RunSwitch PR (2019 – 2025)
- 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 – Deacon (2021 – Present / Chairman 2023)
- Youth Baseball & Basketball Coach (2013 – Present)
- Kentucky Land & Water Conservation Fund – Advisory Board Member (2009 – 2017)
- Leadership Kentucky Class of 2015
