USU Public Relations Students Host PR Professional Ryan Koch

LOGAN — The Utah State University Public Relations Student Society of America virtually brought in a director for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Public and International Affairs Office.

On Nov. 10, Ryan Koch spoke via Zoom to USU students about previous jobs at the U.S. Department of State, which saw him work for U.S. embassies in Manila, Philippines; Kyiv, Ukraine, and Stockholm, Sweden. Before he provided details about what he does in his New York office, Koch told students this wasn’t initially his dream job.

“I reached out to the church offices in Salt Lake City for a similar role and followed up every six months,” Koch said.

While Koch eventually got an interview for his dream job in Salt Lake City, he was turned down. Afterward, however, he was informed about the opening for his current position. Koch currently leads teams in New York and Geneva and is working on getting another office in South Africa. He also oversees interns who take notes during the U.N. General Assembly.

Sheppard Sonntag, the USU PRSSA marketing director and former intern for the church, said he planned events and discussed how the family unit was impacted by COVID-19 during his internship. Sonntag also grew up knowing Koch and was excited to bring him in as a guest speaker.

“It was awesome to be able to use my own connections so everyone could learn something,” Sonntag said.

USU’s PRSSA chapter regularly invites public relations alumni and professionals to campus and hosts events for students. Those interested in joining or learning more should contact usuprssasec@gmail.com or follow @usuprssa on social media.