cbuzz: Logan Hittle and Makena Lynch, The Ohio State University Department of Athletics: NIL and the Road Ahead

In this episode, we sit down with Logan Hittle, Associate Director of Student-Athlete Development and Makena Lynch, Assistant Athletic Director at The Ohio State University Department of Athletics. The Ohio State University Department of Athletics is one of the most visible, respected and accomplished programs in the nation. It ranks among the largest by two important measures – number of student-athletes (over 1,000) and number of sports (36). 
What is NIL? 
Name, Image, and Likeness provides student-athletes the opportunity to receive compensation for commercial purposes. OSUNIL aims to inspire entrepreneurial and innovative thinking which ensures that every student-athlete has the necessary resources and knowledge to create, leverage and promote their own personal brand. This will allow Ohio State Student-Athletes to maximize their value at Ohio State and endure through life after sport. 
NIL Activities include but are not limited to: 
Endorsing a brand or company on social media 
Hosting a camp or clinic  
Attending a meet and greet at a local organization 
Making an appearance for a child's birthday party 
Logan Hittle, Associate Director of Student-Athlete Development | The Ohio State University Department of Athletics
Logan, a native of Zanesville, Ohio, joined Ohio State Athletics in July 2021 as the Associate Director of Student-Athlete Development within the Eugene D. Smith Leadership Institute. His commitment to enhancing student-athlete success and leadership development propelled him into a key role as Director of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and then, Assistant AD of NIL, where he led efforts to educate athletes on NCAA NIL regulations, brand building, and partnership opportunities. In this position, Logan played a pivotal role in building Ohio State’s NIL framework, preparing student-athletes to maximize their personal brands and marketability. 
In his current role as Associate Athletic Director of NIL and Strategic Initiatives, Logan continues to spearhead innovative strategies and initiatives that further advance Ohio State’s NIL program. His leadership ensures that Ohio State remains at the forefront of NIL education and opportunities, empowering student-athletes to navigate the evolving collegiate athletics landscape. 
Before returning to Ohio State, Logan gained valuable experience as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Tennessee, where he worked as an Assistant Academic Counselor with the football program. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Industry with a minor in Business and a Master’s degree in Sports Management from The Ohio State University. As a former member of the Ohio State Football Team, Logan is deeply connected to the Buckeye community. 
Makena Lynch, Assistant Athletic Director | The Ohio State University Department of Athletics
Makena has been working with the Eugene D. Smith Leadership Institute since its inception during the 2018-19 academic year, and currently serves as Assistant Athletic Director – Student-Athlete Development and Operational Strategy. Her primary focus includes assisting student-athletes with their post-graduate plans. Makena oversees external relations and is responsible for the creation and implementation of new and existing programs, as well as day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the Institute and its programs.  
She has been with the Department of Athletics since 2014, serving as an intern for two years and Assistant Director of Camps and Clinics for three years prior to transitioning into the Leadership Institute when it was created. Since then, she has held roles as Manager of Leadership Analytics, Director of Student-Athlete Development and Leadership Analytics, and now serves as Assistant Athletic Director – Student-Athlete Development and Operational Strategy.  
Makena is a former Ohio State swimmer and three-time graduate of The Ohio State University. She earned an undergraduate degree in Marketing in 2014, a Master’s Degree in Sport Management in 2015, and completed her PhD in Sport Management with a focus on Leadership Development Effectiveness in 2020. 
To learn more about The Ohio State University Department of Athletics, visit https://ohiostatebuckeyes.com/
Tune in today as Logan Hittle and Makena Lynch, The Ohio State University Department of Athletics, sit down with cbuzz host Mikaela Hunt to discuss: NIL and the Road Ahead
A note about cbuzz production: We are thrilled to be recording episodes for our Central Ohio community. Stay tuned for new episodes, which will share the stories of some of our best and brightest Columbus Chamber members.
Cbuzz is the Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s business-focused podcast and was named Best Business Podcast in 2019 by the Columbus Podcast Awards. The show is produced in partnership with Capital University and its students, and the show is hosted by Mikaela Hunt, brand journalist and storyteller. You can learn about Capital University here.