watterson center for ethical leadership
Ethical Leadership and Media and Digital Spaces Conference
University of Findlay invites students, faculty, staff, and professionals to attend the Ethical Leadership in Media and Digital Spaces Conference on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026.
conference
About the Conference
The University of Findlay’s Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership invites students, faculty, staff, and professionals from colleges and universities across the region to attend the Ethical Leadership in Media and Digital Spaces Conference on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026.
This one-day conference will explore the ethical challenges and leadership opportunities shaping today’s media and digital landscape. Attendees will gain insights from industry experts through engaging breakout sessions covering timely topics in journalism, communication, social media, technology, and digital leadership.
Whether you’re a student preparing for a career in media, a faculty member, or a communication professional, this conference offers valuable perspectives on navigating ethical decision-making in an increasingly digital world.
Registration details will be available soon with limited seats available. Mark your calendar and plan to join us for this engaging day of learning, discussion, and professional development.
conference
Schedule of Events
8:30-8:45 a.m. Registration
- Participants check in, receive materials, and network informally.
8:45 a.m. Welcome
Welcome by Dr. Sarah Fedirka, Director of the Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership and Senior Lead for Mission and Identity
9:00 a.m. Breakout Sessions
Breakout session topics include:
- Managing AI policies in marketing and communication: Sam Crist, Sr. Marketing Manager at Blue & Co.
- Every organization is a media organization: Doug Jenkins, Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce senior investor experience lead, and Michelle Ladd, member services and communication specialist.
- Journalism and AI: An ethical line in the sand: Alexa Maslowski, anchor and reporter at Spectrum News 1 Ohio.
- Strategic Communication: Persuasion vs manipulation: Lindsay Ginter, Executive Director of Strategy at AR Marketing.
- Independent Media in today’s media landscape: Joe Case, Marysville Matters, former Associate VP of Corporate Marketing Nationwide Insurance.
- Engaging Ethically: Digital citizenship, civility, and online ethics: Dr.Megan Adams, associate professor of media and communication at University of Findlay and CEO Homeplace Creative.
12-1 p.m. Lunch/Keynote: Truth in the Age of Algorithms: Why Ethics Still Matters
- 12:15 p.m. Introduce Speaker
- 12:20-12:40 p.m. Speaker
- 12:40-1 p.m. Discussion
university of findlay
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please let us know.
Sarah Fedirka, Senior Lead for Mission and Identity and Director of the Watterson Center for Ethical Leadership
Email: fedirka@findlay.edu
Amy Rogan, Assistant Professor of Media and Communication & Adviser to The Pulse
Email: rogan@findlay.edu
Location: 301 Davis St., Findlay, OH 45840