Connecting industry and audience, Shift-ology is a communications agency focused on agriculture and health, aiming to help companies expand their outreach, influence public perceptions, achieve other goals, and bring positive change, all from right here in Springfield.
“We focus on the grand challenges for the industries that we serve,” explains Founder Melanie Wilt. “We are really focused around driving innovation and invention around science communication.”
Envisioning a company that could bridge gaps between industries and their audiences, Wilt started the company in 2008, and as a self-described visionary, she’s quick to point to the growth that Shift-ology has exhibited over the years.
“I've seen it grow from a small, in-home business to a thriving company that serves partners all over the country,” Wilt says. “It's incredible.”
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Shift-ology Founder Melanie WiltThe Springfield native conducts her business through one philosophy – “We win when you win.” From humble beginnings to playing on a national level, this mantra pushes Shift-ology toward success through the success of its clientele.
“It's about building trust within those communities – driving some kind of meaningful change that partners can measure,” Wilt says. “Every community has untapped potential.”
This philosophy is built on community and on the human connection that drives businesses to operate. For Wilt, community is more than a group of people who live near each other.
“It's a network of people who share common interests, values, or goals,” she explains. “Communities are what foster connection and support.”
Following those values, Shift-ology takes pride in caring for and connecting with the community, allowing them to grow with their clients and interact with their customers on a personal level. Because of this, Wilt’s choice to root her company in Springfield is no coincidence.
Emily Bennett, senior account manager at Shift-ology and fellow Springfield native, has been working with the company since 2013, and interned with them for two years before then. She says she believes being based out of Springfield has several advantages, including geographical and interpersonal opportunities.
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Emily Bennett, Senior Account Manager at Shift-ology“It’s a place where relationships matter, which directly aligns with the type of meaningful, trust-based communication work we do,” Bennett explains. “Plus, Springfield is positioned well geographically — close to larger markets like Columbus and Dayton — which gives us the ability to work locally and regionally as well as serve clients nationally.”
This unique approach to business sets Shift-ology apart from its competitors, earning it an excellent reputation among its peers and clientele. As a team, they have earned both statewide and national recognition, including top recognition at the
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Dayton Chapter’s 2025 Gem City PR Awards.
These awards are representative of the effort that the Shift-ology team puts into every project. As Wilt sees it, each reward reflects a success, a “win” for both Shift-ology and their clients.
“I always say that our success is directly proportional to the success that we’re able to help our clients achieve,” she adds.
For Bennett, these achievements are a hallmark of what Shift-ology represents.
“At Shift-ology, we believe we win when our clients win, and that’s exactly what these awards represent,” Bennett says. “Whether it was helping a school reach new students, telling a sustainability story for an agricultural client or elevating an important community issue, every recognition we’ve received ties back to real impact for our partners. These awards aren’t just about good work — they’re about helping organizations achieve their goals through thoughtful, purposeful communication.”
An example of this is Shift-ology’s partnership with
Global Impact STEM Academy (GISA), a career readiness school based in STEM for grades seven through 12.
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Shify-ology received five awards at the PRSA Gem City Awards.“We were involved early on when it was just an idea floating around within the state senate and the people in our community,” Wilt says of their work with GISA.
Bennett explains that this kind of project aligns closely with the company’s mission.
“By helping the school reach more students and families, we’re contributing to workforce development, educational access and the long-term strength of our community — all of which reflect our agency’s purpose,” Bennett explains.
Along the same lines, Shift-ology also supports
Virtual Farm Trips, which connect students with agricultural experts via live video presentations.
During the 2023-2024 school year, Virtual Farms provided educational opportunities for over 250,000 students nationwide, covering settings from farms to fields. Wilt says she considers this project to be a personal favorite, especially due to the dwindling opportunities for in-person field trips.
“To me, that is a perfect example of moving the needle – having measurable impact and working with our clients to help them reach their educational goals,” she says.
On the healthcare side, Shift-ology has a partnership with Mercy Health - Springfield, in which they have supported several initiatives to help raise awareness and increase engagement in the local healthcare system. Bennett highlighted this program as a top focus for the company, as it helps the community and brings awareness to Shift-ology’s mission.
“For us, it’s not just about communication and marketing; it’s about making sure people in our community know where to turn for quality care and trusted resources,” she adds. “Helping a healthcare organization connect with the people it serves is one of the most meaningful ways I see our mission in action every day.”
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The Shift-ology team celebrates with a toast at a team meeting.Today, Shift-ology ranks number 5 on the 2025
O'Dwyer's list of top Ohio PR firms, as they posted 6.7% overall growth for the second consecutive year. According to O'Dwyer's, they also rank 125th nationally. If you ask Wilt and her team, these statistics are directly tied to the care and effort they put into engaging with their community.
To learn more about Shift-ology and their services,
visit their website.