Longtime KY3 anchor takes job with city of Ozark

provided by city of Ozark

Benjamin Ward is the city's new communications manager.

Longtime KY3 Inc. anchor Maria Neider has left the television station for a job with the city of Ozark.

Neider has been hired as the municipality's communications director, according to a news release. She said via email that her start date was April 1 after serving her last day at KY3 on March 29.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the city of Ozark as communications director," Neider said in the release. "I am excited to contribute to this community's continued growth and success."

Neider had a nearly 20-year career at KY3 as an anchor and reporter.

In her role with Ozark, she'll oversee all communications for the city, including media relations, public affairs and internal communications, according to the release.

Neider said via email that she succeeded Jenifer Abreu Fouch, a former anchor for KOLR who started with the city of Ozark in March 2023. Fouch's LinkedIn profile indicates she left the city of Ozark last month.

The city of Ozark also announced in the release the hiring of Benjamin Ward as communications manager. He previously led internal and external communications for Adult & Teen Challenge USA and has a decade of experience in the communications field.

"My family and I have been a part of the Ozark community for years. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to serve in this role and help keep the people of Ozark informed and engaged," Ward said in the release.

Ward said via email that he reports to Neider and that he started March 12. The city's board previously voted to change up the communications department and add a director position, he added.