Jason Shumaker Dies: Communications Executive At MTV, VH1, Google & Verizon Was 55
Jason Shumaker, a veteran communications executive whose tenures at MTV and VH1 saw him play key roles in support of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, The Shannara Chronicles and the MTV Video Music Awards, passed away on February 16 from complications with acute myeloid leukemia. He was 55 years old.
Shumaker made his mark as lead publicist on RuPaul’s Drag Race. As Manager of Communications and Public Affairs at Logo/VH1, he helped launch the the Emmy-winning series in 2010. Promoted to Director, he became member of Logo’s senior team and key publicist for network President Lisa Sherman and supported shows such as Celebrity Rehab Dr. Drew, VH1 Storytellers and VH1 Divas.
In 2013, he became Senior Director of Communication at MTV, where he managed initiatives spanning MTV, MTV2, MTV Live, MTV Classic and mtvU, including scripted and reality series, specials, music, digital, mobile, social, editorials and brand communications. His oversight included publicity efforts for all MTV tentpole events including the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV Movie & TV Awards as well as MTV’s most expensive, scripted series to date, The Shannara Chronicles. He was the lead publicist for MTV originals Scream, MTV Floribama Shore, Fear Factor, Siesta Key, Unplugged and Are You The One?
Shumaker joined Verizon in 2020, where as a member of the Executive Communications team he provided corporate communications support for Verizon’s Chairman and C-Suite.
In 2022, he became Google’s Executive Communications Manager for Platforms and Ecosystems Marketing, working alongside Google’s Chief of Staff team, supporting a global marketing lead and coordinating communications for events including Cannes, Mobile World Congress and CES.
He is survived by his parents, Lew and Cathie Shumaker, his sister Tammy (Shumaker) Golden, his brother-in-law Patrick Golden; and nephews Tucker, Wyatt and Luke.
A celebration of life will be held in New York City, followed by a Catholic mass and burial in Delaware later this spring. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the NMDP Fund, Atlantic Theater Company or a local blood bank to honor Jason’s life.
