Jason Shumaker, Influential Communications Executive at MTV, VH1, Google, and Verizon, Passes Away at 55

Jason Shumaker, Notable Communications Executive, Passes Away at 55

Veteran communications executive Jason Shumaker, known for his influential roles at MTV and VH1, passed away on February 16 from complications related to acute myeloid leukemia. He was 55 years old.

Shumaker, born on February 11, 1971, was a key figure as the lead publicist for RuPaul’s Drag Race, playing an instrumental role in launching the Emmy-winning series in 2010 while serving as the Manager of Communications and Public Affairs at Logo/VH1. His career advanced when he became Director, where he joined Logo’s senior team and acted as the primary publicist for network President Lisa Sherman, supporting various projects including Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, VH1 Storytellers, and VH1 Divas.

In 2013, Shumaker was appointed Senior Director of Communication at MTV, overseeing initiatives across multiple platforms including MTV, MTV2, MTV Live, MTV Classic, and mtvU. His responsibilities encompassed publicity for major events such as the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV Movie & TV Awards. Additionally, he served as lead publicist for several MTV original series, including Scream, MTV Floribama Shore, Fear Factor, Siesta Key, Unplugged, and Are You the One?

After leaving MTV, Shumaker joined Verizon in 2020 as part of the Executive Communications team, where he provided corporate communications support for the company’s Chairman and C-Suite. In 2022, he became Google’s Executive Communications Manager for Platforms and Ecosystems Marketing, collaborating closely with the Chief of Staff team and helping to coordinate communications for prominent events such as Cannes, Mobile World Congress, and CES.

Shumaker is survived by his parents, Lew and Cathie Shumaker, his sister Tammy (Shumaker) Golden, and his brother-in-law Patrick Golden, along with his nephews Tucker, Wyatt, and Luke.

A celebration of life will take place in New York City, followed by a Catholic mass and burial in Delaware later this spring. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested donations to the NMDP Fund, Atlantic Theater Company, or a local blood bank in memory of Jason Shumaker.