My Career Journey

Mar. 2023 Present

Manager of Public Affairs

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District

Lead a dynamic team in setting and executing strategic communication direction to drive MSD’s reputation and visibility and engage our customers and stakeholders in our clean water mission.

  • Stakeholder Relationships & Government Affairs: Foster pivotal partnerships with key community organizations and government agencies to further MSD’s policy goals and solidify its standing as a responsible community partner.
  • Media Relations: Serve as primary spokesperson and media liaison to ensure fair and accurate news coverage, resulting in numerous media appearances. For examples of my media work, visit bessmccoy.com.
  • Communication Strategy: Spearhead proactive communication campaigns.
  • Executive Advising: Provide strategic counsel to executive leadership on communication strategy and execution.
  • Effectively controlled the narrative through a critical communication incident involving public opposition from a local politician, securing 80% positive or neutral media coverage. View the full case study.

Jan. 2018
Mar. 2023

Public Affairs Specialist

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District

Served on a team of five, leading public engagement for construction projects, employee communication, and proactive media engagement.

  • Designed a robust public engagement program for construction projects, integrating digital and traditional methods and ensuring consistent public experience across the organization. Presented the program at the International Association of Public Participation North America Conference. View the full case study.
  • Led an innovative, award-winning public education campaign, extending outreach efforts into a third season and earning a National Environmental Achievement Award and an Emmy nomination. View the full case study.
  • Implemented an employee communication platform during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring timely, accurate, and accessible information.
  • Solicited feedback from officials in 63 municipalities on OMCI funding to advise MSD’s Board of Trustees.

Oct. 2014
Jan. 2018

Public Information Officer

City of Creve Coeur, MO

As the sole communication professional, led all communication activities, fostered relationships with key stakeholders, oversaw media relations, developed speeches and presentations, prepared reports, and managed the city’s social media channels.

  • Achieved a 62 percent voter approval on a bond initiative after executing a successful public information plan. View the full case study.
  • Achieved a 75 percent response rate from residents on a public engagement initiative to help shape city services.

Apr. 2013
Sep. 2014

Insights Manager

Hughes Leahy Karlovic (HLK)

Piloted a new position providing strategic and competitive research for advertising and marketing campaigns.


May 2011
Apr. 2013

Online Marketing Strategist

Clix

As Clix’s first full-time employee, developed and executed a social media marketing program to support digital and online marketing efforts.

Education

2007
2011

Saint Louis University

Bachelor of Arts, Communication
Summa Cum Laude | 3.91 GPA