Bess Mccoy Email & Phone Number

Greater St. Louis

As the Manager of Public Affairs for MSD Project Clear, I lead a dedicated team of communication professionals committed to engaging over 1.3 million customers in our clean water mission. I develop and execute communication strategies that enhance our reputation and propel our strategic objectives. My role includes forging strong partnerships with community leaders and government agencies, aligning our initiatives with public expectations to further MSD’s mission.As the primary spokesperson, I manage all media relations, positioning MSD as a strong community partner and a leader in environmental stewardship. Examples of my media engagements are available at bessmccoy.com. I also provide strategic counsel to MSD’s executive leadership, ensuring that our communication strategies align with and inform organizational decision-making.This role has enabled several key achievements, including managing a critical crisis communication response to opposition from an elected official, which resulted in 80% positive or neutral media coverage, thereby maintaining our project's integrity and public image. Additionally, I directed a comprehensive voter education initiative for two simultaneous ballot measures, Prop W and Prop S. This campaign achieved a record-breaking 80% approval rate for Prop W and a successful passage of Prop S after previous attempts failed.In addition to my local responsibilities, I co-chair the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) Communication and Public Affairs Committee, where I influence and shape national strategies for clean water communication.I am committed to pioneering initiatives that not only meet today’s environmental challenges but also anticipate tomorrow's opportunities. Through collaborative leadership and strategic foresight, I aim to continue driving MSD toward greater community engagement and enhanced environmental stewardship, ensuring a sustainable clean water future for St. Louis and beyond.

Greater St. Louis Area

As a Public Affairs Specialist, I was responsible for internal and external communication, media relations, government relations, infrastructure improvement communication, and proactive public education.Media Relations: Served as a media liaison and spokesperson, proactively executed media pitches, and prepared staff experts for media interviews.Community and Government Relations: Managed engagement with officials from the 88 municipalities in MSD’s service area. I developed relationships with elected officials, opinion leaders, and key constituencies to align the utility with pivotal community groups and organizations.Infrastructure Improvement Communication: Engaged customers and stakeholders about construction projects related to MSD’s $4.7 billion infrastructure improvement program.Proactive Public Education: Executed communication campaigns for MSD’s proactive messaging, including an annual Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) campaign and the Know Your Zone flood awareness program.Employee Communication: Created MSD’s first comprehensive employee communication plan to establish a cohesive identity among MSD’s 1,000 employees in 11 locations.MSD is two utilities in one; We are a wastewater utility and a stormwater utility. With over 9,000 miles of sewer lines and seven wastewater treatment plants, MSD is the fourth-largest sewer system in the United States.

St. Louis

As a St. Louis Mardi Gras Foundation Board Member, I support a thriving Soulard neighborhood and St. Louis region by advancing the foundation’s events and community service initiatives. I specifically manage media and public relations activities and serve as a Soulard Mardi Gras spokesperson.In 2023, my earned media efforts generated approximately 141 million local impressions and provided approximately $4.2 million in ad value for Soulard Mardi Gras. In a year where crime in the region and the neighborhood had been leading stories and a truck caught fire during the parade, overall coverage sentiment was 59.5% positive and only 4.6% negative.View some of my media work at bessmccoy.com/mardigras and find press releases and media advisories at bessmccoy.com/mardigrasnewsroom

Greater St. Louis Area

The City of Creve Coeur provides municipal government services to the residents and business community in Creve Coeur, MO. As the only communications professional on staff, I offered communication counsel to executive leaders and the City Council and developed, coordinated, implemented, and managed all communication activities. I was responsible for establishing and maintaining the city's communication program and improving the city's overall public image to residents, the business community, the general public, the media, and employees. My responsibilities included serving as the primary media liaison, developing and leveraging relationships with key community and business partners, creating a monthly printed newsletter, a monthly business e-newsletter, annual reports and other marketing material, writing and distributing press releases, managing the city's social media accounts, maintaining the city's website, preparing presentations and speeches, and completing award applications.Key Accomplishments: Achieved a 62 percent voter approval on a bond initiative after executing a successful public information plan. Communication efforts included press releases, earned media placement, public forums, facility tours, engaging key community organizations and leaders, mailers, displays, flyers, handouts, and social media and email campaigns. Achieved a 75 percent response rate from residents on a public education initiative about the city’s new trash contract. Communication efforts included monthly newsletter articles, engaging key community organizations and leaders, mailers, displays, and social media and email campaigns.

HLK, an advertising and digital marketing agency, hired me to pilot a new position providing strategic and competitive research.Strategic Research: Developed creative and actionable solutions to our client’s needs by researching and applying strategies from diverse industries.Competitive Research: Kept our clients in a market-leading position by monitoring competitors in publications, digital and print advertisements, and social media.

Greater St. Louis Area

As an online marketing strategist with a focus on social media, I helped my clients connect with future customers through targeted social media campaigns. I utilized several social platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Google Plus, and Pinterest. I contribute to my client's overall internet marketing campaign and focused on increasing traffic and conversions.My favorite part of working as an online marketing strategist was testing and analyzing data. Each market is unique, and I enjoyed seeing how making minor adjustments brought my clients more conversions.I also enjoyed developing graphics for my clients. As social media becomes increasingly more visual, having strong graphics and visuals is essential for online marketing. I developed several graphics for my clients for both print and digital.

As a student ambassador, I served as an official representative of Saint Louis University helping the Office of Admission to successfully recruit prospective students to SLU. My responsibilities included leading comprehensive campus tours to prospective undergraduate, graduate, transfer students and their families; serving as a contact for visitors to answer questions about the university; communicating a vast array of information regarding campus resources, academics, university history, and athletics; staffing the Office of Admission; assisting with recruitment events; providing general mentoring and peer guidance to prospective students.

­ Edited and proofread written and graphic material ­ Performed market research by arranging and conducting interviews, analyzing data, and consolidating findings ­ Wrote selling points for a new product­ Collaborated with coworkers at all levels to achieve the organization's mission ­ Responsible for managing and prioritizing multiple projects from start to finish

Water And Wastewater Leadership Center

The Water and Wastewater Leadership Center, offered by the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, provides.

Ba, Communication, Theology

Activities and Societies: KSLU Radio, University News Advisory Board, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girl Scouts

Education record