Degree(s): MA ’05

What do you do?

I am the Director of Public Affairs for KFC in the U.S. I oversee all external communications, citizenship, and social responsibility work for the brand in the U.S., as well as crisis management.

How did you get your job?

I spent the first part of my career working at PR and integrated marketing agencies on clients in a variety of industries. This helped me build a strong base of experience. I was recruited to KFC specifically because of my crisis management expertise and community relations efforts.

What is the best professional lesson you learned at the J-School?

The best professional lesson I learned is that each medium has different needs to report on a story. In PR, understanding those unique needs and timelines, and taking them into consideration while finding ways to make it easier on the journalist, will always net better results and build better relationships.

What advice do you have for current students?

Get experience or intern in every part of the field where you have an interest. The right place for you will rise to the top once you spend time working in your areas of interest.

What is your favorite J-School memory?

The first time I stood and looked up at the columns on campus was a big lige moment for me. I had dreamed of attending the University of Missouri School of Journalism, and the day that dream became a reality will always be etched in my memory.