For Josey McPhail, keeping her finger on the pulse of the community is a vital skill. As the three-year director of communications for the Republic school district, she works to increase transparency and engagement between the school and its students, employees and patrons. In addition to implementing surveys in order to gauge the district’s effectiveness at strategic communications, McPhail also has helped the district take advantage of new tools and modes of connecting, including establishing a social media presence, e-newsletters and community events. She helped to create are the district’s annual Roar Run fundraiser – last year attended by nearly 1,000 participants and 100 volunteers – and the Republic State of the Community to help connect residents.
What was your first job? As a teenager, I worked as a summer camp employee for our local parks and recreation department. I spent my days playing games, taking field trips and hanging out with elementary aged kiddos. It was a pretty fun summer job.
When did you realize you had grown up? My first year out of college when I had to work when everyone else was on spring break. However, working in public education now allows me to enjoy that childhood luxury again.
What about your job would shock clients? Depending on the subject, it sometimes takes a room full of people and several hours to determine what one Facebook post is going to say.
What is your best productivity hack? Facebook and Pinterest can be time traps.
