County hires communications director

The Greene County Commission hired a director of communications and public engagement after four years without an official spokesperson.

Jennifer McClure starts April 6 with a salary of $44,644, said Bob Cirtin, the county’s presiding commissioner.

Jenny Fillmer Edwards had served as public information officer for the county for over five years before taking a similar role in early 2012 with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. Cirtin said via email the county was unable to fill the position due to budget cuts.

McClure for the past three years operated JM Consulting Services LLC. She also has communications experience working for the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, according to a news release.

“This position demonstrates our commitment to provide greater access to information and opportunities for dialogue to Greene County’s nearly 300,000 citizens,” Cirtin said in the release. “Conservatively, Greene County employees conduct more than 2 million service-related interactions with residents a year.

“Whether it’s responding to emergencies, conducting elections or processing legal transactions, it takes planned, professional communication to function effectively and accountably at this level for our constituents.”

McClure is tasked with leading the commission’s media and digital relations.