Nixa spokesperson takes job with city of Joplin

The seven-year spokesperson for the city of Nixa has taken a newly created role with the city of Joplin.

Drew Douglas on April 22 is slated to become the city of Joplin's director of communications and marketing, according to a news release. He would be the first person to serve in the position.

“It is critically important to communicate and engage with the community so there is a shared understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our great city," said Nick Edwards, Joplin city manager, in the release. "During the interview process, it was easy to see Drew’s experience and the many ways he could improve communication for the city of Joplin."

A former KY3 journalist, Douglas started work at the city of Nixa in 2017, first as public information officer and later as director of communications, his current role, according to his LinkedIn profile.

In Joplin, Douglas will be in charge of building and leading a communications and marketing department for the city, according to the release. He would oversee planning, coordination and management of public information services, as well as civic engagement, media relations and marketing.

"Combating misinformation, conspiracy theories, and proactively communicating with every resident and business owner is essential for the health and long-term future of the community," Edwards said in the release. "Investing in greater communication will help enhance transparency and delivery of public services while marketing the community will help create a thriving environment full of opportunities."

Douglas, who is a member this year of Springfield Business Journal's class of 40 Under 40, said in the release that he would work alongside Lynn Onstot, public information officer for the city of Joplin.

"The mission of this department will be to serve the community through transparency, proactively keeping people in the loop, fostering constructive dialogues, and marketing Joplin effectively," Douglas said in the release. "We strive to empower people to make well-informed decisions for their families by enhancing their understanding of local government and connecting them with activities, services, and programs in the community and their neighborhoods."