Scott Rowson is a business management, public relations and design professional with extensive experience planning and executing strategic communications efforts at the federal and state levels of government as well as for non-profit organizations and educational/research institutions. His clients have included statewide health care organizations, small businesses and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Prior to joining Show Me Quality Consulting Scott served as spokesman and primary communications strategist for the Missouri Department of Social Services, the state's largest agency at more than $7 billion annual spending and 7,600 employees. He has also worked for a leading autism research and treatment center, a national men's membership organization and on Capitol Hill, where he served as press secretary for Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY4).
• University of Missouri: B.A. in Political Science
• USDA Graduate School: Desktop Publishing Certification
• Certified ScrumMaster®
Show Me Quality Consulting; Columbia, Missouri
Chief Operations Officer
Oversees SMQC's logistical operations, the company's GSA Schedule business development research and many other company functions. He also assists clients in a wide range of communications services and research initiatives, including public relations campaigns, large-scale organizational reviews, analysis of internal training programs, graphic design, web development and writing. Helped lead a major research initiative to assist NASA’s primary employee training program in transitioning to e-learning and led development of the website for Missouri’s online medical records organization.
Department of Social Services, State of Missouri; Jefferson City, Missouri
Communications Director
Acted as primary spokesman and chief communications strategist for the largest department in state government, which operates Missouri’s Medicaid, child welfare, juvenile rehabilitation and anti-poverty programs. Responsible for coordination of key messages with the Governor’s Office, department staff and external stakeholders, including daily interaction with media at the local, state and national levels. Produce materials publicizing department efforts and programs around the state. Also led the department’s extensive website redesign project, including development and interpretation of a 700-response public survey of website use and other public feedback efforts.
Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Missouri; Columbia, Missouri
Senior Information Specialist
Conducted all external communications efforts for nationally-recognized autism center, acting as primary spokesman, media contact, photographer, video producer and parent and community liaison. Managed website overhaul and maintenance, design and production of promotional materials for a wide variety of audiences to publicize the research, treatment and training being conducted by the center. Also assisted outside consultant with multiple focus groups, board feedback meetings and internal surveys in the process of developing the center’s comprehensive plan.
Kappa Alpha Order; Lexington, Virginia and Columbia, Missouri
Director of Communications and Editor
Planned, wrote, edited, designed and supervised production of 28,000-circulation quarterly magazine for national men’s organization. Designed and produced a wide variety of other publications and marketing appeals. Responsibilities also included management of organization’s website, acting as primary spokesman for the national office, management and marketing of an alumni membership program as well as the development of an online social networking site.
Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY4), U.S. House of Representatives; Washington, D.C.
Communications Director
Acted as primary spokesman and communicator for high-profile Member of Congress in New York City media market. Fielded incoming press inquiries from national and local media, prepared Member speeches, talking points and other materials. Wrote op-eds, weekly columns, news releases, website content and other material for a variety of audiences.
Bread for the World; Washington, D.C.
Deputy Press Secretary
Served as national anti-hunger group’s chief spokesman and publicist for local and regional media. Pitched stories to print, television and radio outlets in targeted districts around the country. Fielded press inquiries, prepared talking points/speeches, organized press events and wrote and edited news releases and op-eds. Assisted in preparing for and conducting a series of focus group meetings to identify effective messaging opportunities. Served as acting director of eight-person department during manager’s leave of absence.
Housing Comes First; St. Louis, Missouri
Communications Director
Acted as primary spokesman for statewide housing advocacy organization. Daily tasks included writing and editing of newsletter, news releases, web content and policy summaries. Also responsible for supervision of volunteers and interns, policy research and state government relations.