Member Spotlight | Terri Waters
Posted by [email protected] on Feb. 17, 2025 / Subscribe 0
Terri Waters is the Director of Public Relations at Geile/Leon Marketing Communications, where she has worked for three and a half years. She generates media coverage for clients to expand brand awareness to target and ancillary audiences, including suppliers, the business community, and the general public. Terri collaborates closely with clients to understand the competitive landscape and awareness and growth goals, and together, they develop a PR plan that may include pitching stories, bylined articles, and press releases to appropriate media outlets. She also works with clients to protect their brand reputation during a crisis, including scenarios such as a serious accident or injury onsite, a lawsuit (or threat of one), or a cyber-attack.
What led you to become a member of the St Louis Chapter of SMPS?
Last summer, I was networking with a friend, Kevin Sullivan. He mentioned SMPS and thought it would be a great fit. He invited me to the next coffee meeting, where I met some wonderful, friendly people. I applied for the membership scholarship and was happy to be selected to receive a one-year membership!
What are you hoping to gain through SMPS? Networking? Attending particular events? Professional Development?
I initially joined for networking opportunities, but I’ve already gained so many insights into the AEC industry, which has been helpful. I’ve been to numerous events and have particularly enjoyed the monthly coffee meetings where we can dive into topics like the pain points of managing a marketing function or balancing work and home life.
What led you to a career in public relations? What is something you enjoy the most about your career? Enjoy the least?
I studied journalism at Mizzou and have always loved to write. While I’ve been a freelance reporter at various points in my career, PR has always been the steady career job that allows me to do what I love, which is storytelling. I love writing!
PR can be challenging, though. We can never guarantee that a media outlet will cover a topic we pitch, as it’s out of our hands. The main thing I try to do is make every pitch as relevant as possible to the outlet’s audience and personalize it for each reporter or editor whenever I can.
Were you ever given a particular piece of advice that has stuck with you and woven throughout your career? What was that advice? If possible from who?
Brevity! You can always convey the same message in fewer words, delivering greater impact. My dad was a journalist and he began telling me that when I was in high school.
What are you reading right now? Would you recommend it to others? If not, your current book, what is your favorite book to recommend?
I just finished James by Percival Everett. It’s a reimagining of Huckleberry Finn told from Jim's viewpoint. It's very compelling. The book illustrates the evils of slavery but also weaves in humor at appropriate times.
What are the top three places on your travel bucket list?
Costa Rica, Italy, and South Dakota.
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