The Missouri School Public Relations Association awarded its 2023 Professional of the Year to Ben Fisher, Reeds Spring's Director of Communications.
Superintendent Dr. Cody Hirschi nominated Fisher, saying he helped to build community trust and support.
“As I transitioned into my role in 2019, Ben and I met and began working together to develop a strategy to turn things around for our schools. A vital component of this was a united theme centered on the hashtag, #OnewiththePack. This new district motto was the beginning of much-needed healing. Ben's attention to detail and communication quickly helped shift
community perception and trust of the schools.”
Steve Verheyen, Director of Operations for the Reeds Spring Schools, commented, “Ben Fisher
is, without question, one of the most professional individuals I have met. He is on point 24/7 and
serves with a community-oriented heart. At a time when our District and specifically, our
community, needed clear and concise information, Ben stepped into action. He utilized existing
avenues through all facets of media to create a means by which to involve our constituents in the communication process.”
MOSPRA Executive Director, David Luther, stated, “Mr. Fisher is beginning his third year on
the MOSPRA Board. I see him as a quiet leader. He listens, observes, then thoughtfully provides
insights that guide us to better serve our association.”
Mr. Fisher has held multiple leadership roles in MOSPRA. Beyond his service on the MOSPRA
Board, Fisher has served as a mentor in the Colleague Connections Program, and he has presented multiple times at the state and national levels. For the second time, Fisher is also co-chairing the MOSPRA Annual Fall Conference.
The Missouri School Public Relations Association (MOSPRA) is the Missouri state chapter of the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). While the membership in MOSPRA is primarily composed of school communication practitioners from public school districts, members also include superintendents, principals, secretaries, education association staff, and others who work to gain public confidence in education. Like its parent organization, MOSPRA provides citizens with a better understanding of the objectives, accomplishments, and needs of the schools within our communities.