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Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services names new Chief of Public Information

JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has announced that Lisa Cox will be the department’s new Chief of Public Information. Under the direction of Dr. Randall Williams, Department of Health and Senior Services Director, Cox will develop and oversee the communications strategy for all DHSS programs. She will assume the position on Jan. 7, 2019.

Cox is currently employed with the Missouri Department of Transportation as a communications manager. She relocated to mid-Missouri from Springfield, Mo., earlier this year after working as the public affairs officer for the Springfield Police Department. There, she was credited with building the department’s successful social media presence and creating and maintaining strong relationships with local and regional media partners. Previously, she also worked as a media relations specialist for Mercy Health Springfield Communities where she received a team award for her impact on the communication and media relations efforts following the Joplin tornado.

“I feel that my past experiences in both public service and health care have prepared me perfectly for this role,” said Cox. “I am looking forward to communicating about vital health care issues and state services to Missouri citizens.”

Cox earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations and her master’s degree in administrative studies with an emphasis in applied communication, both from Missouri State University in Springfield.

“Communication is vital to our mission to protect health and keep the people of Missouri safe and we greatly appreciate Lisa leading our communication team. As we respond to our employees’ request to learn more about what the department is doing throughout Missouri, we greatly appreciate Megan Hopkins assisting Lisa and the Division of Community and Public Health in our internal communications and health messaging,” said Williams.