ABOUT ME
Mary Rose Cox is an experienced senior public relations specialist who currently serves as the Education & Outreach Leader for Toho Water Authority. In this role, she is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies that support the organization's goals and objectives. With over ten years of experience in media relations, crisis communications, strategic planning, and marketing management, Cox brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her position.
Cox holds an undergraduate degree in Interpersonal Communications from the University of Central Florida. She is also an active member of several professional organizations, including the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA), and the American Water Works Association (AWWA). Additionally, she serves as the Vice Chair on the Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA) Public Communications and Outreach Committee (PCOC).
Beyond her professional achievements, Cox is also actively involved in her community. She currently serves as the President of the Rotary Club of Kissimmee Bay, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact through service and leadership.
EDUCATION
MAY 2004
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
B.A., INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS
MAY 2002
VALENCIA COLLEGE
A.A., GENERAL STUDIES
EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION & OUTREACH LEADER, TOHO WATER AUTHORITY
2021 - PRESENT
Develops and successfully executes strategic action plans for community involvement that enhances growth in environmental education.
Manages all record keeping, tracking, and reporting associated with assigned programs, and events.
Executes multiple assignments simultaneously, while working independently and with other collaborators.
Leads and facilitates speaking engagements.
Collaborates in the creation of communications materials, including press releases, video scripts, website, social media, newsletters, and intranet content.
Coordinates, manages and mentors participants involved in the environmental internship program.
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, TOHO WATER AUTHORITY
2008 - 2021
Responsible for the development and implementation of a strategic marketing and communication plan for the Water Authority.
Effectively connected with all stakeholders, employees, business partners, community agencies, and media partners.
Created informative, and engaging press releases, press kits, and related marketing materials.
Responsible for media relations and served as primary spokesperson for all media inquiries including on camera interviews.
Provided presentations to community partners and customers that increased brand awareness and promoted a positive image of the Water Authority.
CERTIFICATIONS
Current - 2023
STORYTELLING FOR SOCIAL CHANGE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
This course provided by the University of Michigan develops skills for using stories to deliver messages that affect audiences and shape attitudes for social change. Participants learn how building empathy and developing characters can offer multiple perspectives on complex problems.
2021
CERTIFIED PUBLIC MANAGER
Completed the Certified Public Manager Program at Florida State University. The Certified Public Manager® program is a nationally-recognized program for training and developing public managers and supervisors.
2018
CONTENT MARKETING CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
PRSA Content Marketing Certificate Program is designed to teach and empower users to develop content strategies and tactics that deliver quantifiable business outcomes.
LEADERSHIP
PRESIDENT, ROTARY CLUB OF KISSIMMEE BAY
2022 - CURRENT
VICE CHAIR, PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH COMMITTEE - FWEA
2023 - CURRENT
2023 - Curre
LEADERSHIPFPRA GRADUATE
2021
LEADERSHIP OSCEOLA GRADUATE
2011
BOARD MEMBER, OSCEOLA COUNTY YMCA
PREVIOUS
CHAIRPERSON, POINCIANA AREA COUNCIL, KISSIMMEE-OSCEOLA CHAMBER
PREVIOUS
VIDEO PROJECTS
Social Media Examples
This content was created to align with strategic public education goals that engage residents about water conservation, sustainability, and the vital role of water utilities.
Digital Designs
Designs showcased were all made using the Canva on-line graphic design tool.
Clean and practical flyer design for a lawn maintenance class. Includes class details, schedule, and contact information. Clear visual of company logo and a crisp layout for easy readability.
Artwork from local students, focusing on water conservation was compiled into a school year calendar. This calendar has been distributed to our schools and is available for free to visitors and customers at Toho Water.
This poster, designed for outreach events, presents three key educational initiatives. Printed on foam board for easy display, it delivered information clearly and effectively.
This postcard, designed for a future sharing the love fundraising campaign uses a delicate and simplistic design style.
Writing & Plan Samples
This plan represents a commitment to dynamic and adaptive communication strategies.
Reminder to readers about what should never be disposed of down the drain or toilet.
Opportunity to learn about the Toho Assistance Program (TAP) to help others who may be going through a financial hardship to pay their water bill.
As the Vice Chair for the Public Communications & Outreach Committee for the Florida Water & Environment Association I created a toolkit for the team to use to customize outreach to their specific County.