Jessica Smith
, Board Directors
Jessica provides senior counsel and leadership to support corporate, non-profit and government clients.
Recent projects include helping the Chicago Park District celebrate the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics; working with the City of Chicago and World Business Chicago to produce the North American Climate Summit; supporting McDonald’s in opening its new West Loop headquarters; providing strategic media direction to the Women’s March Foundation based in LA; and developing communications strategies for public sector pension systems in multiple markets across the U.S.
Jessica also provides clients with crisis communications and issues management counsel, with a focus on labor relations. For example, Jessica has worked with corporate, non-profit and school district clients during union organizing efforts, contract negotiations, unfair labor practice disputes, threatened strikes, strikes and the aftermath.
In her current role, she also works with JT’s service areas, including public affairs, events and international advance, and digital media and video to develop and implement engagement strategies designed to grow JT’s business.
In 2013, Jessica was hired to build the community engagement and outreach department for a large suburban education system. She led the system through a complete re-branding process, developed a comprehensive three-year strategy for the department and provided ongoing strategic communications counsel, before returning to JT in 2014.
Jessica received her bachelor’s degree in public relations from Marquette University. She continues to be active with her alma mater serving on the national Young Alumni Leadership Council. She also serves on the Associate Board of the Greater Chicago Food Depository, is past president of the Chicago Area Public Affairs Group (CAPAG) and previously co-chaired the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce’s Emerging Leaders group.