Member Spotlight: Emily Veach
Tell me a little about yourself.
I’m a native Iowan and grew up in West Des Moines. I graduated from Simpson College in 2019 with a degree in public relations and a minor in psychology. I’m a recovering perfectionist and am constantly trying to strike the perfect balance of keeping busy and allowing some down time in my schedule. That’s why it usually takes me a good year to watch a show from start to finish.
My husband, Devon, and I met at Simpson and live in Norwalk. I’m currently trying to convince him that we need to get a bernedoodle, but I think we’re both a little hesitant to take on the challenges of the puppy phase.
What drew you to public relations in the first place?
If you asked eight-year-old me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would’ve said “an author.” I always knew writing would be part of my job, though I didn’t realize PR was the path for me (or even a path at all) until my high school advertising class. A member of Flynn Wright’s account team spoke to our class about the many functions of an advertising agency, and I was immediately intrigued by the idea of public relations. It sounded like the perfect way to pursue my passion for writing and communications in a business setting (and it has been!).
What has your career path looked like? What is your current role?
I enjoyed job shadowing and interning at a variety of companies and in a variety of roles throughout high school and college. My Corporate Communications internship at EMC Insurance turned into my first full-time job right after college. I worked as a Communications Assistant there for nine months before accepting a Communications Coordinator role at Bankers Trust, where I’ve been for three-and-a-half years. Earlier this year I was promoted to Communications Specialist.
Much of my work revolves around internal communications and working with internal business partners to plan and create educational and engaging content. I also get to collaborate with my team on a variety of public relations, marketing and corporate communications projects, which has been fun and given me insight into many different aspects of marketing and communications.
Additionally, I co-chair the bank’s young professionals committee, Next Gen, and am participating in our internal leadership program this year.
How did you get involved with PRSA Iowa?
I was a member of PRSSA for a year during college and attended several PRSA Iowa programs, including luncheons and OctoPRfest conferences. During my first couple weeks at Bankers Trust, I was invited to join a few co-workers for a PRSA luncheon and remembered how much I enjoyed the programs I had attended in college.
My boss, Abby Delaney, encouraged me to become a PRSA Iowa member and get more involved with the organization. I served on the OctoPRfest planning committee in 2021 and joined the board in 2022 as Newsletter Chair. This year I’m serving as Treasurer-Elect and will serve as Treasurer in 2024.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Your happiness is up to you.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to play volleyball (sand or indoor), spend time at the Lake of the Ozarks, and have game and movie nights with friends. Devon and I also teach Sunday School and serve as middle school small group leaders at our church.
