Emma Kessinger

Conservation Federation of Missouri

Creative Director

March 2016 - present•confedmo.org

Lead branding, content, and creative strategy for Missouri’s largest conservation nonprofit. I oversee production of six annual issues of Conservation Federation magazine, guiding storytelling, design, and editorial direction to engage outdoor enthusiasts, policymakers, and conservation professionals. Key Achievements: - Brand Storytelling: Transform complex environmental topics into accessible, compelling content that strengthens public awareness and support for conservation. - Audience Engagement: Curate stories that both educate and inspire action, expanding reach and deepening connections within Missouri’s conservation community. - Content & Design: Redefined magazine layout and editorial standards to align with updated brand guidelines, improving readability and audience response. - Collaboration: Partner with writers, photographers, and conservation leaders to deliver authentic, high-quality content that reinforces the organization’s mission.

At Say, I was responsible for all content created. I strategized and wrote blogs, email campaigns, social campaigns, micro-copy for the website and customer portal, and more.

I started out as a content strategist at the agency. In that role I created thought leadership strategies for clients in a range of different industries. I moved into an account strategist role in which I managed client relationships and the strategy from a high level, ensuring we hit monthly budgets and deliverables.

During the long days second-shooting weddings, I learned the importance of client relationships and help to foster them while working. I honed my toning practices by editing the photos used on his blog and printed for clients. This role included designing 40-page wedding albums. I gained lighting skills while helping set up different lighting arrangements on commercial, architectural and portrait photo shoots.

Conservation Federation of Missouri

Director of Communications

September 2014 - March 2016•confedmo.org

Here I was a one-person marketing team for a non-profit. I was responsible for utilizing the website to gain new members for the organization. I started and ran a blog, started and ran social accounts, designed a bi-monthly magazine, did traditional PR outreach. and was responsible for all communications.

Jefferson City News Tribune

Photographer

May 2014 - September 2014

As a photographer for the Tribune, I went out on various assignments and worked quickly and creatively to create content for the daily paper. I expanded my photography skills and honed my visual eye to become a better storyteller.

Columbia Missourian

Photo Editor, Staff Photographer, Reporter

June 2012 - December 2013

As a photo editor, I assisted in running the photo department for the newspaper. I sorted through photo requests, assigned them to photographers, and helped prep the photographers before an assignment. Afterward, I went through entire photo shoots with the photographers and chose which would run in print and online. It was a great way to learn managerial skills and aid developing photographers. As a staff photographer, I was sent out on various daily assignments. This included assignments for the newsroom, and my own enterprising ideas. I would have to work creatively and quickly and return to the newsroom with a usable, and visually interesting photo. As a reporter, I wrote breaking news and welcomed new challenges each day. I sought out my own longer term stories, and had the opportunity to research and write on a large variety of topics.