Molly Gillespie: A MULTIFACETED COMMUNICATOR
I am passionate about making people, places and things look and feel their best when I communicate and create. I enjoy every part of the process, too. Being a communicator means being resourceful and being flexible. I love meeting new people, telling their stories and learning about their areas of expertise to help break down complex topics and educate the community.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to really diversify my skillset, and I am always eager to learn and do more. Working for a big city, I’ve been involved with a wide variety of projects touching all areas of public services⏤special events and programs, weather events, emergency situations and much more. I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge on the ins and outs of government operations.
I’ve been very involved in the community, enabling me to expand my network and keep a pulse on the community. I serve as a board member on the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau and on many other local committees, such as the Elgin Development Group’s Enhancing Elgin Committee and as the City’s liaison to the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin.
I’ve accomplished a lot in my 12 years as a public servant. Currently serving the City of Elgin as Communications Manager, I’ve been responsible for the city’s brand and image, media and public relations, communications strategies and marketing efforts. Most recently, I implemented a branding update, and it’s been rewarding to see it come to life and bring consistency across the organization.
At the onset of my tenure with the city, I received the Marguerite Henry Award for Communication/Technology, in recognition of my work to modernize Elgin’s communication platforms, particularly the social media growth and engagement.
I also oversaw all of the city’s sustainability initiatives from 2014 to 2019, making Elgin the first Illinois city to offer curbside textile recycling service and the largest subscriber to the state’s first community solar project.
I hold a bachelor degree from Colorado State University in tourism and continue to stay up-to-date on the latest communications trends through professional organizations memberships and attending trainings and webinars.
Molly Gillespie 