2024 40 Under 40: Drew Douglas

Drew Douglas has a vision for local government. That vision is playing out in his role as director of communications for the city of Nixa.

In recent years, he has coordinated the Imagine Nixa strategic planning process, led a rebranding and website transition for the city and developed voter education campaigns for taxes and charter updates. “I learned a lot about how to build support for ideas and processes,” says Douglas, 39.

Douglas is president of the southwest Missouri chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, and he assisted in starting the Nixa Young Professionals group through the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce.

Your professional aha moment? Realizing that Steve Hartman’s “Everybody Has a Story” segments on CBS were essentially three-minute documentary films presented as news stories. He inspired me to overcome my fear of being on camera and made me want to be a better visual storyteller.

What did you learn the hard way? There is a time for everything under the sun. Wisdom is knowing what time it is.

Best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Every honest question deserves an honest answer. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.

Favorite local food/drink order? The Full Ride burger at JOB Public House or Las Verdes Enchiladas (with pork) at Cesar’s Old Mexico.