Episode #14: Scott Simmons on Leading Mississippi’s Emergency Communications

In this episode of Behind the Mic, Amanda Fontaine sits down with Scott Simmons, Chief Communications Officer and Director of External Affairs for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). After an award-winning career as an Emmy and Murrow-winning journalist, Scott transitioned from the anchor desk to emergency management, taking on one of the state’s most critical leadership roles. Scott shares how his background in investigative reporting, hurricane coverage, and broadcast leadership shaped his ability to manage communications during crises. From coordinating the Joint Information Center during disasters, to overseeing social media, press relations, and digital strategy, he explains how MEMA works to ensure Mississippians receive the right information at the right time. Amanda and Scott also discuss his personal journey, including decades in journalism, his decision to leave the newsroom for public service, and how he balances leadership with family life, hobbies like cycling and volleyball, and his love for his Australian Shepherds. This is a conversation about communication, trust, and leadership under pressure.   #BehindTheMic #AmandaFontaine #ScottSimmons #MEMA #CrisisCommunication #Mississippi #Leadership #EmergencyManagement #BroadcastJournalism #PublicService This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.