Jessica Willingham
About Jessica Willingham
Jessica Willingham serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at Spire, where she has worked since 2011. She has extensive experience in communications and marketing, having previously held leadership roles at organizations such as the American Red Cross and various YMCA branches.
Work at Spire
Jessica Willingham has served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Communications and Marketing Officer at Spire since 2011. In this role, she has overseen the strategy and execution of internal and external communications, branding, creative services, marketing, research, sustainability, leadership development, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. She began her journey with Spire, formerly known as The Laclede Group, as the director of corporate communications and marketing. Under her leadership, Spire has been recognized as one of 'America’s Most Responsible Companies' by Newsweek/Statista from 2020 to 2024.
Previous Experience
Prior to her current role at Spire, Jessica Willingham held several significant positions. She worked at the American Red Cross as Chief Marketing and Communication Officer from 2001 to 2011. Before that, she served as Corporate Vice President at the YMCA of Greater St. Louis from 1998 to 2000 and as Senior Director of Communication at the YMCA of Middle Tennessee from 1996 to 1998. Additionally, she was Vice President at Strategic Marketing Solutions for one year in 2000-2001.
Education and Expertise
Jessica Willingham has a strong educational background. She studied at Oklahoma State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from 1981 to 1985. She furthered her education at Washington University in St. Louis, achieving a Master’s degree in Liberal Studies with a focus on Critical Thinking. Additionally, she studied Management Principles at New York University, where she completed a Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) from 1988 to 1990.
Achievements in Rebranding
Jessica Willingham has successfully designed and executed a total rebranding for a 160-year-old company that serves nearly 2 million customers and employs 4,000 individuals across four states. Her efforts in corporate communications and marketing have significantly impacted the organization's public image and stakeholder engagement.
Public Affairs Leadership
During her tenure at Spire, Jessica Willingham successfully led federal, state, and local public affairs efforts that resulted in the overturning of a DC Circuit Court ruling. This ruling had vacated a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission certified national pipeline, showcasing her ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.