Shelby County District Attorney’s Office Transition
The client
Shelby County, Tennessee’s top law enforcement official
The problem we wanted to solve
As a subcontractor to the consulting firm hired help on-board Shelby County’s first new prosecutor in more than 10 years, Coeo handled communications and intergovernmental affairs, including earned media, social media strategy, and speechwriting, during a three-month transition process.
The work we ended up doing
In addition to developing strategy for external communications and media relations during the transition, Coeo facilitated budget and hiring meetings, solved problems, and provided day-to-day guidance to the office’s principal and full consulting team.
Steve Mulroy, Shelby County District Attorney:
“I was aware of Kerry’s reputation because I had dealings with him when he worked for the City of Memphis, so it was an easy sell to hire him for my external transition team.”
What are some of the ways you worked with Kerry?
“Kerry was a reliable person to keep everything on track. He coordinated convening meetings, and worked with the consulting firm, figuring out how folks could plug in. Most important, he handled all communications and coordinated public messaging during the transition, the inauguration and wrote a first draft of my 100-day address. I added some stuff and tweaked it, but it was very well received.”
“I was pleased with the speechwriting, the advice he gave throughout about how to respond to media inquiries and the communications strategy for the first six months.”
What surprised you about your work with Kerry?
“It was a pleasant surprise to see how quickly he could record ideas from a meeting and immediately convert them into action. The other was his candor. There were a couple of sensitive moments along the way when I was concerned about various issues. Kerry was able to resolve them, diplomatically and to my satisfaction.”
What would you tell other potential clients is the best part of your work with Kerry?
“He knows his stuff, turns things around quickly, and is pleasant to work with. He definitely exceeded expectations.”
