Professor Konfrst teaches public relations & strategic political communication courses at Drake. Prior to joining the journalism faculty in 2013, Konfrst worked in public relations for 20 years, most recently at Iowa Public Television. There she led the network’s brand strategy, cross-platform promotion, media relations, crisis communication, and promotion to other PBS stations across the country. She served as the statewide network’s spokesperson, and worked extensively as an on-air host. Konfrst was selected as the national PBS Communications Professional of the Year in 2007.
Konfrst also has experience in agency public relations, providing counsel for clients in economic development, agriculture, and business. She worked in Chicago for Fannie Mae, providing corporate media relations and event planning counsel and implementation. Konfrst started her career working for a U.S. Senate re-election campaign doing press and research. Prior to joining the faculty full time, Konfrst served as an adjunct professor for several semesters, teaching news and public relations courses.
Konfrst is accredited by the Public Relations Society of America. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Drake University in public relations. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Drake, where she was selected to join the Pi Alpha Alpha honor society. In 2010, she was honored as a member of The Des Moines Business Record’s “40 Under 40” class of community leaders. Her research interests include the intersection of politics and public relations, particularly with regard to the effectiveness of evolving media relations strategies.
Konfrst is active in her community, and volunteers for Roosevelt High School PTA and Roosevelt Forensics.
