• Earned MBA from KU School of Business, 1986

• KU School of Business Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, 2015

Roshann Parris has spent more than 35 years in public relations, strategic corporate communications, public affairs and crisis communications. For nearly 30 years, Kansas City-based Parris Communications has been recognized for its contributions to civic and philanthropic efforts throughout the region. The firm has been honored as Small Business Philanthropist of the Year and the No. 1 Small Business “Best Place to Work” in Kansas City.

While managing her energized Parris team, Parris has simultaneously maintained an active Washington, D.C.-based public-sector career, including her role on the presidential campaign staffs of nine candidates dating back to 1980. In her role as lead advance on the White House Presidential Advance Team for the Clinton and Obama administrations, she has led White House teams and accompanied the president and first lady to more than 60 countries worldwide.

Parris is a 1999 recipient of the Kansas City Spirit Award, and a 2000 recipient of the Central Exchange Firehouse Award. She was named 2003 Kansas City Woman of the Year, 2004 Public Relations Professional of the Year, 2005 Athena Award honoree by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, 2010 William Jewell College Distinguished Service honorary degree recipient, 2013 United Way Adele Hall Spirit of Caring Award honoree, and a 2015 KU School of Business Distinguished Alumni recipient.

She holds a bachelor’s degree with honors from Indiana University and an MBA from the University of Kansas.