Employee Spotlight: Tess Morrissey

Tess Morrissey, Vice President of Policy and Strategic Affairs, brings her passion for community relations, coalition building, and advocacy to J Strategies. Tess works with clients to develop sustainable and effective engagement campaigns built on her relationships with advocates across New York State

How did you get started in government relations?

I got my start in government right out of college, volunteering in Western New York for Andrew Cuomo’s 2010 gubernatorial run. Diving into the intensity of a campaign was the perfect training ground for my career in government relations. I still draw on the lessons I learned about flexibility, resourcefulness, and hard work from that campaign.

What's the most interesting project you've worked on at J Strategies? 

Working on passing the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act has been a fascinating window into the incredible research and progress happening today in the scientific community. The ability to test for multiple cancers with a simple blood test is a game changer in the fight against cancer, and it is exciting to be a small part of getting these tests to senior citizens. 

What are you most proud of in your career so far? 

While at the University at Buffalo as their Director of Community Relations, one of the main initiatives I lead was improving the neighborhood around our campus, where relationships between students and neighbors had grown strained and tense. Through consistent, transparent, and authentic communication, we brought a diverse coalition together to improve the quality of life issues in the neighborhood. I will always be proud of getting this tricky issue unstuck and making a difference in people’s day-to-day lives.

What advice would you give someone who is just getting started in their career?

Never say no. No task is too small for someone who has just started their first job, including making a photocopy, no matter your college degree. Showing you are a reliable and enthusiastic colleague will get you on the teams and projects you are excited about.

What do you like best about working at J Strategies? 

I am lucky to interact with advocates in all sorts of roles across the state, learning about their life experiences and work. I love meeting people from all walks of life, and I get to do that nearly every day at J Strategies while building coalitions and advocacy campaigns for our clients