Today, we are proud to feature Liz McDonald, Senior Associate at Star Cypress Partners. Liz exemplifies our mission through her strategic thinking and exceptional communication skills, helping to activate pathways for change in everything she does. Her journey with SCP reflects her commitment to professional growth and building meaningful, long-lasting relationships with our clients.
Liz specializes in strategic communications and writing, a passion that began with her love for words and storytelling. Early in her career and educational journey, she honed her skills in English language and literature, laying the foundation for her success in communications. 'I never imagined that my passion for analyzing texts and storytelling would become my superpower in the field of communications,' she reflects.
Prior to joining Star Cypress Partners, Liz worked across various sectors, including business market research, higher education, veteran advocacy, and building science. These diverse experiences helped her develop the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, compelling content that drives action. Whether assisting veterans with navigating the intricacies of VA education benefits or translating technical regulations for building safety professionals, her work has always focused on building trust and delivering transparent, credible messaging.
Since joining Star Cypress Partners, Liz has become an invaluable part of our team. Her work focuses on supporting equity communications for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and conducting stakeholder outreach for the Department of Labor (DOL). From drafting website content to synthesizing complex equity initiatives, she ensures that Star Cypress Partner’s messaging is impactful and accessible to a wide range of audiences.
Jean Baptiste Tooley, Manager at Star Cypress Partners, shared, “I have had the pleasure of working with Liz for over a year, and she is the ideal colleague. Liz consistently delivers high-quality work on time, whether tackling complex client challenges or handling essential tasks. What truly sets her apart is her ability to connect on a personal level—she genuinely cares about her teammates and always checks in on us. I especially look forward to her motivational messages every Monday morning—they’re the perfect start to the week. I feel fortunate to have worked closely with her this past year.”
Katherine McKinney, Director at Star Cypress Partners, added, “From the moment Liz started working with Star Cypress Partners, she has been a dedicated and thoughtful employee. She asks smart and insightful questions and is quick to volunteer for new projects and help her colleagues. Beyond her dedication to quality work, she is a delightful conversationalist, making everyone’s day better after talking with her. Her team especially appreciates her 'word of the day' to close out daily meetings, providing a joyful end to our calls and inspiration to take on the day!”
One of Liz's most memorable experiences at Star Cypress Partners has been witnessing the USDA Equity Commission in action. “Watching these passionate advocates debate, collaborate, and commit to shaping the Final Report has been incredible. It ignites a deep sense of purpose in my role as a communications consultant,” she shared.
Liz has also found a home among her colleagues. Reflecting on her first company retreat, she said, “I knew Star Cypress Partners was special when I met the team in person. This group of thoughtful collaborators and clever conversationalists reaffirmed my choice to be here. Their genuine positivity and openheartedness set Star Cypress Partners apart, and I’m so grateful to be part of this team.”
At Star Cypress Partners, Liz has taken her communications skills to new heights. “This role has deepened my expertise in strategic content creation and client engagement,” she said. It has also shaped her career trajectory—Liz recently renewed her membership with the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and is considering further education in strategic communications.
Liz’s journey at Star Cypress Partners exemplifies the values we strive for. Her commitment to clear, impactful communication and her skill in driving results through strategic messaging are invaluable to our team. We are excited to see Liz continue to grow as a communications professional and are grateful for the impact she’s made at Star Cypress Partners.
Learn more about our team and the transformative work, we do at Star Cypress Partners.
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