Alisha Tillery is Vice President of Public Relations, Research and Engagement. Her past work experience includes nearly 20 years of agency and nonprofit communications experience, including supervising teams and landing media placements for clients in mainstream outlets, such as ABC News and EBONY Magazine. Leading multiple award-winning integrated communications projects for college and universities and regional public works organizations, she was also named Executive of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America – Memphis Chapter in 2022.

Tillery’s experience also includes nearly 10 years as an adjunct professor at the University of Memphis and freelance writing and journalism. Her writing has appeared in Smithsonian Magazine, Shondaland by Shonda Rhimes and others. 

Alisha earned her undergraduate degree in journalism from Southern University A & M College and her graduate degree in communications from Louisiana State University. 

She enjoys reading, spending time with her family and supporting HBCU marching bands. Alisha serves the community as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and volunteer work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Dr. Teri Del Rosso is a research-driven communication strategist specializing in community engagement and strategic communications. As the Director of Research and Engagement at KQ Communications, she leads a newly established department (est. 2023) and oversees research initiatives and strategic outreach efforts. With a focus on data-driven decision-making, she has successfully designed and implemented research strategies for KQ’s diverse clients base, leveraging surveys, focus groups, interviews, social listening, and community insights to drive measurable impact.

With a background in higher education, Teri has mentored students and led public relations campaigns as a faculty member at the University of Memphis and Bridgewater State University. She earned her master’s degree in media studies at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and her doctorate in media studies from the School of Journalism & Communication at the University of Oregon.

A loyal sports fan, Teri has collected teams to cheer for across the country as she’s moved throughout her career (Go Packers, Orange, Ducks, Grizzlies, and USWNT!). When she’s not cheering for her teams, she likes to go on walks, explore new destinations, and will always order the mussels, soft pretzel or crème brûlée if it’s on the menu.