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Parris Communications Promotes Senior Exec, Hires Former FOX4 Anchor

Parris Communications announces a new managing director role and hire new director of media relations. Photo credit: Parris Communications.

Posted April 23, 2025

Kansas City-based Parris Communications announced it has promoted long-time senior executive Kelly Cooper to managing director, while also hiring former FOX4 news anchor Kevin Barry to director of media relations.

Cooper, a 17-year veteran of the firm, has served as senior vice president and member of the Parris senior leadership team. In her new role, she will work closely with the company’s founder and CEO, Roshann Parris and president Laurie Roberts to oversee day-to-day operations.

“Year after year, Kelly has elevated her leadership skills, managing some of our most complex strategic and crisis clients with agility, passion, and a meticulous attention to detail,” Parris said in a release Tuesday. “Her expertise, tireless dedication, and thoughtful leadership have been integral to the growth and success of our firm. Kelly is key not only to our wide-ranging strategic communications work, but to our firm’s future, as well.”

Barry is now the new director of media relations for the strategic communications firm. Barry most recently anchored the 10 p.m. weekday newscasts for FOX4. In his new role, he will guide the firm’s media relations strategies and work closely with clients to ensure their stories are communicated effectively to the right audiences.

Kevin Barry is the new Director of Media Relations at Parris Communications. Photo credit: Parris Communications.

“We are delighted to welcome Kevin to the energized Parris team,” Roberts said. “His experience in the field, along with his ability to cultivate strong relationships with journalists and media outlets, will be a tremendous asset to our clients and our team.”

Cooper and Barry will work with Roberts as the firm’s primary executive trainers, helping prepare clients in advance of media interviews and public presentations.

Founded in 1988, Parris Communications is a provider of media relations, crisis communications, community engagement and public affairs services.