The St. Louis City Group is excited to have two of its members, Maureen Farr, current City Group co-leader, and Lisa Sesti as members of the 2013 Midwest Board of Directors. As we continue to build momentum as a group, we look forward to helping shape the future of the Midwest Chapter. I recently talked with both Maureen and Lisa about their aspirations as board members.
Maureen Farr
Briefly describe your background. What led you to legal marketing?
My first “real” job after college graduation was working as the first-ever marketing coordinator for the largest architecture/engineering firm in Southwest Missouri. Armed with that professional services experience and a year spent exploring my creative side as a graphic designer, I decided to move back to my hometown of St. Louis and landed my first legal industry position with a large regional firm.
I quickly learned that legal marketing is a fast-paced and challenging career path. I spent the early part of my legal marketing career as a generalist before joining my current firm, where I focus solely on business development.
Why do you find LMA valuable to your career?
The most valuable part of my LMA experience has been the camaraderie that I have developed with other legal marketers. It is invaluable to have other professionals to share ideas and best practices with, as well as maintain your sanity in this sometimes demanding and stressful profession.
What do you hope to accomplish while on the Board?
As a result of my experience starting the St. Louis City Group, in conjunction with you, Nicole, and serving as a City Group co-leader the past couple years, I hope to work with the City Groups within the Midwest Chapter to share and implement best practices.
Furthermore, I look forward to getting to know more legal marketing professionals and working together to keep the LMA a valuable resource to members.
On a personal note, what do you enjoy when you are not working?
Between work and my family, which includes three kids (13, 9, and 9 months), I keep pretty busy. I love watching my kids play soccer and baseball. When I do find some time for myself, I enjoy working out, reading and watching TV. My DVR is always set to record Mad Men, Downtown Abbey and Modern Family.
Lisa Sesti
Briefly describe your background?
I am a results-driven marketing and business development management professional with over 20 years of related experience in developing and directing marketing, sales and branding strategies and planning, developing business, communicating mission-driven messages to internal and external target audiences and leading, training and motivating teams.
What led you to legal marketing?
I was recruited into the legal industry with the most recent position that I held.
Why do you find LMA valuable to your career?
LMA offers a forum to network within the legal community and to build relationships and share ideas and information. Its members are forward-thinking as they work to advance their firms’ initiatives in marketing, business development and client relations in an increasingly-competitive legal environment. The association keeps you connected on a number of levels.
What do you hope to accomplish while on the Board?
In the role of communications liaison, I hope to make a difference by working with members of the midwest legal community to learn what they want most out of their member relationships with the LMA, then develop a marketing plan that further defines the association's direction in meeting the overarching needs of the legal marketing community.
On a personal note, what do you enjoy when you are not working?
I enjoy spending time with my family and grandpuppy. As time allows, I like to read, visit art fairs and cultural events, garden, travel and gather with friends. I'm also involved in community service through my church planning mission trips, working as a core team member with the youth group.