Amy Jordan Wooden is a veteran communications professional who has served elected officials, political candidates, influential community leaders, private corporations, government departments, trade associations and not-for-profit institutions. As one of the Midwest’s most experienced crisis communications specialists, Amy helps clients navigate difficult media and legal inquiries in crisis situations and guides clients through tricky reputation management events.
Amy launched AJW Consulting, a strategic communications firm, in 2003. Her firm develops comprehensive, integrated public affairs strategies that reach the general public and influential stakeholders through earned media, compelling video productions and targeted outreach events.
Amy has served as an official spokesperson for clients in Missouri and Kansas; she has a deep understanding of the political and media landscapes in both states. Drawing upon her experience serving as communications director for Mayor-Elect Sly James’ Transition Team and communications director and press secretary to Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson, Amy also has counseled startup businesses and political candidates, helping them introduce themselves to investors and voters through multifaceted communications plans.
Amy started her career with Mel Carnahan in his successful bid for Missouri Governor in 1992. She held a number of roles for the governor, including serving as his liaison to the Departments of Natural Resources, Conservation and Agriculture, where she worked to implement state policies and collaborate with industry and stakeholder groups. At the age of 27, Amy was named executive director of the National Governors Association Annual Meeting in St. Louis. Amy also worked for Senator Jean Carnahan as her state director following Governor Carnahan’s death and Mrs. Carnahan’s ascension into office. As state director, she managed five offices and a staff of 16; she handled a variety of issues all over Missouri.
Amy was introduced to Kansas politics when she worked for the University of Kansas Medical Center, first as the senior director for public affairs and then as the associate vice chancellor for external affairs. There, she served as a key advisor to the executive vice chancellor and was responsible for all of the communications and government affairs activities for the world-class academic medical center.
While serving as the official spokesperson for KU Medical Center, Amy caught the attention of Governor Kathleen Sebelius’s administration, and in 2010, Amy had the distinct honor to serve as the communications director and press secretary for the successor, Governor Parkinson.
In 2012, Mayor James appointed Amy to the Greater Kansas City Convention and Visitors Association, where she is all too proud to brag about Kansas City and help lure visitors (and their dollars) to her adopted hometown.
A native of Lincoln, Nebraska and a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, Amy has lived in Kansas City, Missouri with her family since 1999.