When it comes to marketing, Megan Short, executive director of the Springfield Contractor’s Association (SCA), has tried it all. 

Short earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing management and Master of Business Administration from Missouri State University.  

The Springfield Business Journal named Short among the “2021 Most Influential Women.” As the face of the SCA, she is recognized by her peers as one of the premiere voices in the industry. 

Her career journey 

Short began her career working for an insurance agency while she completed her MBA. She even became licensed in insurance sales. 

She then went on to work for the City of Springfield as a communications coordinator. The position involved the whole spectrum of marketing from public relations to event planning. 

Her next move was to join the SCA as its executive director. 

The SCA may seem like an unlikely organization for someone with a marketing background. But marketing and communication are at the center of what she does, Short explains. 

When she began working with the SCA, she knew it was meant to be. 

“I was a farm kid,” Short said. “I grew up outdoors and it was just a good fit. People in the construction industry have a great work ethic.” 

Bolstering the workforce  

Over the last two years, Short has focused on how her organization can take workforce development to the next level. 

“Construction has had a huge manpower shortage, but it’s not due to lack of interest. It’s the lack of information,” Short said.  

“Missouri State has an excellent construction management program. For a long time, students from that program didn’t know about the program until after they started their undergrad.” 

With Short’s support, the SCA began working with local schools and holding events to promote the field and share about changes in the industry.  

 It also built a website called Build the Ozarks to inform visitors about potential career pathways in construction. 

Check out Build the Ozarks 

How MSU set her up for success 

Short credits Missouri State with giving her opportunities to explore and find the best career path. Her professors also helped her to make connections in the community and strengthen her network. 

“Your professors are there to help you,” Short reminds students. “They are there to make sure you are successful and to help you make an impact in your career.” 

The connections she made at Missouri State have played a key role in her success, Short explains. 

“It’s amazing how many people I now work with from my time at MSU,” Short said. “If you plan to stay local, you can start building those connections early.” 

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