Professor McCoy teaches strategic political communication and public relations courses at Drake. Prior to joining the faculty in 2022, McCoy worked in journalism and public relations for more than 20 years.

Her reporting experience included covering state and national politics for The Associated Press (AP). She was embedded with presidential candidates throughout the presidential nominating contests as well as reported extensively on Iowa’s state government agencies and the Iowa Statehouse. Her work has been published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times and leading newspapers around the globe. McCoy’s communication roles have led her to work for the Iowa Department of Human Services, Iowa Department of Public Health and Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority. Additionally, McCoy has worked in corporate communications serving as communications director for one of the Midwest’s largest employers, Hy-Vee Inc. There, she was part of a team that created public outreach strategies, planned high-profile events and managed media relations.