Ameerah Palacios

Ameerah Palacios, APR is an award-winning strategic communications leader with decades of experience helping public utilities, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations build trust, navigate crises, and strengthen relationships with the communities they serve. As Director of Engagement for STV’s national water practice, she specializes in strategic communications, customer experience, public engagement, crisis response, and organizational strategy.

A former business journalist and television news producer, Ameerah brings a unique blend of storytelling, research, project management, and executive communications to complex public challenges. She has advised government executives, served as a media spokesperson, and led communications during high-profile infrastructure projects, disaster response efforts, and water system crises. From advanced metering infrastructure initiatives to supporting the City of Jackson, Mississippi’s water crisis response, she is known for helping organizations transform challenging moments into opportunities to build lasting public trust.

Ameerah is a nationally recognized leader in the water sector. She serves on the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) Public Affairs Council, which advises the association’s Board of Directors on legislative, regulatory, and public engagement priorities across the industry. She also chairs the council’s Publications Committee, helping elevate innovative communications and engagement practices from utilities nationwide through AWWA’s flagship publications. Previously, she served as strategist and co-author of the AWWA Lead Communications Guide, a nationally recognized resource that equips utilities with effective strategies for communicating about lead and drinking water quality.

Her leadership extends throughout the industry. Ameerah chairs the Customer Service Committee for the AWWA Kentucky/Tennessee Section, where she oversees professional development and certification training for utility customer service professionals and frontline supervisors. She was recognized by the National School Public Relations Association as a “35 Under 35” honoree for her communications leadership and has maintained strong partnerships with organizations including AASA and the Council of Great City Schools throughout her career.

Beyond her professional work, Ameerah is deeply committed to community leadership and civic engagement. She serves on Rogue Water Lab’s Advisory Leadership Council, helping shape the organization’s strategy and partnerships to advance public trust in water. In her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, she is actively involved in numerous civic and arts organizations, including serving as president of the Louisville Downtown Residents Association, board chair of the Parks Alliance of Louisville, vice chair of Louisville Metro Government’s Commission on Public Art, and Accreditation Chair for the Public Relations Society of America’s Bluegrass Chapter.