Her Story
About Calley
Professional Bio
Calley McGehee Herth
Marketing & Communications | PR & Media Relations Lead
Calley McGehee Herth is a seasoned Marketing and Communications Leader with over 20 years of progressive experience building brand equity, navigating complex public relations landscapes, and driving integrated communications across nonprofit, healthcare, B2B, and public sector organizations. Driven by a passion for ethical leadership and human-centered storytelling, Calley specializes in taking high-level organizational goals and converting them into compelling, clear narratives that build community and multiply impact.
Throughout her career, Calley has served as a trusted strategic advisor to executive leaders, ghostwriting high-level public presentations and guiding organizations through critical moments of change and crisis. Her background includes directing agency-wide marketing strategies, spearheading full-scale website redesigns, managing high-ROI corporate partnerships, and building lasting media relationships that secure ongoing local and national coverage. Notably, she led worldwide media coverage for the Oklahoma Insurance Department following the devastating 2013 Moore Tornado and orchestrated strategic communications for a major mental health organization during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Calley currently serves as Executive Director and Head of Strategic Creative Capital at PolariStory, A Human Insight Media Company dedicated to humanizing leaders and organizations through high-impact storytelling and custom podcast production. She previously held senior leadership roles, including Director of Marketing and Communications at PSN Affiliates / Legent Health, Director of Marketing and Communications at The American Heart Association, and Marketing and Communications Manager at Metrocare Services.
Calley holds a Master of Arts in Strategic Communications from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Science in Mass Media Communications from Oral Roberts University. Based in Frisco, Texas, she remains deeply committed to mission-driven initiatives, social equity, and helping organizations tell stories that create lasting, positive change.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Calley
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the people who invest in you, champion you, and lift as you climb. It’s about mentors and leaders who take the time to get to know you, recognize your strengths and weaknesses, and help you position yourself better in your career. Those people have contributed to my success the most.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
"Focus on the mission, not just the mechanics." Early in my career, a mentor reminded me that tools, platforms, and tactics will constantly evolve, but the core human need for clarity and connection never changes. When you anchor your communications strategy in genuine empathy and clear purpose, the metrics and results naturally follow.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Own your perspective and don't be afraid to take up space at the table. Strategic communication isn't just about executing someone else's vision; it's about bringing a distinct point of view, asking tough questions, and offering solution-oriented counsel. Seek out mentors who will champion you, build a network rooted in mutual support, and remember that advocating for yourself is just as important as advocating for your brand.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The Challenges:
- An Extremely Tough Job Market: Navigating an uncertain, highly competitive talent landscape where organizations are restructuring, budgets are shifting, and standing out—whether as a job seeker or a brand trying to retain top talent—requires unprecedented resilience and strategic differentiation.
- Digital Noise and Fragmentation: With the rapid acceleration of automated content and constant digital saturation, capturing audience attention and maintaining brand trust is harder than ever.
The Opportunity: Authentic Human Storytelling. The market is hungry for depth. Leaders and organizations that move past generic corporate jargon and invest in real, transparent narratives have a massive opportunity to build deep loyalty, unite distributed teams, and drive meaningful culture change.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity & Ethical Leadership: Doing the right thing, especially when navigating high-stakes or crisis situations.
Empathy & Active Listening: Treating people as whole human beings—whether guiding a team through organizational change or engaging with external community members.
Autonomy & Trust: Fostering high-trust environments where people are given the wings to innovate, solve complex problems, and lead.
Continuous Growth: Remaining a lifelong learner who embraces change, seeks out feedback, and actively lifts others along the way.
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