Casting a Line to Leadership: From Boats to Boardrooms, Hooked on Mount Mercy

Mount Mercy University Alumni Board President Lisa Roughley’s path to leadership began with a memorable fish story.

Raised in Ontario, Canada, she grew up immersed in the rhythms of her family’s fishing resort, a beloved destination for guests across the Midwest. Among these regulars was former Mount Mercy President Dr. Thomas Feld, who, over the years, formed a connection with Lisa and her family.

“It was really quite serendipitous how I ended up at Mount Mercy,” Lisa reflected. “When it came time to explore university options, I told Dr. Feld about my interest in public relations, and he shared that Mount Mercy had just launched a PR program.”

Lisa's final choice came down to Mount Mercy and Marquette University. But one campus visit tipped the scales—hook, line, and sinker.

“I immediately felt the personal touch Mount Mercy had to offer,” she recalled. “I knew I’d be just a number at Marquette, but Mount Mercy was different. Don McCormick, the Director of Admissions, welcomed me with open arms. Then I met Sister Augustine Roth, who led the PR program, and I knew—this was it. I’d found my four-year home.”

While Mount Mercy was a smaller pond compared to other universities, it offered Lisa an ocean of opportunities. She threw herself into campus life, working with the Admissions office, giving tours, participating in the Student Government Association (SGA), and helping found the school’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). She was also chosen to be part of a first-year pilot project, the Iowa Peace Institute, where she collaborated with international students to foster grassroots peace initiatives during her last year of school.

Lisa also forged a lifelong friendship with Lonna Drewelow, Associate Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations, while working in the Development & Alumni Relations office during her studies.

Her senior year brought a pivotal opportunity—an internship at the Cedar Rapids Convention and Visitors Bureau under fellow alum Alice Anderson. Alice, together with Executive Director Jim Garrett, provided Lisa the opportunity to cast a career line of sorts, developing the city’s first RAGBRAI bid, which was accepted, bringing 10,000 cyclists to town and generating $150,000 in local economic impact that first year.

“Securing RAGBRAI was such a thrill,” she recalled. “When the news was shared, it felt like we had reeled in a really big catch.”

Upon graduating, Lisa’s passion for PR—nurtured by her upbringing in hospitality—guided her career. With strong writing skills and a customer-first mindset, she submitted her resume to Four Seasons Hotels, despite no posted openings. The bold move paid off and Lisa was hired, not only launching her career but also bringing about a sweet introduction to her future husband, Stephen. Their careers led them on a global adventure, with opportunities across the U.S., Canada, Portugal, and the West Indies. During the early years, Lisa balanced freelance work with raising their two daughters.

In 2007, after several years with a Los Angeles-based PR firm, Lisa decided to launch her own business. That’s when Roughley Speaking Communications was born—a firm specializing in public relations for hospitality and lifestyle brands. Over time, the business evolved, casting a wider net to focus on digital marketing services, and today it operates with a core team of six and various strategic partners. Headquarters are on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, and one of Lisa’s daughters, Mallory, now plays a key role as the firm’s digital marketing manager, continuing the tradition of family-run businesses.

Throughout her life, giving back has been a core value for Lisa. Whether supporting foster children’s sibling connections, mentoring refugees, or serving with organizations like the National Charity League and 100+ Women Who Care, she has always integrated philanthropy into her personal and professional life. In 2018, feeling it was time to give back to the institution that helped shape her, she joined the Mount Mercy Alumni Board, stepping into the role of president in 2023. Though most of her involvement is virtual, she returns to campus each year to participate in Homecoming and the fall board meeting, which provides a wonderful opportunity to reunite with old classmates and friends.

Lisa is enthusiastic about Mount Mercy’s future, especially in light of its strategic combination with St. Ambrose University.

“This is a necessary move to offer students the best possible academic programs, sports, and extracurriculars while continuing to fuel Cedar Rapids with future talent,” she said. “I’m fully supportive.”

At the same time, she emphasizes the importance of honoring Mount Mercy’s mission and legacy.

“Preserving the school’s cherished history is crucial from an alumni perspective,” Lisa added. “There are great things on the horizon. With strong leadership in place, Mount Mercy is in good hands.”