LSPAA Alumni Spotlight: Megan McGee, Class of 2023

Leading with curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to community.

Megan McGee answers the call. Literally, through her work with the St. Petersburg Police Department, and time and time again when LSPAA needs a helping hand. She shows up with a smile, a giving heart, and a genuine understanding of what makes a community strong: the people who call it home. Whether she's supporting our alumni, lending her time to a committee, or finding solutions for those in need, Megan isn't just talking about making a difference. She's out there doing it.

A proud member of the Leadership St. Pete Class of 2023, Megan serves as Assistant Director of Administrative Support for the St. Petersburg Police Department. While officers serve on the front lines, Megan works behind the scenes to ensure they have the people, resources, technology, and support needed to succeed.

Her role is anything but predictable. On any given day, Megan might be coordinating services for a vulnerable resident, preparing for City Council, reviewing contracts, meeting with nonprofit partners, or developing programs.

“I love the variety and the opportunity to solve problems that matter to our community,” she shares.

Leadership Beyond the Job Title

For Megan, Leadership St. Pete reinforced an important lesson: being a leader doesn't mean having all the answers.

“LSP taught me that leadership isn't about having all the answers, it's about listening, asking better questions, bringing the right people together, and being willing to step outside your lane to solve a problem.”

It's a lesson she puts into practice every day, whether she's navigating complex departmental operations or collaborating with community partners.

Megan also encourages new LSP class members to recognize the value of their own experiences and perspectives.

“Don't underestimate what you bring to the table. LSP brings together people from very different backgrounds, and your perspective is valuable even if you don't feel like the expert in the room.”

Her advice? Leave your title at the door, stay curious, build relationships, and don't be afraid to speak up.

Making a Difference Through CALL

One of Megan's passion projects is the CALL program, a community-based alternative response program that connects individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, or other crises with appropriate support rather than defaulting to a traditional police response.

Megan has had the opportunity to speak about CALL nationally and internationally, sharing the program's approach and advocating for broader adoption of alternative response models.

For alumni interested in supporting the initiative, she offers a simple starting point: learn about the program and help spread awareness that the CALL team is available to assist members of our community.

Her work has also given her a deeper understanding of how quickly a family can find itself in crisis.

“One unexpected expense, childcare issue, health problem, or missed paycheck can create a chain reaction,” she explains.

While we often see the resulting homelessness, food insecurity, or involvement with the system, Megan encourages others to consider the circumstances that led someone there in the first place.

Advocating for Women in Leadership

Another issue close to Megan's heart is the challenges and double standards faced by working women, particularly working mothers.

From the unequal burden of caregiving and household responsibilities to career setbacks and persistent stereotypes about women's leadership abilities, Megan believes these issues deserve greater attention.

“If you're assertive, you're difficult; if you're collaborative, you're weak. Women shouldn't have to spend half their energy managing how they're perceived and the other half actually leading.”

For Megan, creating opportunities for women to lead means recognizing these challenges and working toward environments where their contributions are valued without the added pressure of navigating conflicting expectations.

Beyond the Office

When she's not tackling challenges at the police department, Megan enjoys a little well-earned downtime.

Her perfect Saturday? Sleeping in, enjoying coffee, heading to Pilates, spending some uninterrupted time reading, and then taking her pups to Dog Bar.

She's also a big Ted Lasso fan and is especially excited about the show's return. In her words, “Roy Kent is my spirit animal.”

And when it comes to words to live by, Megan turns to a favorite quote she attributes to Maya Angelou: “Nothing works unless you do.”

Staying Connected to LSP

Since graduating in 2023, Megan has continued to show up for the LSP community. Along with attending alumni events, she serves on both the LSPAA Scholarship Committee and Community Service Committee, giving her time and talents to support future leaders and meaningful community initiatives.

Her involvement is a reflection of who she is: someone who understands that leadership doesn't end when the program does. It's about continuing to build relationships, showing up when you're needed, and finding ways to give back.

We are grateful to have such a wonderful leader and giver in our LSPAA family. Thank you, Megan, for answering the call, for your generous heart, and for all you do to make St. Petersburg a stronger, more compassionate community!

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