Hi, I’m McKenzie!
I’m a versatile wordsmith who enjoys wearing many hats— whether it’s writing, editing, or diving into the depths of marketing strategies. With a keen ability to foster connections and adeptly navigate the digital landscape, I'm always on the lookout for opportunities to expand my expertise. Think of me as your go-to maestro of organized chaos!
As a devoted mom of two toddler boys and a sweet little girl juggling the day-to-day in advancement operations, I find my true joy in spinning tales, diving into digital marketing, and building authentic connections. Embracing challenges is my forte, whether it's steering strategic initiatives to amp up brand engagement or nurturing philanthropic endeavors. And amidst it all, you'll catch me relishing the little joys: a good cup of coffee and any chance for outdoor adventures.
At the age of 24, I took a leap of faith and ventured into entrepreneurship by starting my own business. It was a transformative experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a world of rapid learning. Suddenly, I found myself wearing many hats, from mastering writing and editing to diving into graphic design.
Although I eventually sold my share of the business, the experience remains a cherished chapter in my life. It provided me with invaluable opportunities for growth and taught me the importance of embracing challenges as stepping stones to success.
Throughout my journey, I've come to embrace the philosophy that obstacles are essential for personal and professional development. As a lifelong learner, I constantly seek out new experiences that challenge and inspire me to evolve.
Currently, I am pursuing a master's at the University of Georgia, where I am honing my skills in operations and technology. I believe in the importance of being well-rounded, possessing not only front-facing skills like writing, marketing, and communications, but also the ability to troubleshoot and understand the backend of things.
While I'm passionate about many things, two endeavors hold a special place in my heart. First, my family's recent acquisition of a farm has ignited my imagination with endless possibilities. From envisioning an orchard and flower garden to nurturing bees, cows, and raising chickens for fresh eggs, I'm excited about the potential to turn this passion project into a thriving business and community hub.
Second, I harbor a deep love for storytelling and writing. Crafting feature stories for various magazines has allowed me to breathe life into others' narratives and witness the magic of words on the page. My dream of writing a novel remains steadfast, and I'm committed to honing my skills and exploring new avenues for creative expression.
If you share similar passions or simply wish to connect, I would be so excited to hear from you. Please don't hesitate to reach out—I'm always eager to embark on new adventures and forge meaningful connections.
Thanks for stopping by!
My Experience
Interested in learning more? Download my resume!
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Berry College (Rome, GA)
Assistant Director, Advancement Services (Sept 2024 - Present)
Advancement Marketing Operations Manager (Sept 2022 to Sept 2024)
Lead data-driven marketing strategy as a key member of the Analytics Leadership Team, acting as a steward of institutional data and ensuring cross-departmental access to accurate, actionable insights.
Oversee Advancement’s Salesforce operations, managing donor and alumni data, reporting, and integrations to ensure seamless functionality across platforms.
Drive engagement and revenue growth, increasing alumni engagement by 25% through personalized Account Engagement (Pardot) campaigns and optimizing donation forms with A/B testing.
Enhance digital presence, spearheading the Always Berry website overhaul and providing backend development support.
Streamlined operations and improved efficiency, leading CRM migrations (Emma to Pardot, Webconnex to Classy).
Independently managed marketing operations during a 6-month leadership gap, delivering measurable outcomes through proactive initiative management.
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U Public Relations (Rome, GA)
Feb 2020 to Jan 2022
Secured a six-figure, multi-year contract with Rome City Schools, negotiating terms and aligning solutions to meet client goals, while maintaining long-term relationships with clients like Trion City Schools and Northwest Georgia Center for Independent Living.
Led a team of 10+ contractors, including writers, photographers, and PR professionals, to execute client campaigns and deliver high-quality, impactful results.
Built strong partnerships with local journalists and influencers, leveraging their platforms to expand client reach and engagement across the community.
Managed crisis communications for Rome City Schools, working closely with the superintendent to navigate challenges and maintain stakeholder trust.
Oversaw all backend operations of the business, handling finance, contracts, and strategic planning to drive growth and sustain long-term success.
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V3 Publications (Rome, GA)
Feb 2018 to Feb 2020
Increased readership through compelling storytelling, strategic content management, and editing feature stories that aligned with brand and quality standards.
Secured high-profile figures like Nick Chubb for feature stories, strengthening publication visibility and engagement.
Developed and managed editorial content, scheduling interviews, writing, and editing multiple feature stories per month while ensuring timely delivery.
Built and nurtured relationships with key stakeholders, particularly within the Rome City Schools PR department, which laid the foundation for future business partnerships.
Solely edited Grand (senior living magazine) and the annual Wedding Compendium, overseeing all aspects of content production, including managing writers, editing, and coordinating with stakeholders.
What’s On My Bookshelf?
If you're ever searching for me, just follow the trail of books (or Kindle glows) in my wake! I'm a perpetual page-turner, always on the hunt for fresh insights. Here's a peek at a few recent reads that have sprinkled some extra magic into my world:
