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 boys juggling the day-to-day in marketing ops, 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) - September 2022 to Present
-Direct the department’s digital fundraising efforts, overseeing online registration, merchandise, and giving forms to drive alumni engagement and increase donor giving, in alignment with organizational fundraising goals.
-Collaborate with numerous stakeholders to ensure cohesive brand positioning while maintaining the Always Berry website and executing email marketing campaigns aimed at cultivating alumni and donor relationships to foster increased philanthropic support.
-Support Advancement staff with key marketing platforms including Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Webconnex, Emma, Pardot (Account Engagement), Survey Monkey, and FormAssembly.
-Demonstrated proactive leadership by autonomously spearheading and executing marketing operations initiatives during a 6-month hiatus of direct supervision, showcasing a self-directed work ethic and strategic decision-making expertise.
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U Public Relations (Rome, Ga) - February 2020 to January 2022
-Developed compelling storytelling strategies for clients, crafting engaging narratives to enhance brand identity and connect with target audiences.
-Orchestrated media relations programs to secure positive coverage for clients, fostering strong relationships with journalists and influencers to amplify brand messaging.
-Provided strategic brand management counsel, ensuring consistency across all communications materials, maintaining brand integrity in crisis situations, and overseeing public relations and communications efforts to align messaging with organizational objectives across multiple clients.
-Attended numerous events, conducted interviews, and wrote various news releases and feature stories in AP style, effectively communicating clients' key messages to the media and the public.
-Provided creative direction for graphic design and managed production of various communications materials, ensuring visual consistency and alignment with brand standards.
-Served as a first responder in crisis situations through the maintenance and implementation of press strategies, safeguarding the reputation and interests of clients.
-Led a team of 10+ contracted employees in ensuring the timely distribution of news releases, fostering a collaborative and results-driven work environment.
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V3 Publications (Rome, Ga) - February 2018 to February 2020
-Led storytelling initiatives as the Managing Editor, overseeing the creation, editing, and proofreading of documents for publications to ensure brand and quality standards.
-Implemented communications plans aligned with strategic objectives, utilizing storytelling techniques to engage audiences and promote organizational goals.
-Regularly attended events, conducted interviews, and wrote communications materials for internal and external media and targeted audiences, effectively conveying stories that supported the objectives of identified initiatives.
-Established critical relationships with key stakeholders to ensure deliverables met business priorities, enhancing storytelling opportunities and amplifying brand messaging.
-Managed writers and photographers to meet deadlines, scheduled events, and served as a designated writer on writing projects as needed, contributing to cohesive and impactful storytelling efforts.
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:
