Mackenzie Finklea is a Public Relations Manager at Visit Galveston. Previously, she has worked in both the publishing and museum industries.
Mackenzie Finklea is a communications professional, author, and life-long museum enthusiast. Her work ethic is anchored in her dedication to building valuable connections and championing interdisciplinary collaboration, driven by her strong sense of stewardship and servant leadership. Mackenzie’s career spans a variety of fields, from marketing and start-up management to museums and non-profit institutions.
VISIT GALVESTON, GALVESTON, TX
Public Affairs Manager (April 2023 – Current) Managing advocacy and local media relations for the Galveston Park Board of Trustees and Visit Galveston. Experienced in reactive crisis communications and proactive marketing and promotion of the island’s attractions and activations through media relations and social media management. Public speaking samples available here.
MANUSCRIPTS GROUP, WASHINGTON, DC
Product Development Specialist (June 2021 – April 2023) Developed resources for authors to create and promote their best work. Relationship manager and tactical coordinator ensuring the success of all publishing imprints of The Manuscripts Group.
Lead Publishing Coach (Dec 2020 – June 2021) Developed and managed a team of author coaches, delegated tasks in weekly meetings, created and hosted live workshops for authors in marketing, strategic planning, and promotion, offering 1:1 sessions based on publishing needs.
Nonfiction Books Specialist (October 2018 – December 2020) Coached over 1,200 authors nationwide in the self-publishing process. Provided consulting services in title development, cover design, branding, marketing, and fundraising for independent authors. Author marketing advisor, conducting pitch meetings with authors to determine their market positioning, advising on introduction development, and content structuring.
THE BRYAN MUSEUM, GALVESTON, TX
Executive Assistant to the Director (June 2019 – March 2020) Provided C-suite level administrative assistance to the director and the founder of the museum. Responsible for office management and the coordination of projects with all department heads, and liaison to the board of directors.
INSITOME, AUSTIN, TX
Scientific Content Coordinator (Sept 2017 – May 2019) In-app content editor, marketing consultant, ad and video creator, millennial liaison, and editor for the Insitome blog. Guest host on The Insight podcast. Experienced in timeline management and administrative organization.
Content and Marketing Intern (June 2017 – Sept 2017) Gained knowledge in design wire framing, customer service platforms, and genetics. Worked in development and launch of a web/iOS app start-up in consumer genomics.
Education & Certifications
The University of Texas at Austin, 2015 - 2019 | Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology
Professional in Destination Management | Destinations International (December 2023)
Certified Tourism Ambassador | CTA Program (Awarded May 2023)
Professional Publishing Certificate | New York University (Awarded June 2021)
Museum Studies Certificate | University of Texas at Austin (Awarded May 2019)
Leadership & Volunteering
Arts & Historic Preservation Advisory Board | City of Galveston (February 2023 – Current)
Galveston Historical Foundation | Events Committee Member (July 2022 – Current)
UT Austin Bridging Disciplines Program | Alumni Advisory Board Member (Sept 2021 – Current) and Alumni Mentor (August 2019 – Current)
Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce | Leadership Galveston Program Participant (September 2023 – Current), C-Crewe Executive Board (December 2023 — Current), and C-Crewe Member (July 2019 – Current)
Awards & Honors
Honoree Galveston County Daily News 40 Under 40 Class of 2022.
Award-Winning Author of Beyond the Halls: An Insider’s Guide to Loving Museums, Dec 2019