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.

BEYOND MARKETING & BRANDING, NATIONWIDE

President (June 2017 – April 2023) Lead a boutique consulting firm specializing in integrated marketing communication services across diverse industries. Tailored strategies catered to:

  • Publishing & Authors: Elevating book launches and author visibility through strategic PR campaigns

  • Museums & Nonprofits: Promoting cultural institutions and charitable organizations to enhance community engagement.

  • Real Estate & Development: Facilitating branding and marketing solutions for property developers and real estate agencies.

  • B2B and B2C: Driving growth and visibility for businesses through targeted B2B and B2C marketing initiatives.

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.

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

Galveston Arts Center | Board Member (September 2024 - Current)

Arts & Historic Preservation Advisory Board | City of Galveston (February 2023 – Current)

Galveston Historical Foundation | Events Committee Member (July 2022 – August 2024)

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 (Class of 2024), 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