Experience

An alumna of the University of Montana, Mackenzie earned a BS in Recreation Management with an emphasis in Nature Based Tourism and a minor in Environmental Studies. In 2020, she continued her education receiving a professional certificate in nonprofit administration; completing a year of graduate studies in the field including, but not limited to: grant writing, public policy and advocacy, human resource management, board management, strategic planning, and financial management.

Mackenzie’s most notable studies derive from her informal, consistent quest to seek out mentors and opportunities. She thrives out of her comfort zone, learning and expanding her scope and perspective through each unique experience.

Mackenzie started her career with the United States Forest Service exploring natural resource management as a recreation technician, trail and fire crew member. After 5 years in the field, she missed working with people - specifically with youth, as she had done throughout college as a work study intern for the Flagship Afterschool and Montana Natural History Center environmental education programs.

Without hesitation, Mackenzie began pursuing program development jobs at a young age.

Naturally, she filled her winters between fire seasons with skiing and landed in Big Sky, Montana year-round where she spent the next decade gaining invaluable work experience during a significant time of community growth.

Mackenzie started at the Yellowstone Club (YC) as the Youth Programs & Outdoor Excursions Coordinator, expanding the summer camp options from 2 weeks to 2 months and incorporating a camping program.

Eventually she left seasonal work for a position at the neighboring Spanish Peaks Mountain Club (SPMC). As the Recreation & Youth Programs Director, Mackenzie developed several adult and youth leisure and recreation programs, events, and facilities.

At last, Mackenzie felt driven to use her skills working for the community at large as the Program Manager for the Big Sky Community Organization (BSCO) during a time of rapid change and development and was fortunate to work on the BASE community center project - planning for program growth, facility use and operations.

Then in 2020 the world changed.

And for Mackenzie, the pandemic coincided with a new chapter - becoming a mom. In 2022, her family moved to Bozeman to focus on raising their young family while pursuing freelance work.

Proficient in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace Applications.

Experience with Canva, Asana, Constant Contact, Salesforce, ProCore, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Wordpress, Squarespace, Wix, Survey Monkey, MailChimp, Little Green Light, Adobe Acrobat, Engagement HQ.

Experience developing communication plans including newsletters, social content and press releases.

Experience as the project manager for the implementation of VSI Recreation Software.