During her more than two-decade career, Mary Kate has developed an expertise in stimulating growth for a multitude of brands. With a proven track record of fostering client relationships and elevating brands and products, Mary Kate has well-honed skills in strategic communications, media relations, writing, branding and grassroots strategies for numerous industries, including hospitality, retail, consumer packaged goods, B2B/professional services and public affairs.

Before joining Cooksey, Mary Kate spent time sharpening her talents at some of the nation’s most well-known hospitality management companies and top-tier PR agencies. In addition to her time in-house, developing content and coordinating public relations campaigns for numerous luxury resort properties, Mary Kate has more than 15 years of combined agency experience. This includes serving as a vice president at the nation’s largest independent communications firm, Edelman, and later as a vice president at SPM Communications.

Mary Kate is actively involved in the community, serving as secretary on the East Dallas Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board and as a volunteer for the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden PR & Advertising Committee. She is also a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the Junior League of Dallas and a past board member for the Dallas Historical Society. She recently graduated from the T. Boone Pickens Leadership Institute.

Mary Kate received her bachelor’s degree in public relations and her master’s degree in journalism from Boston University.

What inspires you?
People who dedicate their lives to serving others and giving back to their communities. I try to follow this example with my community involvement as much as I can. I’m also always inspired by what I learn and discover from everyday experiences – from reading and conversation to new foods, music and travel.

What are your favorite hobbies?
Traveling, cooking, volunteering, trying new restaurants, attending concerts and sporting events, and hosting friends and family at our house.

What can’t you do without?
My friends, my family, my husband, my dog and chocolate (not necessarily in that order). If I have all of these things together, life is great!

Why are you passionate about public relations?
I love learning about a client’s business and its challenges and then working together strategically to overcome those challenges and build success.  Professionally there is no better feeling than seeing a client’s relief or excitement over the impact of excellent results. Through PR, I love that we have the opportunity to play a role in moving our clients’ brands forward in both big and small ways.