STRATEGY AND EXECUTION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
We help presidents, cabinets, and the institutions they lead make pivotal choices — and carry them out.
Leadership teams almost always have more good options than they realize, whether for brands, marketing, crises, or more. We help you surface them, agree on the few that will matter most, and build what it takes to deliver on the plan, the message, and the campaign.
Strategy and execution, from the same table.
STRATEGY AND EXECUTION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
We help presidents, cabinets, and the institutions they lead make pivotal choices — and carry them out.
Leadership teams almost always have more good options than they realize, whether for brands, marketing, crises, or more.
We help you surface them, agree on the few that will matter most, and build what it takes to deliver on the plan, the message, and the campaign.
STRATEGY AND EXECUTION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION
We help presidents, cabinets, and the institutions they lead make pivotal choices — and carry them out.
Leadership teams almost always have more good options than they realize, whether for brands, marketing, crises, or more. We help you surface them, agree on the few that will matter most, and build what it takes to deliver on the plan, the message, and the campaign.
Strategy and execution, from the same table.
Led by Pete Mackey, Ph.D.
Chief communications officer at five institutions — including Amherst College, Bucknell University, and the University of South Carolina — and interim chief communications officer at six additional institutions. Pete and his team have served more than 70 colleges, universities, and foundations.
Led by Pete Mackey, Ph.D.
Chief communications officer at five institutions — including Amherst College, Bucknell University, and the University of South Carolina — and interim chief communications officer at six additional institutions. Pete and his team have served more than 70 colleges, universities, and foundations.
Led by Pete Mackey, Ph.D.
Chief communications officer at five institutions — including Amherst College, Bucknell University, and the University of South Carolina — and interim chief communications officer at six additional institutions. Pete and his team have served more than 70 colleges, universities, and foundations.
HOW WE WORK WITH LEADERSHIP TEAMS
Four steps: From every voice at the table to a single plan the entire team owns.
Whether your cabinet faces a budget gap, a leadership transition, or an outdated five-year plan, our process remains the same. We don't arrive with the answer. We ensure the room finds the answer and leaves committed to it.
Hear Every Leader
Before anyone proposes a direction, each team member is heard in full: what they think, what they need, what they’re worried about, and what they would do.
Choose What Matters
From that common ground, the team commits to a defined set of priorities that will make the biggest difference.
Find Common Ground
We help the team see where there is already agreement on goals, philosophy, and needs, which usually surprises and guides all at once.
End With a Plan
Based on the team's defined priorities, we give you an operational plan and the communications steps to execute on it.
Find Common Ground
With everyone's ideas on the table, we help the team see where there is already agreement on goals, philosophy, and needs—which usually surprises and guides all at once.
Choose What Matters
From that common ground, the team commits to a defined set of priorities that will make the biggest difference.
End With a Plan
Based on those priorities, we help the team build an operational plan and the communications steps to execute on it.
Find Common Ground
With everyone's ideas on the table, we help the team see where there is already agreement on goals, philosophy, and needs—which usually surprises and guides all at once.
Find Common Ground
We help the team see where there is already agreement on goals, philosophy, and needs, which usually surprises and guides all at once.
End With a Plan
Based on those priorities, we help the team build an operational plan and the communications steps to execute on it.
What Presidents Say
“The outcomes of Pete Mackey’s process were impressive. So too was the widespread ownership of the recommendations that emerged as a result.”
Rebecca L. Sherrick, Former President, Aurora University
“Pete Mackey served as our Interim CCO during a period of tremendous challenge in our organization. His knowledge of the field and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty made him a wonderful partner.”
Angel B. Pérez, CEO, National Association for College Admission Counseling
“As Interim CCO, Melanie Moran provided outstanding strategic leadership in communications and marketing, and laid the foundation for a smooth transition for our incoming vice president.”
Kathleen E. Harring, President, Muhlenberg College
Led by Pete Mackey, Ph.D.
Chief communications officer at five institutions — including Amherst College, Bucknell University, and the University of South Carolina — and interim chief communications officer at six additional institutions. Pete and his team have served more than 70 colleges, universities, and foundations.
Led by Pete Mackey, Ph.D.
Chief communications officer at five institutions — including Amherst College, Bucknell University, and the University of South Carolina — and interim chief communications officer at six additional institutions. Pete and his team have served more than 70 colleges, universities, and foundations.
WHAT WE DELIVER
Once the direction is set, our team can build the work to deliver on the plan.
WHAT WE DELIVER
Once the direction is set, our team can build the work to deliver on the plan.
WHAT WE DELIVER
Once the direction is set, our team can build the work to deliver on the plan.
WHAT PRESIDENTS SAY
“The outcomes of Pete Mackey’s process were impressive. So too was the widespread ownership of the recommendations that emerged as a result.”
Rebecca L. Sherrick, Former President, Aurora University
“As Interim CCO, Melanie Moran provided outstanding strategic leadership in communications and marketing, and laid the foundation for a smooth transition for our incoming vice president.”
Kathleen E. Harring, President, Muhlenberg College
“Pete Mackey served as our Interim CCO during a period of tremendous challenge in our organization. His knowledge of the field and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty made him a wonderful partner.”
Angel B. Pérez, CEO, National Association for College Admission Counseling
Our clients
Creating impact together.
We work in partnership with vital and respected educational and nonprofit institutions across the private and public sectors.
Our clients
Creating impact together.
We work in partnership with vital and respected educational and nonprofit institutions across the private and public sectors.
Our clients
Creating impact together.
We work in partnership with vital and respected educational and nonprofit institutions across the private and public sectors.
Our clients
Creating impact together.
We work in partnership with vital and respected educational and nonprofit institutions across the private and public sectors.
70+
Institutions Served
70+
Institutions Served
70+
Institutions Served
14
Institutions Led from Inside
14
Institutions Led from Inside
14
Institutions Led from Inside
50+
Presidents and Senior Leaders Advised
50+
Presidents and Senior Leaders Advised
50+
Presidents and Senior Leaders Advised
Selected work
PERSPECTIVES
Perspectives
Storytelling That Raises Money, Fills Classes, and Builds Reputation
Resources for higher ed professionals across admissions, advancement, and communications
Storytelling That Raises Money, Fills Classes, and Builds Reputation
Resources for higher ed professionals across admissions, advancement, and communications
Storytelling That Raises Money, Fills Classes, and Builds Reputation
Resources for higher ed professionals across admissions, advancement, and communications
Storytelling That Raises Money, Fills Classes, and Builds Reputation
Resources for higher ed professionals across admissions, advancement, and communications
Strategy Counts
A newsletter for higher ed professionals focused on communications, marketing, & fundraising.
Facing a decision that can't wait?
Let's talk about what's at stake, what your options really are, and what it will take to deliver.
Facing a decision that can't wait?
Let's talk about what's at stake, what your options really are, and what it will take to deliver.
Facing a decision that can't wait?
Let's talk about what's at stake, what your options really are, and what it will take to deliver.
© 2026 Mackey Strategies. All Rights Reserved.
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© 2026 Mackey Strategies. All Rights Reserved.
Our site uses cookies and similar tools that may connect your activity with your email to deliver relevant communications. To opt out, visit: https://app.retention.com/optout.
© 2026 Mackey Strategies. All Rights Reserved.
Our site uses cookies and similar tools that may connect your activity with your email to deliver relevant communications. To opt out, visit: https://app.retention.com/optout.