Our Clients

“Mackey Strategies has been a trusted and resourceful partner for Boston University. Pete Mackey and Melanie Moran have both been excellent in customizing their services and expertise to our unique needs. For us, that ranged from block-and-tackle issues management, to a detailed risk assessment to assist with leadership decision-making, to helping with training new members of our team to build strategic communications plans. This firm is very hands on, responsive, and a trusted advisor who is happy to jump in and lighten the load for you and your team.”

—Kamrhan Farwell, Senior Vice President of University Relations, Boston University


“Mackey Strategies has elevated the way we communicate our story, helping our messaging truly reflect our values and resonate with our audiences. Their strategic insights have been instrumental in shaping how we define and share our identity. ‘Together, We…’ isn’t just a slogan—it’s a powerful expression of who we are and what sets us apart. We appreciate their expertise, vision, and partnership.”

— Santhana Naidu, Vice President for Marketing & Communications, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology 


“Working with Mackey Strategies felt like having a thoughtful, steady partner at our side. For our internship campaign, they helped us craft and implement strategy for long-term intergenerational support from our Alumni community to Cooke Scholars. They were generous collaborators providing practical support so that we exceeded our campaign goal with meaningful internship opportunities. Equally impressive was their work on our anniversary publication. Mackey brought creativity and authenticity to every phase of the project. We are grateful for the team’s invaluable expertise that helped us honor our legacy while inspiring us for the future with our community’s compelling voice.”

— Natalie Rodriguez Jansorn, Vice President, Scholarship Programs, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation


“Mackey Strategies has been an exceptional partner throughout Trinity University's brand refresh. Their team led a thoughtful discovery process, translated insight into a clear and compelling strategy, and executed the messaging and visual identity refresh that feel bold, authentic, and distinctly Trinity. The result is a brand that captures who we are and where we're headed, and we're thrilled with how it turned out.”

— Tom Evelyn, Vice President for Strategic Communications and Marketing, Trinity University


“What was most impressive about Mackey Strategies’ work with us was their commitment to the foundational work of understanding who we are and what we represent. As a result, the materials that emerged—a new tagline, logo, and other elements of our institutional identity—are a completely authentic reflection of our values and aspirations. They were true collaborators, always enthusiastic and at times indefatigable, working with equal parts care and tenacity to elicit from us a renewed vision for ourselves. We couldn’t have hoped for more.”

— Adam F. Falk, President, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation


“Professional. Responsive. Creative. Our experience with Pete and his team to develop a campaign identity can be summed up in these words. They did thoughtful and thorough research with the breadth of our community. They gave us several options that were creative and beautifully reflected our institution. And they were open to and inclusive of our feedback. Campaign identities don’t in themselves make for successful campaigns, rather they give an institution and its community a focus and a framework for inspiring engagement, optimism and generosity. Furman’s campaign has been wildly successful and our true partnership with Pete and team is part of that success.”

— Heidi Hansen McCrory, Vice President Development (former), Furman University 


“F&M will be forever indebted to Mackey Strategies. Everything they did—from creating the incredible ‘Now to Next’ theme to delivering a beautifully written case statement—exceeded our expectations. Their patience, persistence, creativity, and caring helped contribute to an amazing campaign launch.”

— Susan Washburn, Former Chair of the F&M Board of Trustees


“Melanie Moran is a trusted partner in my transition into communications leadership. She helps me see around corners, simplify complex issues, and build practical structure for a new team. Her guidance strengthens both my approach and my confidence, enabling me to lead with clarity and conviction in a new role.”

— Ashley M. Perzyna, Chief Operating Officer, National Association for College Admission Counseling


“Pete Mackey served as our Interim Chief Communications Officer during a period of tremendous transition and challenge in our organization. As a new CEO, he helped me learn about the communications landscape. He also created an interim strategy that set our team on a new course to success. His knowledge of the field and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty made him a wonderful partner in this work.”

— Angel B. Pérez, Chief Executive Officer, National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)


“Pete Mackey has collaborated with Skidmore College in multiple capacities, as interim VP for Communications and Marketing, as coach for multiple directors and cabinet members, as moderator for high-level discussions about key strategic priorities, and as facilitator for cabinet retreats and planning for institutional change management. He is wicked smart, widely experienced, and brings a passion for collaboration and bringing out the best in individual leaders and in institutions. Pete both challenges and supports, pushing higher ed leaders to embrace change and encouraging them to conceive of themselves as collaborative leaders. He brings a refreshing honesty and candor to the work, telling it like it is while simultaneously helping people see exciting and positive paths forward.”

— Marc Connor, President, Skidmore College


“During Melanie Moran’s partnership with Muhlenberg College, she provided outstanding strategic leadership in communications and marketing. She led efforts to create a data-driven strategic messaging framework, oversaw an audit and significant refresh of the college website, and provided leadership and good counsel in presidential and crisis communications. Her work laid the foundation for a smooth transition for our new vice president for communications and marketing, who valued her insight and collaboration greatly.”

— Kathleen E. Harring, President, Muhlenberg College


“Pete Mackey led a Gettysburg College leadership workshop that spoke directly to our biggest headwinds. His thoughtful, practical approach is helping us navigate the challenges we and so many institutions of higher education face about cost and relevance, and why fundraising matters. The session provided a clear path forward. I’d strongly recommend Pete and Mackey Strategies to institutions confronting similar challenges.”

— Bill Heyman, Partner, FHS Capital Partners; Gettysburg College Trustee


“I have been part of many excellent programs like this during my career in both higher education and public service, and I found Pete Mackey’s workshop on strategic change management as valuable as any I have encountered.”

— Blake Thompson, President, Mississippi Christian University