Client List

“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 

“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

“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)

“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 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

“Kim Verstandig has to be one of the most talented fundraisers in the industry. Smart and strategic, she has a good head for business, a talent for assembling strong teams, and a gift for building donor relationships. Because of her leadership, our college sailed through the largest and most ambitious fundraising campaign in its history, not only exceeding the goal but also beating the deadline by one full year. She offers an unusually powerful package: bringing the highest standards of professionalism as well as unimaginable joy to everything she does.”

— Katherine Bergeron, President Emerita, Connecticut College

“Pete Mackey is one of the finest and most discerning writers I know, and a great listener. He takes even fragmentary ideas, quickly helps you clarify your own thinking, and efficiently produces compelling texts to fit any need. But besides that, he is gifted at developing strategies and communications that fit together beautifully.”

— John C. Bravman, President, Bucknell University