Kara McKinney

Communication professional with extensive experience leading multi-platform strategic communication initiatives that enhance public trust, employee engagement, and organizational reputation. Recognized for excellence in municipal communication, earning multiple Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) awards, including Best Small Shop in 2024.

Education

Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX
Certified Public Communicators Program
Expected Completion Date: July 2025

University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX
Masters in Public Administration
Graduation Date: December 2024
Current GPA: 4.0

Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, TX
Mass Communication Major and Advertising and Public Relations Minor
Graduation Date: December 2013

Experience

City of Hurst, Texas June 2017 - Present
Public Information Officer

  • Oversee the organization’s brand strategy and ensure consistent messaging across all platforms.

  • Serve as city spokesperson, managing media relations and crisis communication.

  • Manage city website using a content management system.

  • Led a successful website redesign in 2024, enhancing user experience.

  • Serve on the steering committee of the Hurst Way Advocacy Team to influence employee culture and plan internal events and conferences.

  • Develop recruitment campaigns in partnership with Human Resources to attract top talent.

  • Lead the internal Strategic Communication Team, ensuring cohesive messaging citywide.

  • Produce executive-level presentations for the city manager and leadership team.

  • Manage City of Hurst's social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Nextdoor, and LinkedIn.

  • Oversee the production of key outreach materials, including the quarterly Where We Live magazine, monthly utility bill inserts, and bi-monthly e-newsletters.

  • Manage contracts and projects for videographers, designers, and photographers.

  • Supervise the Communication Coordinator, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team.

  • Plan and execute city outreach events, including the annual Town Hall Forum.

  • Photograph city events and council meetings.

  • Create marketing materials for both digital and print.

  • Manage video projects, including script development, visuals, on-camera, voice-over, and editing.

  • Manage city cable channel.

City of Hurst, Texas June 2014 - June 2017
Marketing and Multimedia Specialist

  • Assisted with the production of the quarterly Where We Live magazine and other publications

  • Assisted with communication on social media platforms

  • Managed city cable channel

  • Produced videos

  • Assisted in planning for community outreach events

  • Assisted with crisis communication

  • Graphic design

  • Photography

City of Hurst, Texas January 2014 - June 2014
Communications Assistant

  • Assisted with the production of the quarterly Where We Live magazine and other publications

  • Assisted with communication on social media platforms

  • Managed city cable channel

  • Produced videos

  • Assisted in planning community outreach events

  • Assisted with crisis communication

  • Graphic design

  • Photography

Awards

In 2024, earned Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) Awards for Best Small Shop, Internal Communications, Best Marketing Plan or Campaign, and Best Strategic Plan. Over the years, have also received TAMIO Awards for Best Use of Photography, Best Use of Social Media, External Newsletter, Best Website, and Video Public Service Announcements. 

Received numerous internal Team Hurst awards recognizing outstanding efforts promoting the Hurst Way culture, the responsive service for the City of Hurst employees and community during the COVID-19 pandemic, and service to the City of Hurst by the Marketing and Communication Division.