Seasoned marketing expertise
Michael Mackenzie Communications provides marketing and public relations services to companies that don’t want or need to employ a full-time marketing director. We also support big firms who find themselves overloaded with corporate objectives but lack the senior staff to build the strategies and implement the tactics necessary to reach revenue goals.Unlike other consultants and coaching organizations that make suggestions on how to run your marketing then leave the legwork to you, Michael Mackenzie Communications develops and then manages your strategic marketing communications campaigns. In short, we plan all the way from initial project visioning through successful execution and to measurement of results.
Meet the Team
Jennifer Koon
Strategy & Content Development
As the founder and Principal Consultant of Michael Mackenzie Communications, Jennifer Koon is the chief strategist and business development officer and has served as a contributing copywriter and head bottle washer for the more than 100 businesses the firm has supported to date.
Prior to forming Michael Mackenzie Communications in 2001, Jennifer served as a PR and Field Marketing Manager for Microsoft Corporation, a role she landed because they liked the Direct Mail and Database Marketing experience she had gained working for smaller software companies and in an agency environment. In addition to developing direct marketing and sales support programs, Jennifer has produced and promoted hundreds of seminars, product launch events and trade shows as well as managed public relations and community affairs initiatives. Jennifer has an extensive copywriting repertoire – writing as many as 50,000 words per year for clients representing a broad range of high tech and technically complex services and products.
All total, Jennifer possesses more than 25 years of experience developing and deploying strategic marketing communications programs that drive image, enthusiasm and revenue. She has a bachelor’s degree in Creative Advertising from Southern Methodist University and a master’s in Marketing Communication and Information Technology from Florida State University.
She is a member of the American Marketing Association, the Public Relations Society of America, the Technology Association of Georgia and has served on the host committee for the High Tech Ministries Prayer Breakfast for 5+ years. She is also a member of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, the Leadership North Fulton Class of 2011, a graduate of the City of Roswell Education Program (CORE 2019) and was the elected parent representative for the Local School Governance Councils for both Elkins Pointe Middle School and Roswell High School.
Jennifer and her husband live in Roswell, Georgia. She is an active member of Roswell United Methodist Church and she counts among her hobbies reading, swimming, photography, retail therapy, agritourism and watching minor league baseball and college football.
Gauri Chauhan
Marketing Intern
Gauri brings a multifaceted approach to marketing, fueled by her passion for creativity and innovation. Currently pursuing her MFA in Advertising at SCAD, she thrives in collaborative environments. Gauri leverages her skills in social media marketing, copywriting and graphic design to support the Michael Mackenzie Agency team with their daily tasks. More than just technical expertise, Gauri possesses a genuine curiosity and a knack for software exploration, constantly seeking new ways to enhance storytelling capabilities.
Prior to joining Michael Mackenzie Communications, Gauri honed her skills across various marketing functions. Notably, she managed social media profiles for a Dubai-based client and crafted compelling website copy for a law firm. These experiences instilled a strong foundation in audience research, content strategy and design which she now applies to inform marketing strategies and contribute fresh perspectives to projects.
Beyond her technical skills, Gauri possesses a genuine enthusiasm for translating insights into captivating visuals. This passion for visual storytelling shines through in her engaging and personal approach. When not flexing her creative muscles, Gauri enjoys exploring her culinary talents, immersing herself in music and finding inspiration in the natural world. This well-rounded perspective fuels her creative spirit and ensures she brings a unique viewpoint to every project.
Alex Diaz
Account Manager
Alex Diaz is a seasoned marketing professional with nearly two decades of experience in various facets of the industry. With a diverse portfolio that includes renowned brands such as Shoe Carnival, Zebra Printing, USG, Verizon Telecom, Georgia-Pacific, ZEP and Oldcastle APG, Alex has honed his skills across multiple sectors including retail, CPG and B2B.
His journey in marketing began with a passion for understanding consumer behavior and crafting strategic campaigns that resonate with target audiences. Over the years, Alex has seen what actually works in marketing and what is merely trending, leveraging this knowledge to drive successful advertising strategies and maximize brand visibility efficiently.
In his roles, Alex has excelled in building and nurturing client relationships, earning a reputation for his ability to understand client needs and deliver tailored solutions that exceed expectations. His strategic mindset, coupled with a hands-on approach to project management, has enabled him to spearhead successful marketing initiatives that have propelled brands to new heights.
Melissa Holder
Account Manager
As a communications professional for more than two decades, Melissa Holder has worked in B2B, B2C, non-profit and public sectors. Melissa has experience with all facets of communications and marketing, with expertise in writing and editing. This well-rounded background allows her to provide customized strategies for clients that incorporate the most appropriate method to reach company goals.
Her previous opportunities, including as liaison for the Fulton County Chairman of the Board of Commissioners and director of marketing for the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, allowed Melissa to build relationships with a diverse group of individuals, from community leaders to elected officials.
Melissa graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor of Science in broadcast journalism and a sociology minor. An avid sports fan, Melissa is passionate about college sports, especially Georgia football and Illinois basketball. She loves to read and visit the beach. A near native to the Atlanta area, Melissa is active in her church choir and supports several organizations. She and her husband have a college junior, high school junior, and a spoiled dog.
Malinda Lackey
Media Relations Manager
Malinda Lackey brings more than 20 years of experience in public relations and communications to her role at Michael Mackenzie. She began her career working in Georgia politics for both the state legislature and Governor Zell Miller’s successful gubernatorial campaign. Subsequently, Malinda served as the Public Awareness Director and spokesperson for a state-wide child advocacy organization.
Over the course of her career, Malinda has directed media campaigns for numerous business to consumer clients and business to business clients, garnering national and local placements in print and broadcast media. Spending the last decade working in the commercial real estate arena, Malinda oversaw communications for a company that has expanded into 16 U.S. cities.
Away from work, Malinda is an active member of Roswell Presbyterian Church where she serves as a Stephen Minister and is active in several community outreach initiatives. A Milton resident, she and her husband are very involved with the University of Georgia, where they particularly enjoy attending football games. Most importantly, they enjoy spending time with their family.
Debra Madak
Graphic Designer
Debra Madak, graphic designer extraordinaire, brings a flair for design (especially print) that can only be developed through traditional training and years of experience.
Debbie has been transforming well-crafted messages into design masterpieces for Michael Mackenzie Communications clients since 2006. Prior to joining our team, Debbie was a senior designer for Graphic Solutions Group in Kennesaw where she oversaw a team of two and was responsible for all graphic design from concept to print production. Debbie first started her design career in Chicago but relocated to the south many years ago.
Debbie attended Bradley University in Peoria, IL and The American Academy of Art in Chicago, IL. Debbie boasts extensive experience in state-of-the-art computer technologies, Conceptual Design, Layout/production, Illustration, 4-color printing, Fine Art, Color Correction and Print Buying.
Debbie is married and has 4 sons and 3 grandchildren.
Allison Stephanouk
Web Developer
Allison brings 23 years of experience across multiple industries in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. She was formerly a Senior Consultant in Deloitte & Touche’s Audit and Enterprise Risk Services division, where she was responsible for leading data quality and integrity engagements for numerous Fortune 500 clients.
Allison serves on the Board of Directors for Parents and Researchers Interested in Smith-Magenis Syndrome (PRISMS) and was previously PRISMS Regional Representative for the state of Georgia. She has been a featured speaker during multiple PRISMS International Conferences, both virtual and in-person. Allison also designed and produced PRISMS first webinar program, with the goal of sharing critical information about this rare disorder with the Smith-Magenis Syndrome community, in an easily accessible format.
Allison holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University and a Masters of Science in Computer Information Systems from Georgia State University. In her free time, Allison enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, playing tennis, and water sports.