By: Asher LeVos & April Lin-Ao
In early August, McKenna Wallace began her role as the City of Collegedale’s new
communication and engagement manager, according to a City of Collegedale press release.
According to the release, Wallace will “help strengthen the City’s communication efforts
and build connections with residents and community partners.”
In an email to the Accent, Wallace stated that her role involves managing how
information is shared with Collegedale residents, promoting transparency, and finding new ways
to engage with the community.
Wallace earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on
marketing management from East Tennessee State University in 2023, according to her LinkedIn
profile.
Wallace stated in her email to the Accent that she has always been drawn to the
storytelling aspect of business.
“Marketing gave me a way to combine that creative side with the strategy and structure
of business, which has served me well in every role since,” Wallace stated in an email to the
Accent.
Prior to taking the communications and engagement manager position, Wallace worked
as an events and marketing coordinator for Habitat for Humanity, according to her LinkedIn
posts.
Wallace reflected on her time at Habitat for Humanity in a LinkedIn post and described
leaving the position as bittersweet.
“The people I’ve been blessed to meet, the stories I’ve had the privilege to hear and
witness, and the work I’ve been honored to be part of, have made my time at Habitat more
meaningful than words can express,” Wallace stated in her post.
Wallace said her experience has shown her firsthand the impact of good communication
and genuine community engagement.
“I wanted to take that experience and apply it in the public sector, where I could help
build that same kind of connection between a local government and the people it serves,”
Wallace stated.
As Collegedale’s new communications and engagement manager, she is excited to bring
creativity and fresh energy into how Collegedale connects with its residents.
“I’m looking forward to finding new ways to tell Collegedale’s story and make sure
people feel informed and included in what’s happening in their city,” Wallace stated.
In Collegedale’s press release, City Manager Jon Holmes commented on the strengths
that Wallace brings to Collegedale as the communication and engagement manager.
“One of the things that impressed us most was McKenna’s enthusiasm and her
demonstrated experience overseeing communication strategies for a nonprofit organization,”
Holmes stated. “This experience will be beneficial as she transitions to the public sector and
leads our efforts to promote communication and transparency for Collegedale citizens and the
surrounding community.”
When asked what she would like to say to the people of Collegedale, Wallace said she
wants to emphasize her commitment to inclusion.
“I want every resident to feel like they’re in the loop and that their voice matters,” she
said. “I’m excited to continue getting to know this community and to work alongside you in the
months and years ahead!”
