Kayla McDonald

I’m a PR and communications professional who thrives on creative ideas with a strategic edge. My background spans media relations, influencer partnerships, and brand storytelling that bridges digital and real-world experiences.

I’ve worked with brands of all kinds, emerging and established, digital and physical (F&B, wellness, lifestyle, travel, outdoor, etc.) to earn meaningful coverage, build genuine relationships, and drive lasting growth through media, creators, and thoughtful campaigns. From product launches and media events to affiliate-driven campaigns, I love finding new ways for brands to show up authentically and turn ideas into impact.

I’ve always been fascinated by what makes people care, what turns a headline into a conversation or a brand into a household name. It’s part psychology, part storytelling, and the part of communications I’ll never get tired of. I’m drawn to work that feels purposeful, builds real connection, and leaves an impression that lasts.

PR & Communications Consultant at Freelance (2025-10 – Present)

• Own PR and affiliate commerce strategy for consumer beauty and lifestyle brands, developing product storytelling, launch and seasonal angles, targeted media outreach, sampling programs, and publisher strategies.
• Manage relationships with beauty, lifestyle, travel, and commerce editors, translating product benefits, cultural trends, and commercial priorities into relevant editorial opportunities.
• Serve as on-the-ground PR partner for national agency teams, supporting media operations and experiential activations for the launch and continued programming of F1 Arcade Denver.

Digital PR & Integrated Communications Manager at eAccountable (2023-03 – 2025-10)

• Led development and execution of PR strategies and media relations, translating product launches, brand messaging, and timely cultural moments into stories that earned consistent media coverage in top-tier outlets including InStyle, Elle, CNN Underscored, Travel + Leisure, and Forbes Vetted.
• Served as primary client contact and strategic lead, turning brand goals into integrated campaigns while collaborating with affiliate, marketing, and creative teams from initial strategy and messaging through execution and performance reporting.
• Developed commerce-focused media strategies using affiliate performance data to prioritize and nurture publisher relationships, refine outreach, and secure coverage that supported revenue growth.
• Awarded Gold (Best Use of a Small Budget, Partnership Awards) for an integrated PR and content commerce strategy that drove 53% YoY affiliate revenue growth through 50+ earned media placements, 40 creator partnerships, and ~45% of total affiliate-driven revenue.
• Managed influencer partnership coordination across multiple consumer accounts, overseeing creator research and outreach, product seeding, campaign timelines and expectations, budgets, communications, and performance tracking.

Senior Publicist at Prim + Co (2022-03 – 2023-03)

• Led media relations and publicity strategy for hospitality and lifestyle clients, developing targeted media lists and securing regional/national coverage in outlets including Thrillist, The Strategist and Eater.
• Promoted after less than a year based on strong media relations performance, initiative, and ability to proactively manage client needs and priorities.
• Directed media outreach for Denver Fashion Week, securing 50+ media and influencer attendees for the 2,000+ person event and coordinating press needs before and onsite, resulting in coverage across broadcast, print, digital, and social media.
• Managed media outreach and press operations for restaurant openings and events, from invitations and RSVPs to press arrivals, interviews, and onsite needs; helped launch Michelin-recommended Glo Noodle House and Restaurant Olivia, with reservations fully booked three weeks ahead of opening.
• Played a key role in establishing and executing a structured PR internship program; provided supervision and ongoing direction, feedback, and professional development.

Publicist at Prim + Co (2021-10 – 2022-03)

• Drafted and distributed press releases, media alerts, pitches, briefing documents, FAQs, talking points, call sheets, run-of-shows, and other media-facing communications.
• Crafted personalized pitches that translated brand narratives into compelling, media-ready stories.

Account Coordinator at Prim + Co (2020-10 – 2021-10)

• Maintained coverage trackers, event records, sample tracking, and status reports, ensuring information remained accurate and accessible to internal and external stakeholders.
• Researched journalists and compiled targeted media lists to support proactive outreach and ongoing media relationships.

Marketing & Operations Specialist at Bus2Alps (2018-10 – 2019-10)

• Marketed and guided comprehensive travel itineraries, overseeing the execution of excursions to 40 cities in Europe and ensuring the satisfaction of over 15k passengers.
• Coordinated local events and destination experiences designed to drive awareness, bookings, and ongoing customer engagement.
• Served as onsite point of contact for travelers and external partners, independently troubleshooting last-minute changes, scheduling issues, and other time-sensitive operational needs in fast-moving, cross-cultural environments.

Bachelor of Arts in Communication - Digital Film & Media – University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (2012 – 2016)