McKenzie Smith, of Sonora, Texas, recently joined the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) as the media and public relations coordinator, and will focus on enhancing communications and relations with stakeholders while sharing the Red Angus story within the industry.

Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and journalism from Texas A&M University and completed a multi-faceted internship each year with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™, including an editorial internship and a public relations internship.

Smith continued her education earning her master’s degree from the University of Florida in leadership development, at which time she served as a graduate teaching assistant in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communications and as a graduate assistant for the Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Recently, Smith has completed her Master’s of Beef Advocacy through the National Cattlemen’s Beef University.

“In joining the RAAA creative team, McKenzie will coordinate cooperative promotion between RAAA and affiliated state and regional Red Angus associations, as well as assist with projects for the American Red Angus Magazine,” commented RAAA CEO, Greg Comstock.

Smith’s initial duties include writing press releases, creating electronic newsletters for both the general Red Angus membership and the Junior Red Angus membership, planning RAAA conventions and conferences and managing RAAA social media outlets.

Kevin LeMaster, publisher and advertising director of the American Red Angus Magazine said, “McKenzie brings quite a professional package to the RAAA table. From design to the written word to social media, she will be a rare and absolute asset to the Red Angus communications and promotional teams."

Smith said, “I gained a good deal of writing and public relations experience while interning for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ and I interacted with the public on a daily basis. The skills I learned there and my communications and leadership training will help me to better serve stakeholders by promoting the Red Angus breed.”

Smith enjoys spending time with her family, traveling with her husband, reading and photography.

“I am excited about working with the RAAA and the people in the beef industry. They are a hard-working and determined people and I am privileged to be among them. I look forward to serving them.”

She may be contacted at (940) 387-3502 or via e-mail at mckenzie@redangus.org

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