Kristie Swink Benson

Kristie Swink Benson, APR has a diverse work experience spanning over 15 years. Kristie is currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Customer Service, Marketing, and Communications at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). In this role, they are responsible for keeping employees informed, enhancing the customer experience, creating compelling content, and developing marketing campaigns. Prior to this, they worked as the Vice President of Communications and Chief Spokesperson at WMATA, where they led external communications, media relations, and strategic public outreach campaigns.

Earlier in their career, Kristie held the position of Director of Communications at the High Museum of Art, where they led a team of 80 members across various functions. Kristie played a pivotal role in supporting the CEO's vision of growth and making the museum more accessible in the metro-Atlanta area.

Before joining the High Museum of Art, Kristie worked at Southern Company Gas as the Director of PR & Media Relations and later as the Manager of PR and Media Relations. Kristie was responsible for overseeing public relations and media relations for the subsidiary of Fortune 500 company Southern Company.

Kristie's career also includes stints at the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities as the Press Secretary and Communications Outreach Specialist. Kristie successfully positioned the department's work as a national model and exceeded goals on a limited budget.

Kristie'searly experience includes serving as the Director of Communications at DeKalb County Government, where they gained practical media relations and crisis communication skills.

Overall, Kristie Swink Benson, APR has demonstrated expertise in leading strategic communications, media relations, and marketing initiatives across a range of industries and organizations.

Kristie Swink Benson, APR earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Winston-Salem State University in 2004. Kristie then went on to obtain a Master of Arts degree in Public Communications from American University in 2005.