Abigail Maki
Missoula,MT
Summary
Montana-based communicator with a deep appreciation for Western land stewardship, outdoor culture, and solutions-oriented conservation dialogue. Strategic media professional experienced in digital storytelling, public engagement, and policy communication. Skilled at translating complex issues into compelling narratives that mobilize audiences and strengthen organizations.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Political Candidate
Montana State Senate
Missoula, MT
2025 - 11.2025
- Led a statewide campaign focused on community engagement and policy communication.
- Directed campaign messaging, public speaking engagements, and grassroots outreach initiatives.
- Built volunteer networks and engaged constituents through digital and in-person communications.
- Led campaign that reached 12,000+ voters across Missoula county through multi-channel digital, email, and door knocking grassroots strategy.
Adjunct Professor – Communications
University of Jamestown
- Developed curriculum and taught university-level communications courses focused on journalism and media literacy.
Public Relations & Media Consultant
Independent Consulting
Montana
01.2018 - Current
- Advise organizations, campaigns, and leaders on communications strategy, messaging, and public engagement.
- Develop press materials, narrative frameworks, and digital media strategies to expand audience reach and visibility.
- Support communications efforts for nonprofit, healthcare, and community-based initiatives.
Owner & Creative Director
Abigail Maki Photography
Missoula, MT
01.2014 - Current
- Founded and operate a media and photography studio serving 1000+ clients.
- Lead digital marketing, brand storytelling, and social media strategy to grow audience reach and referrals.
- Manage employees, vendor relationships, and creative production from concept to delivery.
- Strategic messaging for conservation and policy clients.
Marketing & Communications Roles
University of Jamestown | Jamestown Regional Medical Center | Unseen Ministries
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Managed social media strategy and digital communications campaigns across multiple platforms.
- Increased online engagement by up to 100% through targeted content and audience development strategies.
- Wrote press releases, newsletters, blogs, and multimedia content supporting organizational communications.
Education
B.A. - Journalism (Photojournalism)
University of Montana
A.A.S. - Applied Health & Sciences
Salish Kootenai College
Skills
- Public Relations & Media Strategy
- Policy & Political Communications
- Content & Narrative Development
- Digital Marketing & Social Media Strategy
- Press Releases & Media Outreach
- Journalism & Storytelling
- Public Speaking & Community Engagement
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Google Workspace
- Calm under pressure
- Excellent communication
- Organization and time management
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT & MEDIA EXPERIENCE
- Communications professional experienced in translating complex policy and community issues into clear and compelling public narratives.
- Political candidate and public speaker with experience engaging communities around civic dialogue and public policy conversations.
- Media strategist skilled in storytelling, digital communications, and audience engagement across social and traditional platforms.
EARLY CAREER
Photojournalist – Great Falls Tribune
Timeline
Public Relations & Media Consultant
Independent Consulting
01.2018 - Current
Owner & Creative Director
Abigail Maki Photography
01.2014 - Current
Marketing & Communications Roles
University of Jamestown | Jamestown Regional Medical Center | Unseen Ministries
01.2014 - 01.2018
Adjunct Professor – Communications
University of Jamestown
A.A.S. - Applied Health & Sciences
Salish Kootenai College
Political Candidate
Montana State Senate
2025 - 11.2025
B.A. - Journalism (Photojournalism)
University of Montana