MACKENZIE KELLY
Austin
Summary
Government affairs and public policy professional with experience in elected office, legislative advocacy, emergency management, and public affairs. Proven ability to build bipartisan relationships, navigate complex policy environments, develop legislative strategies, and advance organizational priorities before government decision-makers. Experienced working with elected officials, agency leadership, community stakeholders, nonprofit organizations, and business leaders to drive policy outcomes and strengthen public-private partnerships.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Government Affairs
MEADOWS MENTAL HEALTH POLICY INSTITUTE
Austin, Texas
01.2025 - 06.2026
- Developed and executed state government affairs strategies supporting the organization's legislative and policy priorities during the 89th Texas Legislature.
- Built and maintained relationships with legislators, legislative staff, state agencies, advocacy organizations, and external stakeholders.
- Monitored legislation, committee activity, budget proposals, and regulatory developments impacting behavioral health, healthcare, public safety, and workforce development.
- Prepared policy briefs, legislative analyses, testimony materials, issue papers, executive briefings, and stakeholder communications.
- Represented the organization in meetings with elected officials, agency leadership, legislative offices, and coalition partners.
- Supported legislative and budget initiatives contributing to more than $10 billion in behavioral health investments across Texas state agencies.
- Produced legislative summaries and strategic analyses communicating policy outcomes and implementation considerations for organizational leadership.
Austin City Council Member, District 6
CITY OF AUSTIN
Austin, Texas
01.2021 - 01.2025
- Served as the elected representative for more than 100,000 residents in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan regions.
- Authored and advanced 42 policy initiatives related to public safety, emergency management, homelessness, housing, infrastructure, and government operations.
- Built coalitions among elected officials, city departments, community organizations, business leaders, and advocacy groups to achieve policy objectives.
- Directed constituent services operations and managed complex stakeholder issues involving city, county, state, and federal agencies.
- Represented the City of Austin before state and federal policymakers and participated in intergovernmental advocacy efforts.
- Managed public communications, media relations, and community engagement on high-profile policy issues.
- Oversaw district operations and stewardship of public resources while maintaining strong community relationships.
Education
Bachelor's Degree Program - Emergency Management
West Texas A&M University
Emergency Management Studies
Austin Community College
Skills
- Government Affairs
- Legislative Affairs
- Public Policy Analysis
- State Government Relations
- Local Government Relations
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Coalition Building
- Strategic Communications
- Legislative Tracking
- Appropriations & Budget Analysis
- Public Affairs
- Regulatory Affairs
- Executive Briefings
- Public Speaking
- Emergency Management
- Public Safety Policy
Websites
Certification
- FEMA National Emergency Management Advanced Academy
- Advanced Firefighter Certification
- Master CERT Instructor
Timeline
Director of Government Affairs
MEADOWS MENTAL HEALTH POLICY INSTITUTE
01.2025 - 06.2026
Austin City Council Member, District 6
CITY OF AUSTIN
01.2021 - 01.2025
Emergency Management Studies
Austin Community College
Bachelor's Degree Program - Emergency Management
West Texas A&M University
ADDITIONAL LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
- Master CERT Instructor
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- FEMA National Emergency Management Advanced Academy Graduate