Mackenzie Retallick
Summary
Results-driven Project Management Specialist with expertise in strategic planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication. Delivers projects on time and within budget while optimizing processes and addressing complex challenges. Committed to continuous improvement throughout the project lifecycle.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Management Specialist
Aldi
Batavia
01.2023 - Current
- Directed the full transition of lifestyle photography production in-house, eliminating reliance on external agencies and delivering $2.3M in annual cost savings
- Build and implemented a scalable internal photography workflow, supporting a fast-paced, ongoing lifestyle photography process with weekly production cycles
- Oversee budgets exceeding $500K, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within financial scope
- Lead and support ad-hoc, high-priority photography projects across the organization, consistently meeting tight deadlines
- Serve as a Photography Project Management Specialist within an in-house creative studio, overseeing the execution and distribution of photography assets across organic social, web, print, and email channels
- Manage relationships with external agencies and vendors as needed, ensuring alignment with brand standards and project goals
- Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, creative, and business teams to ensure cohesive execution of visual content strategies
- Audit creative briefs with a strong attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and alignment with business objectives
Senior Marketing Account Executive
Health Alliance Medical Plans
Champaign
08.2019 - 01.2023
- Coordinated marketing and account services to ensure effective communication for Health Alliance Medical Plans with diverse clients and employer groups.
- Managed marketing content for various media campaigns, facilitating collaboration between designers, copywriters, and internal stakeholders.
- Managed projects through all stages from conception to completion, working within budgets ranging from $50K–$500K, while coordinating approvals and adhering to government regulations
- Established credibility and strong relationships with internal teams and external agencies while overseeing 20 projects monthly.
- Audited marketing materials and campaigns to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance with organizational strategic initiatives and creative briefs
- Analyzed campaign and advertising effectiveness by tracking engagement data, including direct responses, enrollment metrics, and customer leads
- Utilized tools including Wrike, Document Management Systems (DMS), Adobe Creative Suite, and social media platforms to support campaign execution and workflow management
Business Accounts Reseller Representative, Initiative Leader
Beer Nuts Brand Snacks
Bloomington
03.2018 - 05.2019
- Scheduled communication and advertisements to maximize consumer engagement on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter using a content calendar
- Developed marketing materials for 6,000+ customers supporting seasonal Beer Nuts Corporate Gifting Program
- Managed 100+ business accounts to place orders, track inventory, and achieve 38% sales increase in a single year
- Familiar with Excel, Shopify, BaseCamp, Social Media platforms
Education
Bachelor of Science - Communication - Organization and Leadership
Illinois State University
Normal, IL05-2019
Skills
- Budget oversight
- Workflow optimization
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Creative brief auditing
- Adaptability to change
- Client relationship building
Timeline
Project Management Specialist
Aldi
01.2023 - Current
Senior Marketing Account Executive
Health Alliance Medical Plans
08.2019 - 01.2023
Business Accounts Reseller Representative, Initiative Leader
Beer Nuts Brand Snacks
03.2018 - 05.2019
Bachelor of Science - Communication - Organization and Leadership
Illinois State University