Helping educational institutions and nonprofits
change the world through effective communications.

Welcome! I’m Mary.

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, smiling, wearing a navy blue cardigan and a white blouse with small black insects, standing against a neutral background.

For more than a decade, I have strengthened institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations with values-driven strategic communications.

About Mary Keister

What I Offer

Sometimes you need a partner who can be a Swiss Army knife. Sometimes you just need an extra set of hands for a “big lift” project. Sometimes you don’t know what you need — just that you could use support. I can help. 

I offer an array of strategic communications services that can be adapted to meet your specific needs. Get in touch, and let’s assess your situation together and create a plan that works for you and your budget. 

Strategic Counsel

I help you determine your goals for positioning and reputation and develop achievable strategies for success. 

Issues Management

I partner with you to navigate emerging issues in a way that reflects your institution’s culture and values.

Leadership Support

I counsel senior leaders so they can effectively engage with their audiences and guide their organizations. 

Editorial Support

Through creative storytelling and thoughtful editing, I shape short- and long-form content that inspires action.

Media Relations

By leveraging my extensive media experience and relationships, I amplify the stories that matter most to your organization. 

Trainings

I empower you and your team through media prep sessions, op-ed and messaging workshops, and tabletop exercises.

My Approach

I bring to my work unbounded curiosity and a passion for education and all of the opportunities it offers for students and society. 

I strive to build bridges and cultivate partnerships that are grounded in candor, empathy and joy. 

My engagements typically begin with a discovery period. I believe that to advise my clients effectively, I need to first understand their organization’s unique culture and complexities. From there, I tailor my strategies to meet the specific needs and goals of my clients.

A view of a pedestrian bridge on the Kokosing Gap Trail in Gambier, Ohio, on a sunny day.

Let’s Connect

Reach out to share more about your goals, and we can discuss a plan that meets your needs, timeline and budget.

Email Me