Kayla McCullough

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

More About Me
About Me

Hi! I'm Kayla.


I’m a strategic communications professional based in New York City, where I specialize in shaping stories for some of New York's most recognizable cultural institutions and destinations. As a Senior Account Executive at Rubenstein Communications, I develop media strategies and support communications campaigns for clients including Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Rockefeller Center, and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). My work spans media relations, executive communications, event publicity, and earned influencer and creator partnerships.

I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Oklahoma (OU). In 2026, I was named the inaugural recipient of the Rising Star Award from OU's Gaylord College of Journalism & Mass Communication, recognizing outstanding alumni.

MY EXPERIENCE

Resume

Details about my professional experience, academic history, community involvement, and industry recognition.

EDUCATION

The University of Oklahoma

August 2019 - May 2021

Master of Arts in Strategic Communication

  • Concentration: Public Relations
  • Activities and societies: Gaylord College Peer Mentorship Program, Kappa Tau Alpha National Honor Society

    The University of Oklahoma

    August 2016 - May 2020

    Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication

    • Major: Public Relations
    • Activities and societies: Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), The Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band, Tau Beta Sigma Sorority

    PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

    Rubenstein Communications

    June 2025 - Present

    Senior Account Executive

    • Served as a day-to-day client contact, strengthening long-term client relationships through strategic counsel, proactive communications, and stakeholder management
    • Developed integrated communications strategies and campaign materials including campaign plans, brand messaging, briefing documents, and digital content
    • Planned and executed high-profile media events, including leading press operations, staffing, and logistics to deliver a seamless on-site media experience
    • Led all strategic communications for the 2025 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, directing messaging strategy, executive interviews, and event communications across national and local media moments
    • Notable events: The 2025 Jimmy Awards, NYFW Live at Rockefeller Center 2025, TIME100 Next 2025, the 2025 Museum of Modern Art Annual Film Benefit, the 93rd Annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, A Year in TIME 2025, 2026 Breakthrough Prize, TIME100 2026, the 2026 Jimmy Awards
    • Client roster: Archdiocese of New York, The Broadway League, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, The High Line, The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), No Kid Hungry New York, Partnership for New York City, Rockefeller Center

    Rubenstein Communications

    June 2024 - June 2025

    Account Executive

    • Secured high-impact earned media placements through strategic pitching, executive interview preparation, and interview coordination
    • Planned and executed media and influencer events, including press previews, opening ceremonies, and VIP receptions to drive brand visibility and consumer engagement
    • Mentored a junior team member through weekly coaching, supporting professional development and team success
    • Managed all communications for the 2024 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, leading messaging development, press engagement, and coordination of event-related media opportunities
    • Notable events: NYFW Live at Rockefeller Center 2024, TIME100 Next 2024, the 2024 Museum of Modern Art Annual Film Benefit, the 92nd Annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, Disney+ Premiere of "Harlem Ice," 2025 Breakthrough Prize, TIME100 2025, MoMA's Party in the Garden 2025
    • Client roster: Archdiocese of New York, The Broadway League, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Carnegie Hall's World Orchestra Week (WOW!), The High Line, The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), No Kid Hungry New York, Partnership for New York City, Rockefeller Center, Yale Peabody Museum

    Rubenstein Communications

    November 2022 - June 2024

    Associate Account Executive

    • Oversaw day-to-day account operations, delivering timely media intelligence, client reporting, and communications support to keep integrated PR campaigns on track
    • Implemented influencers into the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting strategic media plan for the first time
    • Served as lead assistant for the 2023 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, supporting media strategy, press operations, and event execution
    • Notable events: The 90th Annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, the 2022 Museum of Modern Art Annual Film Benefit, Times Square NYE 2023, 2023 Breakthrough Prize, TIME100 2023, NYC Fleet Week 2023, The Intrepid Museum's 2023 Salute to Freedom Gala, TIME100 Next 2023, the 91st Annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, Times Square NYE 2024, 2024 Breakthrough Prize, TIME100 2024
    • Client roster: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, The High Line, Partnership for New York City, Rockefeller Center, The Statue of Liberty — Ellis Island Foundation, Yale Peabody Museum

    Rubenstein Communications

    May 2022 - November 2022

    Senior Account Coordinator

    • Cultivated relationships with New York City media and influencers, expanding opportunities for earned coverage through strategic pitching and content creator event coordination
    • Launched Rubenstein Communications’ earned influencer marketing initiative, establishing best practices later adopted across multiple groups throughout the firm
    • Served as the lead assistant on the 2022 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
    • Notable events: NYC Fleet Week 2022, The Intrepid Museum's 2022 Salute to Freedom Gala, TIME100 Next 2022
    • Client roster: The High Line, Hunter College, The Intrepid Museum, New York Post, Rockefeller Center, Partnership for New York City, UJA-Federation

    Rubenstein Communications

    July 2021 - May 2022

    Account Coordinator

    • Developed targeted media lists and conducted strategic media outreach to secure earned coverage
    • Supported high-profile media events through press operations, talent management, and on-site coordination, contributing to seamless event execution
    • Served as the lead assistant on the 2021 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree
    • Notable events: The Intrepid Museum's 2021 Salute to Freedom Gala, the 2021 American Museum of Natural History Annual Gala, the 89th Annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, Times Square NYE 2022
    • Client roster: Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation, The High Line, Hunter College, The Intrepid Museum, New York Post, NYC & Company, Rockefeller Center, Sac's Place, UJA-Federation

    INVOLVEMENT

    Association for a Better New York (ABNY)

    May 2025 - Present

    YP Steering Committee Member

    • Helped set the priorities and guide the direction of ABNY’s nearly 4,000-member young professionals network, including organizing events and recruiting new members

    Association for a Better New York (ABNY)

    November 2023 - Present

    Young Professionals Associate

    • Engaged with other civic-minded young professionals in New York City through participation in social events, educational programming, and philanthropic initiatives

    NYC Sooners

    August 2022 - Present

    Board Member

    • Served as head of marketing and public relations for OU's New York City-based alumni club
    • Promoted NYC Sooners by regularly posting content on the chapter Instagram and Facebook pages
    • Organized and publicized chapter events to facilitate connection and networking between New York City-based OU alumni
    • Fostered school spirit through football watch parties while raising thousands of dollars for scholarships benefiting OU students from the New York City area

    HONORS & AWARDS

    Awarded in 2026 (Inaugural Recipient)

    Rising Star Award

    Gaylord College of Journalism & Mass Communication

    • Recognizes an alum whose industry / professional position and responsibility have them on a trajectory for significant early career success
    • Nominated by a former professor and voted on by the entire Gaylord faculty and staff
    AWARDED IN 2021

    Kappa Tau Alpha National Honor Society

    Gaylord College of Journalism & Mass Communication

    • National Honor Society in Journalism & Mass Communication
    • Honors top-performing students who demonstrate outstanding scholarship, integrity, and commitment to the field of mass communication


    INDUSTRY CERTIFICATIONS

    INSIDE LVMH

    LVMH

    View Certificate →

    Management of Fashion and Luxury Companies

    Università Bocconi

    View Certificate →

    Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content

    Wharton Online

    View Certificate →
    My Portfolio

    Work Samples

    A collection of some of the campaigns and moments I’ve worked on throughout my career.

    MY EXPERTISE

    Skills

    More about my core competencies.

    Off The Clock

    Favorite Hobbies


    Listening to podcasts

    Reading on my Kindle

    Learning to speak French

    Going to SoulCycle

    Playing with my dogs

    Watching OU Football
    Contact Me

    Get In Touch

    Shoot me an email or visit my social media!

    Location

    New York, NY

    Email

    itskaylamccullough@gmail.com

    References

    Available upon request.