Kristie Swink Benson

Kristie Swink Benson is currently the Treasurer at PRSA Georgia. Prior to their current position, they served as the Vice President of Communications and Chief Spokesperson for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). In this role, they oversaw all external communications including media relations, content and strategy communications, digital innovation and communications, and special events. Kristie increased public awareness and customer confidence in Metro’s service delivery capabilities through consistent and accurate public communication. Kristie also led a team of senior communication staffers to create strategic public information campaigns that supported the mission of Metro as a premier employer and go-to provider of transportation services in the Nation’s Capital.

Before their time at WMATA, Kristie was the Director of Communications | Communications and Marketing Executive at the High Museum of Art. As the organization’s Chief Marketing and Communications Officer / Director, they reported to the CEO / Executive Director of the museum. In this role, they supported the CEO’s vision of growth as the premier art museum in the southeast while becoming more relevant and accessible in the metro-Atlanta area. Kristie led a 80-member team with six direct reports across public relations, marketing, creative services, web and new media, and guest relations functions. Kristie also served as counselor to CEO, working with executive colleagues to set organizational goals and growth strategies. Additionally, Kristie forecasted, planned, and managed the marketing and communications budget. Kristie was recruited as first-ever diverse candidate to lead and fill the marketing and communications executive leader role.

During their time at the High Museum of Art, Kristie positioned the museum as integral part of Atlanta’s fabric through strategic planning and integrated marcom campaigns which grew attendance by 25%. Kristie also refined the High Museum brand to incorporate institutional commitments to growth, inclusivity, collaboration, and connectivity. In addition to their work in marketing, Kristie also contributed leadership and logistics planning to everyday operations and large-scale special projects. Kristie led the logistics and guest relations team in year-long planning process for massive, high-profile Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors exhibition. Furthermore, they hired 50 team members, tripling size of guest relations staff while executing efficient and cohesive operations.

Kristie is also an experienced crisis communications and reputation strategist. Kristie implemented a plan to communicate an unprecedented early closure of exhibition. Kristie also identified a social media crisis and executed a successful response. Lastly, they advocated and implemented regular internal communications correspondence.

Kristie Swink Benson has a degree from American University in Public Communications and another degree from Winston-Salem State University in Communications.