With nearly ten years of experience in communications, Mary Kate Franz specializes in media relations, events, and strategic partnerships. Most recently, she served as an Account Director at Zapwater Communications, where she led day-to-day operations, oversaw multiple account teams, and orchestrated strategic public relations campaigns for prominent clients, including Visit Finland, Finnair, Discover Dominica Authority, Museum of Illusions Chicago, and Hestan Culinary.

 

Previously, Mary Kate managed seven retail and lifestyle accounts at Sydney-based Bespoke Public Relations, shaping each brand's reputation with industry experts and media. Prior to Bespoke, she held various roles at Morningstar, a global financial services firm. As Communications Manager for Morningstar Australia and New Zealand, she led media relations and employee communications. She first joined Morningstar in Chicago in 2016.

 

Mary Kate serves as Co-Events Chair for the Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness, the only non-profit in Illinois dedicated to advocating for public policies to curb and ultimately end homelessness.

 

In 2022, Mary Kate was recognized as one of the Publicity Club of Chicago’s (PCC) "30 Under 30," highlighting her contributions to the field. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.