Originally hired by McKinley Marketing Partners in 1999 as an Office Manager and Executive Assistant to the President and CEO, Carmen Zawodny currently oversees the Management Operations Department. She coordinates office management, financial reconciliation, information technology, and all vendor relationships. Prior to joining McKinley, Carmen held positions at ITT Federal Services International Corporation, the U.S. Department of Defense, and in the primary education field. Early in her career, Carmen spent several years living in Germany and remains fluent in the language. Outside of work, she enjoys being active in volunteer organizations like band booster clubs and parent/teacher associations. Connect with Carmen on LinkedIn.

As the Senior Manager of Recruiting for McKinley Marketing Partners, Audrey Anderson sources and finds the best talent for McKinley’s clients. As a marketer herself, Audrey enjoys getting to know the talented marketing professionals who work with McKinley while keeping up with the changes and innovation in the marketing industry. Prior to joining the McKinley team in 2016, Audrey acted as the Marketing Coordinator for Avpro, Inc. and Lennar Homes. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications with a focus in Public Relations and Advertising from Towson University. Audrey is a devoted Washington Nationals and Washington Capitals fan and currently lives in Alexandria with her dachshund Franklin. Audrey loves to run, cook for a her friends and family, and explore new cities. Connect with Audrey on LinkedIn.

Cate Thompson provides exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders. From on-boarding to completion, Cate interacts with both clients and consultants throughout the duration of assignments. This seasoned client relationship manager also has experience as a freelance content writer and marketing consultant and is well-versed in the creative side of the business. Cate holds a Bachelor of Arts in English with a concentration in Communications from Roanoke College. She mentors children through various organizations and enjoys international travel, with Florence being her favorite destination. Connect with Cate on LinkedIn.

Connect with Kate on LinkedIn today!

As a Director of Business Development for McKinley, Karyn engages new clients and cultivates relationships with existing clients to ensure that McKinley is best supporting our every partner. Equipped with her experience in full-cycle sales and account management, she recognizes that our goal at McKinley is to meet our clients' needs. Her favorite part of the role is connecting her client’s needs with real-life solutions--top notch talent. Karyn is intentional about making genuine connections with her clients and serving them to the best of her ability. 

Her passion for this process enables McKinley to maintain long-term relationships with our candidates and the companies we serve.

Karyn holds B.A.'s in both Sociology and Criminal Justice from the University of Arkansas (Woo Pig Sooie!). You can always get her talking about her dog, Willie, her favorite people, her nieces and nephews, and good music. In her free time, Karyn enjoys kayaking, hiking, and sitting on any patio. Her favorite way to give back is by serving at Arlington Food Assistance Center and Habitat for Humanity. Connect with Karyn on LinkedIn.

Kendall Bredehorst is a Recruiting Associate with McKinley Marketing Partners. Kendall attended Christopher Newport University where she majored in Psychology. Initially, she had planned to be a clinical psychologist, but gained a love for recruiting through her internship at Fairfax Radiology Centers. After college, she continued to work for Fairfax Radiology Centers as a recruiter until she was introduced to the marketing and creative services world by McKinley Marketing Partners. As a Recruiting Associate for McKinley Marketing Partners, Kendall strives to make the best placements for candidates and clients alike.

In her free time, she finds herself spending time with friends and family, curling up with a good book, or watching Food Network (despite her lack of talent in the kitchen). Connect with Kendall on LinkedIn. 

Darby Sharp is a Recruiting Coordinator at McKinley Marketing Partners and oversees finding top talent for McKinley’s clients. Darby is an experienced recruiter with a demonstrated history of working in marketing, human resources, engineering, and management consulting industries.

Prior to joining the McKinley team, Darby served as a recruiter and consultant in the government sector working for the Department of Defense and the U.S. Navy. She earned her B.A. in Management Consulting and Analysis from Virginia Tech. Darby is a Virginia-native and currently lives in Alexandria. Darby enjoys cooking, exploring new restaurants, watching popular TV shows, and spending time with her cat, Oreo. Connect with Darby on LinkedIn.

Connect with Meg on LinkedIn.

As a Client Services Coordinator for McKinley, Michaela Karlesses seeks to source and find the most dedicated marketing professionals and individuals who are looking to make an impact and tell a story along the way. Driven by values of advocacy and equality, Michaela thrives on being able to connect and understand a person’s essence and overall story that goes beyond the content of their resume. Looking to grow and learn more about the intricacies of the constantly evolving marketing landscape, she hopes to expand relationships and meet the needs of clients and candidates.

Prior to joining McKinley, Michaela graduated Summa Cum Laude from West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a B.A. in Communication & Media Studies. Michaela's concentrations included diversity, equity, and conflict resolution. Currently residing in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, Michaela loves spending time with friends and family, playing tennis, collecting vinyl, and supporting the Philadelphia Eagles (even when it seems nearly impossible to do so). Connect with Michaela on LinkedIn.