For Mackenzie, marketing is about much more than promoting events; it’s about telling the story 

of a community she has proudly called home her entire life. As the Marketing Coordinator for the 

Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association, Mackenzie works behind the scenes to showcase the 

people, businesses, and experiences that make Downtown Coeur d’Alene one of the region’s 

most vibrant destinations. 

From developing campaigns and managing social media to representing the Downtown Association on live television, Mackenzie leads the organization’s marketing efforts across a variety of platforms. With more than 15 annual events and seasonal promotions, her work is centered on supporting the locally owned businesses that give Downtown its unique 

character and helping them connect with both residents and visitors. 

Born and raised in Idaho, Mackenzie earned her bachelor’s degree in Business and 

Communications while pursuing a career in marketing. As she approaches her three-year 

anniversary with the Downtown Association this November, she is passionate about finding 

creative ways to celebrate the businesses, people, and sense of community that make Coeur d’Alene such a special place to live, work, and visit.  

1. What do you love about your job and working in Downtown Coeur d'Alene? 

Who else gets to go to work each day and brainstorm ways to make the next community event 

even more memorable? Even better, it's all in support of a meaningful cause. 

Working for Downtown is rewarding. As a nonprofit organization, everything we do is centered 

around supporting our local businesses while creating opportunities for our community to come 

together. Through events, we're able to spark fun memories for friends and families, as well as 

preserve community traditions like Car d’Lane, Street Fair and the Lighting Ceremony Parade 

(which are each now over 30 years old!) It excites me to say that I have been able to make my 

mark on these events in some way and that I am a part of something bigger in my local 

community.  

One of my favorite annual events that I have been able to make my personal mark on is Car 

d’Lane. Each year, the event features a new art concept that is used across all marketing 

materials and event merchandise. During my first year with the Downtown Association, I based 

the artwork concept on one of my Dad’s favorite cars, alongside a few other favorites that we 

always see at Car d’Lane (Chevy Camaro, Ford Shelby, Dodge Challenger, Plymouth Fury). It is 

my way to honor the memories my Dad and I share of admiring cars together. Since then, the 

artwork has always been a rewarding process for me to be a part of. This year’s artwork was 

celebrating the 35th anniversary of Car d’Lane, with a 1929 Ford Model A that won our Best of 

20’s award in 2025 and again in 2026!  

2. In your experience, what makes downtown CDA so special? 

What makes Downtown so special is the community that surrounds it. Visitors see the vibrancy 

and energy of the Downtown core, but what they don't always see is that it comes from the 

people who live, work, and breathe Downtown every day. They are the heart of what makes this 

place so unique, and we're fortunate to give back by investing in and caring for the community that deserves it most. 

When you come Downtown, you’re not only finding that really awesome cookie shop, or shopping for some amazing clothing or jewelry, but you’ll also find the store owner who works the counter six days a week, the residents who walk their dogs down Sherman, and employees biking to work each day. 

3. What's a fun day for you? What hobbies and interests are you passionate about? 

A fun day can look a lot of different ways, but it almost always involves spending time with the 

people I love or being outdoors. Whether it’s traveling to a new destination with my husband (we 

are heading to Japan later this year!), enjoying quality time with family and friends, or cooking a 

great dinner at home, I’m always up for an adventure and enjoy just about anything that gets me 

outside. You’ll often find me exploring with my dog, Milo, whether we’re hiking, camping, skiing, 

or simply enjoying a beautiful day. I spend my spare afternoons planning the next adventure or 

working on my Jeep! 

4. What is something people would be surprised to know about you? 

I think people are often surprised to learn that I met my husband when I was 14 years old. We had a freshman English class together in high school and started dating when we were 16. We've 

truly grown up together, supporting each other through high school, college, career changes, and all of life's milestones along the way. 

As much as we love to tease each other and keep things lighthearted, he has always been my 

biggest supporter and my best friend. We've now been together for more than 10 years, and it's 

been incredible to see how our relationship has grown alongside us. This September, we're 

excited to celebrate our second wedding anniversary, and I feel incredibly grateful that my high 

school sweetheart is still the person I get to do life with every day. 

5. What impact do you hope to make in the Coeur d’Alene Community?  

I hope to make a positive impact in any way I can. Whether it's by supporting local businesses, 

sharing the vibrancy of Downtown with as many people as I can, or simply offering a kind word to someone who may need it, I hope to contribute in any meaningful way.