Available to hire
Hi, I’m Chris McKenna—a seasoned copy and creative leader with two decades of experience turning ideas into clear, compelling messages. I’ve guided teams across shopper marketing, digital commerce, branding, and B2B campaigns for Fortune 500 brands, translating complex concepts into simple, human language that resonates with audiences. I’m known for blending strategic thinking with hands-on writing and production to deliver results that matter.
Beyond client work, I teach copywriting at College for Creative Studies and volunteer at Corewell Hospital Emergency Center (Beaumont) since 2019. I enjoy mentoring teams, shaping agency culture, and bringing curiosity, humor, and a collaborative spirit to every project I tackle.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Contract Senior Copywriter at Ovative Group
January 1, 2025 - PresentDevelop social and digital display copy for clients across health insurance, fashion, consumer packaged goods, and lawn & garden equipment categories.
Associate Creative Director, Copywriter at Mars United Commerce
January 1, 2025 - August 4, 2025Assisted in leading planning, development, presentation, and production of shopper marketing, digital commerce, branding, retail, and B2B campaigns for Fortune 500 clients such as Walmart, Clorox, Mars Pet & Food/Confections, and Abbott Industries. Managed creative teams focusing on copy and messaging. Concepted, wrote, and produced national broadcast work for ACE Hardware. Played key roles in rapid ideation for pitches, internal communications, and agency rebranding including a major client acquisition during Covid lockdown. Earned multiple industry awards and internal recognition for contributions.
Adjunct Professor at College for Creative Studies
December 31, 2022 - August 4, 2025Taught Introduction to Copywriting (Fall 2022) and assisted in teaching the Cross-Stitch Program through Mars United from 2015 to 2017.
Freelance Copywriter at The Guerrilla Politic
December 31, 2020 - August 4, 2025Developed messaging and copy for local and state political campaigns including web, walk literature, and video content.
Senior Copywriter/Producer at BERLINE
January 1, 2007 - August 4, 2025Developed, presented, and produced advertising and branding concepts for clients such as Greektown Casino, DTE Energy, and Credit Union ONE.
Senior Copywriter/Producer at Duffey Petrosky & Company
January 1, 2003 - August 4, 2025Created advertising for clients including Visteon, Detroit Medical Center, Sibleys, Kmart, Thomasville, and Mr. Handyman with extensive direct client contact.
Senior Copywriter at Young & Rubicam
January 1, 1999 - August 4, 2025Developed regional and local advertising for Lincoln Mercury Group, Michigan National Bank, Michcon, and others, expanding production expertise.
Copywriter at D'Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles
January 1, 1996 - August 4, 2025Developed and produced national advertising for Pontiac, including early web development for Pontiac and GM Goodwrench.
Contract Senior Copy Writer at Ovative Group
January 1, 2025 - PresentDevelop social and digital display copy for clients in health insurance, fashion, CPG food and Lawn & Garden Equipment.
Associate Creative Director, Copy Writer at Mars United Commerce
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2025Led planning, development, presentation and production of shopper marketing, digital commerce, branding, retail and B2B campaigns for multiple Fortune 500 companies. Managed creative teams with a focus on copy and messaging. Clients included Walmart, Clorox, Mars Pet & Food/Confections, Abbott Industries. Concepted, wrote and produced national broadcast work for ACE Hardware. Participated in rapid ideation and agency rebranding; contributed to Mars Wrigley acquisition during Covid; earned multiple industry awards.
Freelance Copy Writer at The Guerrilla Politic
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2020Participated in various local & state political candidate and group campaigns. Helped develop messaging and copy for web, walk literature and video.
Senior Copy Writer/Producer at BERLINE
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2007Developed, presented and produced advertising and branding concepts for Greektown Casino, DTE Energy, Credit Union ONE, and many others.
Senior Copy Writer/Producer at Duffy Petrosky & Company
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2003Developed, presented and produced advertising for clients including Visteon, Detroit Medical Center, Sibleys, Kmart, Thomasville, Mr. Handyman, and others. Lots of direct client contact.
Senior Copy Writer at Young & Rubicam
January 1, 1997 - January 1, 1999Developed and produced regional and local advertising for Lincoln Mercury Group, Michigan National Bank, MichCon and others. Developed production expertise.
Copy Writer at D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 1996Developed and produced national advertising for Pontiac. Helped create the first websites for Pontiac and GM Goodwrench.
Volunteer at Corewell Hospital Emergency Center (Beaumont)
January 1, 2019 - PresentStocking family pantries, assisting visitors and patients; developed training program and trains new volunteers.
Education
BA Advertising at Michigan State University
January 11, 2030 - August 4, 2025BA Advertising at Michigan State University
January 11, 2030 - February 9, 2026Adjunct Professor - Intro to Copywriting at College for Creative Studies
September 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022Qualifications
Industry Experience
Consumer Goods, Education, Healthcare, Retail, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Other
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
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