Carleigh Rinefierd
-
Emailcarleigh@mekkymedia.com
Carleigh Rinefierd is a Vice President at Mekky Media Relations, where she oversees client strategy and account teams, as well as drives business development, media buzz and event coordination. She was named to PR News’ 2020 list of PR People of the Year and is a member of the Marketing Committee for the Magnificent Mile Association.
At Mekky Media, Carleigh has led campaigns for high-profile organizations including Red Bull Media House Great Lakes, Komen Chicago, Chicago Lights, and Fresh Wave. She also brings extensive experience supporting niche B2B and trade clients in the manufacturing, logistics and real estate industries.
Earlier in her career at Margie Korshak, Inc., Carleigh discovered her passion for hospitality and nonprofit work in Chicago and beyond. There, she led programs ranging from community partnerships and crisis communications, to star-studded events and social media campaigns for clients including Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation, Gateway for Cancer Research, Shoreline Sightseeing, Girls 4 Science, Bear Necessities and Cedar Concepts Corporation, while also supporting entertainment, theater and tourism venues across the city.
Carleigh began her career at 3rd Coast PR working on CPG brands and product launches before joining Fishman PR, where she honed her earned media skills and promoted nationally recognized brands such as Cinnabon, SC Johnson, Schlotzsky’s, Molly Maid & Mr. Handyman, and Thermos Brand. Her work secured coverage in top outlets including The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Forbes, Nation’s Restaurant News and Time Magazine.
A graduate of DePaul University with a B.A. in Public Relations and Advertising, Carleigh is originally from Columbus, Ohio, and now resides on Chicago’s North Side. She is active in the DePaul Alumni Committee – Chicago Chapter, and enjoys testing new recipes from her favorite food blogs during the week and spending her weekends along the city’s lakefront.