Kristen McDade Byrne, Vice President

Byrne manages the Public Affairs and Public Relations departments. She is the former Vice President and principal for MNA Consulting. The Southern California government and community relations firm MNA merged with MJE in 2008. Byrne's core expertise is in message development, strategic planning, and the development and implementation of community outreach, public involvement, and government relations programs. At MJE, Byrne manages the CEQA public input process for a number of clients, and is experienced in helping clients work with key stakeholders and government representatives throughout project approval processes. Byrne has worked on many high-profile projects and major policy initiatives in San Diego County, including San Diego State University's Campus Master Plan, the Salk Institute Master Plan Update, SANDAG's Region2020 comprehensive growth strategy, MTDB's TransitWorks Strategic Planning effort, the San Diego Zoo's Park Boulevard Promenade project, and the San Diego Rescue Mission's relocation. Byrne began her career in community and government relations as a Council Representative for a San Diego City Councilmember. Subsequent to her work for the San Diego City Council, Byrne worked for an established government affairs agency where she served as an on-site consultant to the City of San Diego's Metropolitan Wastewater Department.

Byrne is a native of San Diego and has been active in community affairs for many years. She served as a member of the Board of Directors of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association and a member of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce's Infrastructure Committee. She was also a Special Advisor for San Diego Youth and Community Services, and served as the Secretary of BIA Cares for Kids, the charitable arm of the Building Industry Association.

Byrne received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California at Santa Barbara. She has received certification through the International Association of Public Participation.

Kristen McDade Byrne: Linked In