The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications has named Lainey Johnson Garcia, PUR 2008, as a 2015-16 Outstanding Young Alumni. The award was created by the UF Alumni Association in 2006 to recognize Gators under the age of 35 who are leaders in their profession and community. The awards will be presented at ceremony on April 8.

Johnson Garcia is brand public relations manager at McDonald’s USA, responsible for developing and leading strategic communication campaigns to effectively reach and engage defined audiences. Among other responsibilities, she is the national public relations lead for McDonald’s All Day Breakfast and McDonald’s sub-brand, McCafé. Prior to this position, Lainey was responsible for developing digital and social media strategies that built and supported McDonald’s national marketing efforts.

Her experience with McDonald’s began at the local level where she provided strategic communication counsel and marketing support to McDonald’s owner/operators in Georgia and South Carolina. Prior to that, she handled media relations for Denny’s. She also spent time in the non-profit and journalism arenas.

“I am extremely grateful for this recognition and appreciate the distinguished members of the CJC who nominated me,” Johnson Garcia said.  “I would be nothing professionally if not for the strong foundation learned during my undergraduate experience.”

She has a passion for mentorship at and outside of work. Each year she hosts South Chicago high school students at McDonald’s to broaden their perception of what is possible for their futures. She is also involved in Step Up Women’s Network where she mentors girls from under-resourced Chicago communities. A passionate military supporter, she and her husband raise thousands of dollars annually for the Pat Tillman Foundation supporting education for veterans.

During her time at the University of Florida she was a four-year Florida Cicerone and member of Kappa Delta Sorority, Blue Key Speakers Bureau and other organizations.

She and her husband Joe live in downtown Chicago.

Posted: March 2, 2016
Category: Alumni News, College News