Meet Kathryn Murdock, Project Communications Specialist

Where are you from and where do you live now?

I was born just outside Tokyo, Japan, and lived in four states before I was eight. My family moved to Seattle when I was in third grade, and I’ve lived in, or near, Seattle ever since.

What do you do at MFA?

I work on the communications team as a project communications specialist.

What’s rewarding about your job?

I’ve had the opportunity to work on public engagement and communications for some large and local infrastructure projects in our region—such as the SR 520 Bridge, the SR 99 Tunnel, and the repaving of streets all around Seattle. It’s rewarding to drive, walk, or bike on those streets and highways, knowing that I had a small part in making them a reality.

Why is what you do important?

An important part of our work is making sure that communities know what projects are happening near them and ensuring that they have an accessible way of providing feedback to shape them.

What’s your favorite restaurant/place to go in your area?

I really love any restaurant that has a good brunch. A few favorites are Toulouse Petite in Queen Anne, Portage Bay Café, and Le Coin in Fremont.

What skills do you bring to your work?

I bring organization and strategic thinking to my work. I’m a big fan of using a schedule and a tracker to make sure I’m on top of every detail and am thinking a few steps ahead. I also think our value as consultants is bringing a strategic, and new, perspective to a project to help our clients with tough messaging, a new initiative, or a large milestone.

What do you like to do off the clock?

It’s a ten-minute walk to Magnuson Park from my home, and I love to spend time there floating, paddleboarding, or taking my 1.5-year-old bernedoodle to the off-leash dog park.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from a work colleague?

Early in my consulting career, I was told often to “work smarter, not harder.” I think it’s a great reminder that you often can work more effectively and efficiently with a bit of strategic thinking rather than spending hours following a process that you know is not working.

If you were not a project communications specialist, what would you be?

If I were not a project communications specialist, I think I would be a chief of staff—the job combines my love of policy with managing people and keeping many different priorities organized and moving forward.

What’s on your bucket list?

Visiting every national park—I have visited ten national parks so far and have many more to go.

What was your favorite childhood movie/TV show?

I was, and still am, a big Gilmore Girls fan. Team Logan, anyone?