James McKenna
Senior PR Manager, Americas & Europe at Finastra | University Instructor | 40 Under 40
- Role
- Senior Public Relations Manager, Americas & Europe at Finastra
- Location
- Poughkeepsie, NY, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About James McKenna
I’m a public relations and communications strategist with more than a decade of experience shaping brand narratives and leading integrated communications for fintech, banking, and hospitality organizations. Currently, I serve as Senior Public Relations Manager for Finastra, one of the world’s largest fintech and cloud banking solution providers. In this role, I lead PR strategy across the U.S, Canada, and Latin America, helping position Finastra as a global thought leader in AI, innovation, and digital transformation.My expertise lies in connecting complex technology stories to real-world outcomes, translating innovations like cloud, AI, and API-driven banking into narratives that resonate with media, customers, and stakeholders. I collaborate with executive leadership to align communications with go-to-market strategies, build brand trust, and drive measurable business results.Before joining Finastra, I led communications at Tompkins Community Bank, where I built the PR program from the ground up, increasing earned media exposure by more than 200% in one year. In addition to my corporate work, I’m an Adjunct Instructor at Marist University, where I teach courses in public relations writing, brand management, and integrated marketing communication. Mentoring the next generation of PR professionals keeps me sharp and inspired.
Experience
Senior Public Relations Manager, Americas & Europe
Feb 2026 — Present
Education
State University of New York at Plattsburgh
Bachelor of Science, Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management
2007 — 2010
Marist University
Master of Arts (MA), Integrated Marketing Communication
2012 — 2013
Skills
- Copywriting
- Event Management
- Leadership
- Time Management
- Hospitality
- Social Media
- Powerpoint
- Microsoft Excel
- Strategy
- Management
- Team Building
- Marketing
- Strategic Planning
- Event Planning
- Customer Service
- Advertising
- Social Networking
- Social Media Marketing
- Microsoft Office
- Sales
- Project Planning
- Budgets
- Public Relations
- Public Speaking
- Marketing Strategy
- Marketing Communications
- Integrated Marketing
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