Behind the Scenes: Kristie Swink Benson

Kristie Swink Benson is The High Museum of Art’s new director of communications and will lead the teams responsible for marketing, advertising, public relations and digital communications.

Benson began her decade long career in communications with the DeKalb County government as a public information officer and was promoted to director of communications. As spokesperson, she forged strong relationships with constituents and local media, helping to stimulate positive coverage and fair and balanced reporting.

Just prior to her current role, she was director of public relations and media relations for Southern Company Gas. Benson brings extensive experience in communications planning, public relations, crisis communications and executive media training to this post.

“We are very excited to have Kristie join the High as a member of our senior leadership team,” says Rand Suffolk, Nancy and Holcombe T. Green, Jr., director. “Her proven track record of driving strategic communications and fostering community engagement, coupled with her personal passion for the arts, make her a great asset for the Museum as we continue to grow and reach new audiences.”

Benson, who with her husband is an avid traveler and lover of Atlanta’s thriving food scene, earned a Master of Arts degree in public communication from American University in Washington, D.C., and a Bachelor of Arts degree in mass communications from Winston-Salem State University. In 2015, she obtained an Accreditation in Public Relations, a prestigious designation given by the Universal Accreditation Board, and is a member of the national and Georgia chapters of Public Relations Society of America, the national and Atlanta chapters of American Association of Blacks in Energy, Women in Energy, and The Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta.

“This role aligns my personal passion for the arts with my love for communications, and I am extremely honored to join the High family,” says Benson. “The High Museum of Art is a well-respected institution that I have grown up loving. I am humbled to be a part of how we engage future generations and make the arts essential to every community throughout Georgia.” AT