Kaitlin Messich (McShea)

Kaitlin Messich serves as Art Director at the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, where she leads the nationally recognized Community Branding Program. She leads a team of designers and collaborates with faculty and community partners to deliver branding, placemaking, and community design projects that help cities and regions strengthen their identity, attract investment, support tourism, and improve quality of life. In addition to her leadership responsibilities, Kaitlin provides creative direction for major Institute initiatives and placemaking efforts, translating complex ideas into clear, actionable visual strategies that support economic development across Georgia. She also collaborates with faculty to co-teach courses for elected officials and economic developers on effective community branding and marketing strategies, equipping local leaders with practical tools to implement and sustain these efforts in their communities.