Rose McKinney grew up in a family business - a wholesale electrical distributorship in Des Moines, Iowa. She had a head for business, but no intention of selling light bulbs per se. Instead, during a public relations class at Drake University, “the light bulb went on” when she realized the illuminating impact of brand and reputation.

Marriage, three kids, a dog, and a grandchild, have created some lively detours throughout a fast-paced career at agencies of varying sizes and configurations. Along the way, she has served as president of Minnesota PRSA and on the Universal Accreditation Board. The Business Journals recognized her on its Top 25 list of Women to Watch and Minnesota Business named her among the top 50 Women Who Lead.

In 2011 Rose launched Pineapple RM, a thriving boutique agency in Minneapolis, which focuses on brand strategy and reputation management. When she’s not “doing” PR, she’s teaching it at Metropolitan State University where she’s been an adjunct professor since 2005.