Nicki Donnelson is a strategic marketing and communications leader with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations strengthen their brands, tell compelling stories, and connect with the audiences that matter most. She specializes in integrated marketing strategy, brand development, content marketing, public relations, and digital communications, combining creativity with thoughtful planning to deliver results.
Since 2008, Nicki has been part of Missouri State University's full-time staff, serving in a variety of communications leadership roles before joining efactory in 2023 as Director of Marketing and Communication. Today, she leads the organization's marketing strategy across entrepreneurship, workforce development, and economic development initiatives, promoting programs and services that support businesses and accelerate talent development throughout the region. She oversees brand management, content strategy, digital marketing, media relations, and communications planning while building systems and processes that help teams work more effectively.
Throughout her career, Nicki has served as a strategist, media relations professional, crisis communicator, content marketer, special events manager, and project manager. Before joining Missouri State, she worked in both the nonprofit and small business sectors — experiences that gave her a firsthand appreciation for the grit, creativity, and determination it takes to build and grow a business. That perspective continues to shape how she connects with entrepreneurs and the organizations that serve them.
Nicki holds a Master of Business Administration from Missouri State University and is a Certified Digital Marketing Professional.
Guided by her top CliftonStrengths — Empathy, Communication, Positivity, Connectedness, and Developer — Nicki is passionate about uncovering the unique value in people, organizations, and ideas, then sharing those stories in ways that resonate. She believes the best marketing doesn't just inform; it builds relationships, inspires action, and helps others see what's possible.
