McKee New Dir. Of Business Development At MRN

Motor Racing Network – “The Voice of NASCAR” – announced today that Chris McKee has joined the organization as its Director of Business Development.

He comes to MRN with a broad range of experience that includes NASCAR sponsorships, a proven track record in motor sports marketing and media relations programs, and a radio production background with industry giants CBS/Infinity Broadcasting and Clear Channel.

“Chris brings a wealth of experience into the organization” said MRN President and Executive Producer David Hyatt.  “He has a diverse background that includes racing, sponsorships and the radio industry.  We’re excited to have him on board.”

Prior to joining Motor Racing Network, McKee, 48, spent the last 14 months as national accounts and strategic sales manager for Aflac Insurance.  Since 2009, he had been actively involved in the company’s sponsorship of Roush Fenway Racing’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series program for driver Carl Edwards.

As that partnership evolved, McKee built and managed the staff support structure which successfully leveraged the company’s participation with the racing team and helped drive sales for some 70,000 independent agents nationwide.

“I am humbled to join the professionals at MRN, and share in the vision and growth strategy at this truly iconic organization,” McKee said.  “I’m fortunate to have a unique opportunity to apply my entire work history to this role and assist in taking the Motor Racing Network to new heights.”

McKee spent eight years at the Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE), the majority of which were served as director of marketing, media relations and promotion.  On his watch, the company experienced a 40 percent growth in annual bookings and an increase in operating dates at a pace that approached a 100 percent increase.

Before joining RPDE, McKee worked in the Charlotte, N.C., radio market for more than a decade.  That included three years producing the morning show at WSOC-FM 103, a CBS/Infinity-owned station; and nine years at WRFX-FM 99.7, a Clear Channel station where he was the assistant program and music director and also was heard on-air with a daily four-hour show.

McKee, a Charlotte native, is a 1998 graduate of Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications.  He and his family – wife Pamela; daughter Murphy, 18; and son Bailey, 15 – will relocate from Columbus, Ga., to Charlotte.