Page 8 - LRCC FOCUS December 2021

MEMBER NEWS FOCUS MAGAZINE | DECEMBER 2021

Longtime Community Leader Kelly Rossman-McKinney

Passes Away

ne of the Lansing
region’s most well-
Oknown and beloved
figures, Kelly Rossman-
McKinney passed away on
November 9 after a courageous
battle with cancer. Kelly
was the founder of her own
communications company
and viewed as a leader in
the industry. She eventually
merged her company with one
of her rivals, John Truscott, who
continues as CEO . Truscott
issued a statement on behalf of
all the employees of the firm.

“The team at Truscott
Rossman and I join people
across the state of Michigan
today in mourning the
loss of our friend, Kelly
Rossman-McKinney. Kelly
left this world the way she
lived in it – bravely determined, inspiring all those legislature. Though she did not win that race, she did go
around her with her courage, wit and humor. We will on to serve as communications officer for state attorney
miss her tremendously. General Dana Nessel.

Throughout her 45-year career, Kelly became one of “There will never be another Kelly Rossman-McKinney,”
Michigan’s best-known, highly-respected and most- said Attorney General Nessel. “I am heartbroken by
accomplished communications experts. There never the loss of one of my most trusted advisors and I am
has been and never will be another Kelly Rossman- honored to count myself amongst those who had the
McKinney. She shattered the glass ceiling for women good fortune to work alongside Kelly and to witness her
in Lansing by taking risks – risks she understood and artistry. Kelly forged deep relationships with so many of
committed to because she knew what challenges her colleagues at the Department of Attorney General,
were, and she faced them head-on. After years and her loss weighs heavy on all our hearts.”
of competing for business, and even serving as
adversaries on issues, Kelly and I joined forces and Rossman-McKinney was much more than a highly
founded Truscott Rossman in 2011. It was the best successful business person. She was a mentor and
decision of my career. friend to many, always willing to help others with career
advice.
With her passing, I’ve lost more than a business
partner, I’ve lost a best friend, my work wife and one “Kelly Rossman McKinney was known, respected and
of the most heroic people I’ve ever met. admired by every community leader in the Greater
Lansing region and beyond,” said Tim Daman, president
On behalf of our entire team, I extend deep & CEO, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Her
sympathy to Kelly’s beloved husband, Officer Dave presence was felt every time she entered a room. Her
Thompson, and her children Alex, Teddy, Connor contributions to the community were enormous, as
and Coby, her stepdaughter Brittany Thompson, reflected by the fact she was one of only two individuals
daughter-in-law Jessica Zimbelman and former to receive both the ATHENA Leadership and Community
husband and great friend, Kevin McKinney.” Service Awards from the Lansing Regional Chamber.
Our deepest condolences to Kelly’s family and current
Kelly left the firm a few years ago to run for the state and former colleagues for their loss.” l

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