Skip to main content
Intellect

New Managing Director Named for BYU Alumni and External Relations

Brigham Young University announced McKay Christensen as the new managing director of Alumni and External Relations. He replaces John Lewis, who accepted an assignment from the LDS Church to serve as president of the Washington Yakima Mission. Christensen began his duties on June 5.

"McKay is well suited for this position as he has extensive administrative experience and expertise in marketing and strategic planning," said BYU Advancement Vice President Matthew O. Richardson. "He is multi-talented, devoted and will make a significant contribution to BYU."

In this role Christensen oversees the university's Alumni Relations, External Relations, Publications and Graphics, Special Events, University Relations, Licensing and Trademark departments.

Prior to BYU, Christensen served in leadership positions with Procter & Gamble, Holiday Inn Worldwide, U.S. Shoe Corp and Melaleuca, Inc.

Christensen has taught for several years as an adjunct professor in the Marriott School of Management at BYU. He has co-authored two books: Open Your Eyes: 10 Uncommon Lessons to Discover a Happier Life and Career Development Basics.

Christensen earned a bachelor's and master's degree of accountancy and an MBA from BYU. He received a Ph.D. in education from the University of Idaho.

Lewis spent 17 years overseeing BYU Alumni and External Relations. During his tenure, Lewis played a vital role in the planning and construction of the Gordon B. Hinckley Alumni and Visitors Center, and he has been key in the Marriott Center renovations. Lewis had an immeasurable influence on the Utah County community and was very instrumental in helping to further a positive reputation with the Utah County Chamber of Commerce. He also was the brainchild behind the Chamber's Pillar of the Valley event, which honors significant contributions to the community and continues to be held annually.

"John's leadership, service and contribution to BYU have been exemplary and greatly valued," said Richardson. "He will be missed."

McKay Christense
Photo by Tibor Gergely

Related Articles

data-content-type="article"

Wildfires in residential areas are on the rise; why hydrants and the water system behind them were never meant to stop those fires

July 01, 2025
BYU professor Rob Sowby teaches and studies environmental engineering, urban water infrastructure and sustainability. He has particular expertise in the planning, design, construction and operation of public water systems. That expertise has been increasingly important (and regularly sought out) in the wake of apocalyptic wildfires that have taxed those public water systems.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=
data-content-type="article"

Meet the BYU math student helping make wildfire predictions faster and smarter

June 25, 2025
Using machine learning and math, a BYU student improved a key tool firefighters rely on during wildfire season
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=
data-content-type="article"

Geology meets history: BYU professor studies WWII shrapnel on Normandy beaches

June 05, 2025
Eighty years after D-Day, BYU geologists uncover lingering WWII shrapnel on Normandy beaches to study how history still shapes the coastline today.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection=false overrideCardHideByline=false overrideCardHideDescription=false overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText=