Growing up surrounded by the flavors of Maryland seafood and traditional German dishes in Pennsylvania, McKenzie always knew food would be her greatest passion. That passion started early—watching the Food Network and cooking alongside her dad, especially during the holidays when McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract and Ground Cinnamon were non-negotiables in their Christmas cookie tradition.

Before joining the McCormick Test Kitchen, McKenzie spent six years working on a farm-to-cone dairy where she helped make small-batch ice cream from scratch. It was there she fell in love with the balance of science, creativity, and joy that food can bring. Now at McCormick, she blends her background in Marketing with her hands-on food experience to develop approachable, flavor-forward recipes and sharing the magic of McCormick products with home cooks everywhere.