#SETSEGStaff: Kyle Kast
Meet Kyle Kast, SET SEG’s Senior Communications Strategist and a driving force behind our storytelling and brand messaging. Kyle plays a key role in crafting engaging content that connects with our members, ensuring that SET SEG’s mission and services are communicated effectively. With a keen eye for strategy and a passion for impactful storytelling, he helps shape the voice of our organization across various platforms.
His background in education and communications has equipped him with the skills to turn complex information into clear, compelling narratives. Whether he’s refining messaging, creating engaging content, or collaborating with teams across the organization, Kyle’s expertise and creativity make him an invaluable part of SET SEG.
Q&A: Kyle Kast
Q: What is your role at SET SEG?
My work at SET SEG is divided into two areas: communications and operations. I write and revise much of the organization’s longer-form written content, from our Member Advantage publication to the Member Minute newsletter to any informational emails sent to our members.
I also coordinate day-to-day operations in the Marketing Department, managing our ticket system, tracking marketing and communications needs throughout the year, and assigning tasks to team members.
Q: Why SET SEG?
I used to teach writing at the community college level, but I ultimately left to pursue communications opportunities in the private sector. After managing a communications and marketing team at a small tech company for several years, I wanted to leverage my experience in a space that I actually cared about.
I have been intertwined with education, particularly public schools, my whole life. My mother was an English teacher at Holt High School for decades and many of my family and friends have been educators and administrators at different points in their lives. When I went on the hunt for an opportunity that aligns with my values, I explicitly sought out positions that support educators.
I quickly discovered SET SEG, staffed by former educators and administrators, directly supporting the safety and security of Michigan public schools. I didn’t set out to pursue a career with a risk management organization, but I’m happy to now be working for a company that puts educators and students first.
Q: What do you like about your job?
I appreciate the opportunities to impact my team, SET SEG, and Michigan public schools as a whole. When crises occur, like freezing weather or cyberattacks, I often work alongside SET SEG experts, gathering their knowledge and recommendations and getting that information out to our members as quickly as possible.
On the other side of my job, I’m constantly working to keep operations consistent and effective, ensuring our talented marketing team members have everything they need to perform at their best possible level.
Q: What does working at SET SEG mean to you?
It might seem like I’m spewing marketing rhetoric, but it’s true – working at SET SEG means working with a group of talented, passionate individuals who are wholly committed to our mission of supporting Michigan public schools. We’re all working together to keep your roofs intact and students safe.
Thinking back on my time as an educator, I’m grateful to be at an organization that truly understands the needs of districts across the state. I admittedly felt some regret leaving the education industry a decade ago for a career in communications – pulling away from a position I devoted years of my education to. Since being hired at SET SEG, I’ve felt as though things have come full circle. I’m still using the skills I’ve honed over years of marketing and communications but doing so to support the world I once sought to live and operate in.
Q: How do you feel like you make an impact through SET SEG?
I help maintain SET SEG’s unified messaging and keep the marketing and communications trains running on time. I could write newsletters and coordinate marketing operations anywhere. But here, I get to support something I care deeply about, while honing my skills and growing professionally.