MichelleKJahnke
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From all of us at Scout Motors, welcome to the Scout Community! We created this community to provide Scout vehicle owners, enthusiasts, and curiosity seekers with a place to engage in discussion, suggestions, stories, and connections. Supportive communities are sometimes hard to find, but we're determined to turn this into one.
Additionally, Scout Motors wants to hear your feedback and speak directly to the rabid community of owners as unique as America. We'll use the Scout Community to deliver news and information on events and launch updates directly to the group. Although the start of production is anticipated in 2026, many new developments and milestones will occur in the interim. We plan to share them with you on this site and look for your feedback and suggestions.
How will the Scout Community be run? Think of it this way: this place is your favorite local hangout. We want you to enjoy the atmosphere, talk to people who share similar interests, request and receive advice, and generally have an enjoyable time. The Scout Community should be a highlight of your day. We want you to tell stories, share photos, spread your knowledge, and tell us how Scout can deliver great products and experiences. Along the way, Scout Motors will share our journey to production with you.
Scout is all about respect. We respect our heritage. We respect the land and outdoors. We respect each other. Every person should feel safe, included, and welcomed in the Scout Community. Being kind and courteous to the other forum members is non-negotiable. Friendly debates are welcomed and often produce great outcomes, but we don't want things to get too rowdy. Please take a moment to consider what you post, especially if you think it may insult others. We'll do our best to encourage friendly discourse and to keep the discussions flowing.
So, welcome to the Scout Community! We encourage you to check back regularly as we plan to engage our members, share teasers, and participate in discussions. The world needs Scouts™. Let's get going.
We are Scout Motors.
MICHELLE KAINE JAHNKE
As a strategic, tactical communications executive, Michelle thrives while guiding initiatives that boost brand awareness, resolve operational challenges, and support change. Throughout her 20-year career, she's combined expertise in public affairs and strategic communication with a strong business acumen establishing strategies and executing initiatives that amplify brands, drive engagement, and expand relationships with key stakeholders.
In her role as VP, Global Internal Communications & International Markets Corporate Affairs at Mars Pet Nutrition, Michelle was instrumental in facilitating completion of a $4B acquisition that significantly expanded the organization. Additionally, her leadership in executing a strategic planning event across three global locations simultaneously spurred a cohesive vision critical to goal achievement. Earlier as Director of Corporate Affairs for Digital Technologies, Michelle attained placements lauding the company's groundbreaking digital transformation in premier publications, including Forbes, Reuters, VentureBeat, and Harvard Business Review.
Her tenure at Mars began while guiding Strategic Business Communications for Banfield Pet Hospital (Mars Vet Health), where she executed a virtual event critical in ensuring collaboration organization-wide during the global pandemic. Additionally, she established a cohesive internal communication strategy that forged critical connections among 19K geographically dispersed associates.
Prior to beginning at Mars, Michelle spurred success for global clients including Nike, PayPal, Merck, and Microsoft as a Senior Account Supervisor at Edelman in Portland, OR. She led communication to support M&A and drive employee engagement; her leadership in the creation of a Diversity & Inclusion Bootcamp drove development of a one-day training that could be customized to meet needs of a range of organizations. While guiding corporate communications at Barre 3, Michelle achieved 800M impressions less than a year after innovating comprehensive media outreach strategies. Earlier in her career, Michelle's efforts enhancing awareness of product sustainability turned around sales across 200+ McDonald's locations in the Pacific Northwest. Her success in crisis management and employee engagement was recognized with McDonald's "Brand Builder Award."
By leveraging writing and production expertise from an early broadcast career spanning roles as a segment producer at CNBC Business News and Bloomberg in New York City, she acquired a deep appreciation of asking the right questions and identifying essential detail. This foundational career experience sharpened her capability in delivering succinct, informative messaging critical to business success.
Michelle's leadership style can be encapsulated by the motto: "your success is my success." She is convinced that a collaborative culture focused on outcome delivery is critical to achieving organizational goals. By outlining a clear vision, developing skilled teams, and coaching staff to develop their potential, she has consistently built high-performing departments that deliver positive results.
She earned a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism from the Newhouse School of Communication at Syracuse University, graduating with honors while also earning a minor in Sociology. Michelle is a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner.
Her early years helped inspire her eventual profession. After her birth in Germany, Michelle grew up in West Africa, where she acquired an appreciation for the importance of communication in establishing community. This knowledge helped shape her future career. Additionally, her early globe-trotting spurred a continued affinity for travel along with an interest in learning about new cultures.
Currently based in Camas, Washington, Michelle is open to relocation opportunities that align with her career goals.
- Location
- Camas, Washington