Zachry Turnbo was raised in Waco, Texas and despite moving around the state during his younger years, Waco has always felt like home. Those years of moving taught him how to adapt quickly, connect with new people, and appreciate the different communities that make Texas so unique. Zachry and his family eventually moved back to Waco in 2016, where he has been ever since.
Before joining FVC in April, Zachry worked as a Social Media and Marketing Intern for Specialty Restoration Waco. Working in that role has given him hands-on experience in content creation, branding, and community engagement. He learned how to communicate a company’s mission in a way that feels authentic and relatable, which sparked his passion for helping organizations tell their stories effectively.
Zachry graduated earlier this month from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications with a Minor in Marketing. His coursework allowed him to explore everything from media writing and digital storytelling to strategic communications and consumer behavior.
“Throughout my time at UMHB, I developed a strong foundation in understanding how people interact with media and how organizations can build meaningful relationships with their audiences,” said Zachry.
His marketing minor complemented that perfectly, giving him insight into branding, analytics, and the psychology behind effective messaging. Together, those areas of study shaped his interest in communications strategy and creative outreach.
While he doesn’t come from a military background, agriculture is always something that Zachry has been interested in. In high school, he was in the Future Farmers of America (FFA), which introduced him to the world of agricultural leadership, responsibility, and hands-on learning.
During his time in the FFA, he gained an appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into agriculture, as well as the importance of supporting the people and industries that keep our communities running.
“Even though my career path has leaned more towards communications and marketing, that early exposure to agriculture shaped my respect for the field and continues to influence the way I approach community-focused work,” said Zachry.
During his free time, Zachry loves to listen to music and spend time with his friends and family. Whether they’re going out, staying in, or just talking for hours, those moments are genuinely some of his favorites.
“One of the biggest reasons I enjoy working at FVC is that it gives me the opportunity to help people in a meaningful way,” said Zachry. “I also really appreciate the staff here, everyone is so kind, welcoming, and genuinely helpful. Working with a team that supports one another and cares about the mission makes the environment feel positive and encouraging every day.”
Being part of an organization that directly supports veterans, their families, and their communities, is something that Zachry finds very fulfilling.
“I’m someone who loves learning people’s stories, whether it’s through marketing, social media, or face-to-face conversations, I enjoy the human side of every project,” said Zachry. “That curiosity is a big part of why nonprofit work feels so meaningful to me; it’s not just about the tasks or programs, it’s about real people, real needs, and real impact.”
