McKenzie began his career with the Department of Corrections in 1996 as a classification and treatment officer at Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex (EKCC). In 2004, he promoted to a correction unit administrator I at the facility, overseeing the operations and control of the unit and helping to expand the programs available to inmates.
In 2008, he promoted to unit administrator II, supervising all unit administrator I and security staff throughout his unit. McKenzie also assisted with opening the first reentry dormitory at EKCC and was the work program director for the institution for nine years.
Most recently, McKenzie has served as the deputy warden of programs at EKCC. After he was initially promoted to the deputy warden of operations in March 2019, he transitioned to overseeing programs in 2020. Serving in both positions has provided McKenzie with valuable experience learning many areas of institutional management.
A 1996 graduate of Morehead State University, McKenzie earned his bachelor's degree in sociology with an emphasis in corrections and a minor in social work. He has received Employee of the Month twice and was named Supervisor of the Quarter in 2015 at EKCC. McKenzie is a member of the Southern States Correctional Association, Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, and an active member of the Kentucky Council on Crime and Delinquency (KCCD). He previously served as president of the KCCD Cave Run Chapter, a member of the board of directors, and the 2019 president of the state board. Currently he is the 2022 president of the KCCD state board.