Melissa Abernathy Email & Phone Number

Richmond, Virginia, United States

Raise awareness of the historic Maymont estate and nature center through public and media relations and engaging content creation across all channels. Help ensure a bright future for Maymont by encouraging patrons to support the Foundation's mission to maintain and enhance the presentation of Maymont's history, its beautiful grounds, and educational programs through its wildlife habitats and community events.

Hoboken, Nj

Provide strategic communications consulting to companies of all sizes and nonprofit organizations, including planning, writing and editing for public relations, marketing, social media and employee communications projects. Ready to hit the ground running to help companies address PR and marketing needs. Conceive, write and edit press releases, newsletters, marketing literature, social media, and website copy. Clients have included United Nations Global Compact, American Express, Christie's, Northstar Travel Media, Potomac Indexing, Private Equity Fund Services, and Sperry Van Ness realty company.

1301 Hudson St.

For this vibrant and creative historical museum, I wrote and edited a weekly email newsletter, managed social media and website content, created marketing and membership brochures, wrote donor appeal letters and managed special grant applications (securing more than $400K in funding). Secured grants for and managed two website redesigns and a Salesforce for Nonprofits implementation, as well as a Google Ad Grant for nonprofits. I also recruited and managed volunteers for the Museum's many events, including garden and house tours, family days, booths in city festivals, and an annual gala/auction event.

New York

Engaged customers for this innovative, tenant-focused commercial real estate firm by creating persuasive, timely content for website, bylined articles, sales pitches, and marketing brochures- Supported successful rebrand initiative by writing content in new brand voice and style, in collaboration with marketing and business development team:- Developed new style sheets for executive bios and case studies- Wrote newsletters and thought leadership pieces; edited external and internal communications- Produced video scripts and sales pitch decks- Counseled executives on messaging and content development to produce a series of industry-leading advice articles to support clients through COVID-19 office space decision-making

New York, Ny

Secured media coverage in high-profile news outlets for sales of fine art, fine jewelry, watches, and wine, including the blockbuster Elizabeth Taylor Collection- Arranged tours, video shoots, and specialist interviews for top art and luxury market reporters- Wrote press releases, planned press conferences, and built and maintained strong relationships with reporters at emerging and established print, digital, and broadcast media- Boosted employee engagement for rollout of new operations technology and processes: produced email and video campaigns, memos, case studies, and FAQs for executives to cascade internally- Avoided negative media coverage by preparing spokespeople for responding to critical issues: researched and wrote fact sheets, official talking points, and FAQs; maintained discretion and confidentiality of sensitive company information

B.A., French

Activities and Societies: 4-year Honor Scholarship, Junior year in France

Junior Year In France, French

Education record