Melissa Chesnut Email & Phone Number

Kansas City Metropolitan Area

Working for one of the most respected and loved pet brands in the animal health industry, I lead the Hill's global content strategy. I provide strategic oversight and leadership for our global internal and external communications and drive engagement with veterinarians, consumers, communities and employees. I also work directly with the Colgate-Palmolive corporate communications team.

Dearborn, Mo

More than 15 years of experience providing makeup application services for weddings and special events, while utilizing the latest trends and professional products to achieve the client's desired look and aesthetic. Continually evaluate marketing and social media trends to grow awareness and build affinity towards services offered. Attend multiple trainings with the leading makeup artists to grow skillset and business acumen for the bridal industry. Achieved double-digit growth in revenue year over year from 2015-2022, ending with 150 weddings in 2022. Grown team to 14 independent contractor stylists and makeup artists. Recognized as “The Best Of” by TheKnot.com six years in a row, 2018-2023, Wed KC’s Top Makeup Artist in Kansas City, Wed KC's Top Hair Stylist in Kansas City and Wed KC's Top Company of the Year in Kansas City three years in a row, 2020-2023. Opened brick and mortar studio in September 2019 to offer a multi-faceted customer experience.

Des Moines, Iowa, United States

- Provided senior leadership and counsel to assigned accounts' strategic communications and content work, including several clients in healthcare, animal health and agriculture- Directed a team of communications professionals and content creators in alignment with client and agency goals- Oversaw account strategic planning, execution, measurement and reporting jointly with accountdirector- Led content strategy and messaging workshops for agency clients outside of assigned accounts- Assisted with new business development pitches

St. Joseph, Missouri Area

As the marketing communications specialist, I was responsible for executing LifeLine's corporate brand and marketing plan. I established marketing strategies to help achieve budgeted sales targets. Key areas of focus included identifying opportunities to expand LifeLine's market share through data analysis and market research, and developing effective marketing programs, including but not limited to account-based marketing, digital marketing, social media, copywriting, trade shows, public relations and more. I also supported the executive team with internal communications plans and tactics, including issues management, community involvement and philanthropy, employee communications, employee engagement activities and more.

Liberty, Missouri

Warriors' Best Friend Foundation (WBF) is one of only a handful of organizations in the United States that solely identifies and adopts canines from animal shelters for its service-dog training program for veterans. It is the only one within the Midwest utilizing its model of training. My role consisted of:—Planning and execution of a comprehensive fundraising program to reach annual organizational goals as well as future needs of the organization—Design and implementation of facility dog program with models built at Liberty High School and Valor Recovery Program—Community partnership development and media relations with city and regional outlets —Strategic planning and oversight of digital marketing, social media, volunteer outreach to build WBF’s visibility, impact and financial resources —Developing relationships with four additional local military installations —Oversight of the recruitment and work of organizational internPosition was eliminated due to organizational structure.

Kansas City, Missouri

— Managed available corporate reputation, HR recruitment, and employee relations tools and made recommendations for optimization using Glassdoor and Indeed. Used social listening and analytics to monitor competitor and employee activity and identified trends to make real-time recommendations that impacted culture, recruitment and employee relations strategies— Executed selection of employee advocacy program vendor, program objectives and communications plans— Developed public relations and social media strategies that created buzz, attracted visitors, and drove affinity for Hallmark Visitors Center and Kaleidoscope attractions while managing measurement and analysis of paid, owned and earned social data. Partnered with brand social teams to leverage social campaigns with a cohesive point-of-view and brand voice that aligned to product and marketing plans— Led company crisis communications planning — Supported Director of PR and Social Media with Corporate Reputation and Issues Management projects (media requests, weekly round up of company-wide media impressions, Social Responsibility Report)

St. Joseph, Missouri Area

— Managed US corporate external communications to strengthen recognition of the BIAH brand and enhance the company reputation— Responsible for corporate social responsibility strategy and execution, including community grant program, employee volunteer opportunities, employee matching gift program, and outreach with community and industry partners— Supported executive leadership team and marketing and sales teams with corporate reputation support enhancing the image and reputation through relations with trade, business, scientific and consumer news media outlets— Liaised with global and local business and communications colleagues to ensure consistency in content, timeframes and leveraging best practices for PR and social media projects— Responsible for strategic direction and execution of company social media channels and corporate website, including review of all marketing-related content to spread brand awareness and engagement — Worked with leadership to manage and execute high-level meetings and events for up to 3,000 employees, including: press conferences, national sales meetings, ribbon cuttings, ground-breakings. Ensured communications support, participation and consistency across 11 US sites in support of strengthening employee engagement, morale and external recognition of the company— Served as interim internal communications lead responsible for print and digital channels ensuring regular rhythm of company news and information dissemination to employees— Cultivated and authored stories from across the US animal health business to support globalcommunications needs, including AHead magazine, social media and intranet— Co-responsible for company’s crisis communications plan and issues management response with traditional media and social media related to regulatory compliance and other topics— Served as primary contact for outside agency and vendor supportPosition was eliminated due to relocation of HQ

St. Joseph, Missouri Area

Worked with food industry professionals, producers and farmers to secure food donations for the regional food bank in St. Joseph, Mo., Second Harvest Community Food Bank. At year-end 2013, we secured a record 5.7 million pounds of food. From grocers on a local level to national partners, I encouraged donors to help feed our neighbors in need with quality, nutritious foods. I also managed donor relationships with our food donors and partner agencies through a variety of communication channels. Position was eliminated due to Feeding America grant structure.ServSafe Food Manager and Instructor certifiedCertified Food Resourcer

St. Joseph, Missouri

Led the agency's first development and marketing efforts, including donor relations and acquisition, public relations, media relations, social media, email marketing, website development, grant writing and event planning. I also worked on the recruitment of the agency's interns and volunteers for a variety of departmental needs.

Kansas City, Missouri

Assisted with public relations implementation, including media relations, copy writing, photography, social media monitoring and event planning, for a large crop chemical company, an agricultural manufacturing company and an agricultural commodity association.Company was dissolved.

St. Joseph, Missouri Area

Managed all media relations, special events, website development, social media, donor communications, special projects such as food and fund drives. Assisted Director of Development in fundraising proposals and overall strategic development plan. Received promotion within first year of employment.

— Created and implemented a strategic communications plan— Analyzed current marketing efforts to reach target audiences— Designed marketing and advertising campaigns — Generated donor communications efforts among national corporate donors and partners

— Wrote editorial articles for the Angus Journal and Angus Beef Bulletin— Wrote news releases for CAB partners, trade shows and industry events

— Wrote editorial articles for the monthly Hereford World— Assisted with layout, editing and content of magazine— Wrote news releases for summer regional shows and the Junior National Hereford Show

Master'S, Public Affairs

Bachelor Of Science, Agricultural Journalism And Communications/Animal Science

Activities and Societies: College of Agriculture Ambassadors, Agriculture Future of America, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow.

High School Diploma

Activities and Societies: Kansas Association for Youth Service (KAYS), FFA, Biology Club, Track, Cheerleading, 4-H, National Honor.