Melissa C. Potter Email & Phone Number

New York, Us

New York, Us

New York, Us

Developing bold campaigns and activations for MTV, Comedy Central, VH1, CMT, Paramount Network, Logo, Pop TV, Smithsonian, and TV Land. Leading research and strategy development projects, sharing finds and developing measurement plans to track the effectiveness of campaigns. Partnering closely with content creators to advise on social and racial justice issues and storylines, including messaging guidance, actions and cast support. Working closely with internal partners at the brand level, ViacomCBS, and Office of Inclusion, as well as external partners such as talent, brands, and nonprofits to bring campaigns to life. Collaborating with marketing, insights, social, digital, development and communications for integrated campaigns. Representing the department and brand with press and other public facing capacities.

Spearheaded the creation, execution and oversight of social impact strategies, promoting award-winning documentary films that highlighted underrepresented communities including Venice Film Festival award-winner “The Rape of Recy Taylor” and Peabody award-winner “Newton.” Delivered and implemented social impact initiatives and resources, identifying and developing national networks and partnerships relating to women's rights, sexual assault/violence, criminal law, and gun reform, plus religious freedoms.Championed pitches and procurement of new opportunities including the HBO award-winning film “The Sentence”. Realized 235 screenings and 22K+ viewers across 21 states countrywide, mapping and implementing the strategy for the PBS WORLD Channel and Urbanworld film festival winning documentary MILWAUKEE53206.

Direct Report to: CEO Direct Reports: Two Designated Communications lead, isolating, strategizing and measuring solution-oriented practices for public and private partnerships. Garnered community engagement, corporate donors and entertainment ambassadors through strategic planning.Heightened awareness relating to youth literacy launching national Read2BGreat campaign enlisting entertainers, athletes, influencers, and funder support. Secured a national partnership with Scholastic Corporation to distribute books and educational materials for schools, teachers, parents, and children.

New York, Us

Direct Report to: Director of Communications Direct Reports: SevenDrove integrated and proactive communications and outreach plans for national non-profit and advocacy organization developing strategies for ACLU National, Center for Justice, Center for Equality, and landmark report and multimedia platform “The War on Marijuana in Black and White”.Oversaw multi-tier advertising and marketing strategy for national criminal justice multiyear campaign “Smart Justice, Fair Justice” leading to a New York Times feature.Galvanized entertainer’s engagement with the ACLU on issues of social justice directing Celebrity Ambassador Program.

New York, New York, Us

Direct Report to: President and Director-Counsel Direct Reports: SixPivotal role as primary media contact and spokesperson, crafting and disseminating press releases, advisories, statements, and op-eds. Successfully pitched media on LDF case developments, fundraising initiatives, speaking engagements, research reports, and events.Optimized federal and state legislative initiatives as well as Supreme Court cases working in tandem with lawyers and community advocates to develop communications strategies.Built top-tier teams directing Communications Department staff as well as managing external media consultants.

Us

• Developed and executed national media campaigns for music, film, non-profit, and event clients for public relations firm specializing in entertainment, sports, artist development, and business. • Acted as Account Executive for artists including The Roots, Dwele, and Charles Hamilton while handling publicity for Chris Lighty, Q Tip, Raphael Saadiq, D’Angelo.

New York City, New York, Us

Organized and booked extensive worldwide travel arrangements for President and celebrity clients and prioritized tasks for President while scheduling meetings.Excellent ability to consistently maintain composure and remain productive in extremely high stress, time- sensitive environments.Initiated interdepartmental projects as delegated by President; diligently handled expense reports and provided administrative support to first assistant.Created excellent experience for associates and professionals by providing an informative, fun attitude and professionalism.Acted as liaison to major corporations such as MAC, Adidas, and G-Unit Clothing between represented artists and company President.

Island/Def Jam; Promoted and organized New England area events for Def Jam Records; maintained contact with NY based promotion and marketing departments.Met with record stores to discuss current Def Jam album sales and oversaw the distribution advertising to target audiences.Responsible for identifying areas for improvement and recommending the solutions needed to streamline work-flow and increase operating efficiency; maintained and grew customer base.

Assembled press kits for represented artists and composed press releases for The Roots, Wynton Marsalis, and Roy Hargrove.Maintained extensive press and celebrity contact database; collected and distributed incoming press to appropriate clients.

Interviewed entertainers in both music and film; researched and compiled daily music and entertainment factsheets and acted as a contributor for articles for MTV News worldwide distribution.Assisted in the development of sales plans and strategies to secure revenue; established excellent rapport with clientele while providing added value opportunities.Attended music and film press junkets, as well as the MTV VMA's; visited record labels to meet with artists and discuss upcoming projects.

Ms Public Relations And Corporate Communication

Bs, Sociology