Melissa Galandak
340 East 117th Street, New York,NY
Summary
A dedicated, solution and results-driven communications director with more than 15 years of experience developing and executing all aspects of traditional and digital public relations to deliver against key business objectives including increased awareness, media exposure and retailer support. Primarily focused on developing and implementing brand strategies, cultivating relationships, client communications and special projects.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Consumer & Lifestyle
JONESWORKS
08.2023 - 04.2024
- Developed thoughtful strategies and timelines to support brand goals and meet key business objectives, incorporating talent division clients where applicable
- Held regular status meetings and managed account teams in the execution of PR plans to drive client KPIs forward
- Supported and executed large scale events including those for the grand opening of Fontainebleau Las Vegas, preview ceremony for Hall of Excellence with seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, filming with Mark Wahlberg for Fletcha Azul Tequila and Mt. Rushmore Bash with Magic Johnson during Super Bowl LVIII "Bleau Blitz" Weekend at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, and announcement for Gabrielle Union as global ambassador for Knix in New York
- Leveraged a network of high-level media relations to secure placements in trade, national, regional, online and broadcast outlets for clients including Amour Vert, BaubleBar, Dundas, Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Fontainebleau Miami Beach, Good Man Brand (Russell Wilson) and JW Marriott Turnberry
- Proposed alternative solutions to workflow to strengthen systems and account projects
- Supported new business development by speaking with prospective brands, creating and presenting proposals and developing service agreements
Senior Account Director
Ballantines Public Relations
02.2020 - 08.2023
- Served as point of contact for clients globally across luxury lifestyle, entertainment, hospitality, health & wellness, sports & fitness, conservation, food & beverage and tech sectors
- Oversaw national and global PR teams to drive client needs forward
- Led events and international press trips including those for Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rhino Ark in Kenya, Victorinox in Switzerland, Sandos Hotels & Resorts in Mexico and The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
- Developed partnerships between clients and like-minded brands to create synergies that generate unique and pressworthy ventures
Director of Public Relations
Pierce Mattie Communications
08.2011 - 02.2020
- Managed day-to-day operations including supervision and assignment delegation for multiple teams
- Created strategies for clients including Dermaquest, Eminence Organics, Innersense Organics Beauty, Intimacy (lingerie), James Free (fine) Jewelry, KORA Organics, Paula's Choice, Philip Kingsley, Plexus (nutrition), and Trilogy Skincare
- Established the social media division at the agency and developed content calendars
- Successfully executed New York Fashion Week collaborations, web development projects and limited edition partnerships
- Managed influencer partnerships for The Skinny Confidential, Marianna Hewitt and Kristin Taekman
Publicist - Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle
D2 Publicity
11.2009 - 07.2011
- Created PR strategies, releases and monthly reports for clients including Antonio Prieto Salon, Rachel Hudgins Photography, Karyn’s Raw, i am BEYOND, Real Pilates
- Secured prominent placements and features in LA Confidential, The New York Times, Vogue and more
- Coordinated backstage interviews for New York Fashion Week coverage for Cynthia Rowley and Tibi
- Assisted with editor events for new clients, product launches, and collaborations
Senior Account Executive - Fashion & Accessories
Krupp Group Public Relations
10.2008 - 03.2009
- Secured product placement for accounts including Casadei, Pedro Garcia, Gryson, Inhabit, Lela Rose, Lela Rose Bridal, United Bamboo and Rachel Comey
- Scheduled showroom events with editors during market week
- Maintained strong relationships with stylists to dress celebrities for red carpet events including Anne Hathaway, Beyonce, Eva Mendes, Demi Moore and Kate Hudson
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Marketing, Economics Minor
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
New Jersey2003
International Business
L’Ecole De Commerce
Nice, France2002
Skills
- Communications strategies
- New business development
- Team development
- Joint ventures
- Event coordination
- Pitching media via strong media relationships
- Quality leadership
- Enthusiastic team player
- Competitive analysis
- Problem solving
- Relationship building expert
- Excellent written and verbal communicator
- Client Relationship Building
- Social media management experience
Personal Interests/Achievements
Completed the 2019 NYC Marathon
Received NASM Personal Training Certification in 2020
Timeline
Vice President, Consumer & Lifestyle
JONESWORKS
08.2023 - 04.2024
Senior Account Director
Ballantines Public Relations
02.2020 - 08.2023
Director of Public Relations
Pierce Mattie Communications
08.2011 - 02.2020
Publicist - Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle
D2 Publicity
11.2009 - 07.2011
Senior Account Executive - Fashion & Accessories
Krupp Group Public Relations
10.2008 - 03.2009
Bachelor of Science - Business Marketing, Economics Minor
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
International Business
L’Ecole De Commerce