Melissa J. Laramie

Results-driven strategic communications executive with over 15 years of experience enhancing public trust and stakeholder engagement. Led comprehensive communications strategies, crisis management, and community engagement initiatives for large organizations. Expert in building high-performing teams and delivering impactful messaging to diverse audiences, specializing in public sector leadership and equity-centered communications.

• American Cancer Society, Executive Ambassador, 2024-2026
• GCPS Foundation Fund Inc, Board Member, 2022-2026
• National School Public Relations Association, Member, 2013-2026
• Kent Schools Foundation, Board Member, 2018-2022
• Public Relations Society of America, Member
• Washington School Public Relations Association, Member
• Washington School Public Relations Association, Executive Board Member, 2016, 2020

• Designed and executed a districtwide strategic informational campaign for E-SPLOST (2025), resulting in a 69.5% voter approval to renew the tax with no increase to property tax rates—securing funding for 2026–2031 capital projects. Led cross-divisional governance (internal committee), integrated internal and external communications, and community engagement from spring 2025 through the November 4, 2025 vote.
• Designed and launched the Family Advisory Council (2025–26) and strengthened existing Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, Teacher Advisory Council, and Superintendent’s Business Leader Council by improving efficiency, effectiveness, and participation. Enhanced these structures through active listening and transparent communication, resulting in more meaningful two-way engagement and increased stakeholder voice in district decision-making.
  
• Designed and lead a comprehensive districtwide advisory council model to advance equity of voice and authentic engagement, including the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, Family Advisory Council (launched 2025–26), Teacher Advisory Council, and Superintendent’s Business Leader Council. Established these as cornerstone engagement structures to enable meaningful two-way communication between district leadership and key stakeholder groups, with continuous improvement cycles based on participant feedback.
• Overseeing district communications for the second most diverse and fifth largest district in Washington state, serving as a versatile, creative, and collaborative cabinet leader with excellent management, communications, and writing skills with extensive public and private sector experience.
• Established the inaugural office of Equity and Strategic Engagement in Kent School District to lead the implementation of the district's race and equity policy and procedure in alignment with the board-approved strategic plan and build systemic capacity for all district leaders and staff to design and implement their work in partnership with students, families, and communities who are furthest from educational justice.
• Selected by the superintendent to lead a cross-functional task force of internal and external stakeholders for Kent School District to develop the plan for safely reopening 42 schools and buildings after closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Developed and deployed the district's first branding toolkit that improved the quality of digital and print publications, which was also recognized with an Award of Merit from the Washington Schools Public Relation Association.
• Redesigned and implemented a new monthly digital newsletter raising awareness of organizational initiatives and increased monthly open rates by over 30% to an average of 52%, the highest of all newsletters districtwide.

• Reflect and learn
• Empathy
• Listen first to understand
• Servant leadership
• Continuous improvement
• Empower others
• Data-informed
• Diversity of thought
• Make decisions
• Be accessible
• Clear is kind