Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Websites
Certification
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

Melissa McDonald

Missouri City,TX

Summary

Brand-oriented, award winning marketing and communications leader who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment that harnesses the strength of multiple mediums, including digital, print, organic, and paid placements, and a communications strategy that encourages growth, morale, and connections between C-suite leaders and employees.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Executive Director of Marketing and Communications

UT Physicians
Houston, TX
01.2025 - Current
  • Leads the creation and execution of integrated marketing campaigns across multiple channels to increase patient engagement, revenue, and service expansion for 184 clinics across Houston
  • Collaborates with executive leadership to craft strategic messages, and works with various departments to develop and implement a unified marketing and communications approach
  • Directs community engagement initiatives, including planning and executing events to strengthen local relations, and increase brand visibility
  • Oversees digital marketing efforts, including social media strategy, website management, and e-newsletter campaigns, ensuring security, accessibility, and accuracy
  • Utilizes market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities for growth and refine targeted marketing strategies
  • Manages content creation for digital and print materials, ensuring consistency with brand identity and compliance with healthcare marketing regulations
  • Spearheads crisis communication efforts and maintain relationships with vendors and community organizations to foster positive exposure
  • Mentors and develops a high-performing marketing and communications team of 15, setting goals and conducting performance reviews to ensure alignment with business objectives
  • Strategizes and implements plans to transform and revitalize operations, capitalizing on emerging industry trends

Director of Marketing & Communications

UT Physicians
Houston, TX
08.2021 - 01.2025
  • Directed and mentored a team of marketing and communications professionals, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and accountability
  • Utilized data-driven insights to monitor campaign performance, identifies trends, and make informed decisions to optimize marketing strategies
  • Spearhead editorial oversight and strategic content planning for both internal and external communications, ensuring coherence, relevance, and effectiveness across all written materials
  • Planned and executed multiple events, including logistics, ordering, budgeting, sponsorships, and promotional activities
  • Strategic planner for community events (planning and execution to boost morale, encourage employee engagement, and raise brand visibility)
  • Led department’s employee recruitment
  • Led the transformation of brand identity from a graphic design and messaging perspective, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and maintaining consistency across all platforms
  • Orchestrated the procurement and management of all marketing vendor contracts, ensuring optimal service delivery and cost-effectiveness

Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications

UT Physicians
Houston, TX
10.2019 - 08.2021
  • Spearheaded comprehensive COVID-19 crisis communications efforts, internally and externally, ensuring clarity, consistency, and stakeholder engagement throughout the medical school’s faculty practice plan
  • Conceptualized and executed the award-winning launch of an external and internal communication strategy for the transition to Epic (EHR) for UTHealth Houston, ensuring seamless adoption and stakeholder engagement
  • Oversaw the planning, execution, and evaluation of marketing campaigns to drive brand awareness, engagement, and lead generation
  • Produced compelling and engaging content for various platforms, including digital media, print collateral, internal/external articles, and presentations
  • Implemented digital marketing strategies, including SEO, SEM, email marketing, and social media advertising, to reach target audiences and drive conversions
  • Oversaw the development and management of the company's website, ensuring it serves as an effective digital marketing tool
  • Mentored marketing personnel on best practices and protocols to maximize productivity
  • Identified potential new markets for product expansion opportunities

Communications Manager

Insperity Holdings
Houston, TX
08.2016 - 10.2019
  • Budget tracking and goal setting for the department
  • ROI measurement of marketing campaigns
  • Social media management, creation, and paid boosting
  • Content writer and editor for internal/external web platforms/memos in Associated Press Style
  • Commercial video field production and writing
  • Brand standard creation and enforcement
  • Reputation brand building to develop consumer awareness to drive revenue
  • Led internal and external event organization
  • Review of vendor marketing proposals and purchase
  • Direct reports management
  • Content management system updates

Freelance Writer

UTHealth Houston & GideonStone, LLC
Houston, TX
01.2010 - 04.2016
  • Conducted interviews and writing material for internal and external print and online publications

Senior Media Relations Specialist

UTHealth Houston
Houston, TX
05.2006 - 01.2010
  • Established and grew a media contact list with an emphasis on the national venue
  • Wrote news releases and advisories, sculpting media campaigns
  • Wrote material for internal and external print and online publications
  • Pitched stories at the local, national, and international levels
  • Fielded requests from the local, national, and international media

Medical Producer & Associate Producer

KPRC-TV
Houston, TX
03.2004 - 04.2006
  • Wrote and edited medical reports for on-air
  • Organized and conducted interviews
  • Conducted meetings to discuss production progress and attain production objectives.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and technology advancements related to production processes.
  • Implemented quality control measures to maintain production standards.

Producer & Videographer

KPLC-TV
Lake Charles, LA
01.1999 - 12.2003
  • Organized and produced newscasts
  • Wrote, shot, and edited news stories for on-air broadcasting and digital platforms.
  • Marketed newscasts to the public
  • Coordinated satellite feeds and bookings
  • Production of special event shows
  • Special events producer
  • Tackled issues with crew members and actors immediately to achieve quick and effective resolution while keeping projects on schedule.

Education

BS - Mass Communications

McNeese State University
12.1999

Skills

  • Crisis communication
  • Everbridge
  • Market research
  • Content creation
  • Brand management
  • Performance analysis
  • Community relations
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Vendor management
  • Strategic messaging
  • Team leadership
  • Word Press
  • Coupa
  • Event planning
  • Data-driven decision making
  • Employee development
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Written communication
  • Project management
  • Digital marketing
  • Online reputation management
  • AP Style
  • Yext
  • ServiceNow
  • Integrated marketing
  • Public relations
  • MailChimp and Constant Contact

Affiliations

American Marketing Association – Houston Chapter

Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council

Certification

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt

Accomplishments

  • 2024 President’s Volunteer Service Award
  • 2024 UT System Chancellor’s Award – Communication Strategy for UTHealth Houston Half Marathon & 10K event
  • 2024 American Marketing Association Crystal Awards – Houston Chapter: Micro Paid Search Campaign, Best Newsletter, Best Article
  • 2023 President’s Volunteer Service Award
  • 2022 President’s Volunteer Service Award
  • 2022 UT System Chancellor’s Award – Communication Strategy for Epic (EHR) Launch
  • 2010 Houston Press Club Award-3rd Place Public Relations Article
  • 2010 CASE Achievement Award-Medical/Scientific News Writing
  • 2009 Houston Press Club Award-2nd Place Communicator of the Year
  • 2009 Houston Press Club Award-1st Place Public Relations Article
  • 2007 CASE Silver Award- Medical Headlines (HPV Vaccine)
  • 2002 Louisiana Associated Press Award-1st Place Breaking News Team Coverage

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Executive Director of Marketing and Communications

UT Physicians
01.2025 - Current

Director of Marketing & Communications

UT Physicians
08.2021 - 01.2025

Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications

UT Physicians
10.2019 - 08.2021

Communications Manager

Insperity Holdings
08.2016 - 10.2019

Freelance Writer

UTHealth Houston & GideonStone, LLC
01.2010 - 04.2016

Senior Media Relations Specialist

UTHealth Houston
05.2006 - 01.2010

Medical Producer & Associate Producer

KPRC-TV
03.2004 - 04.2006

Producer & Videographer

KPLC-TV
01.1999 - 12.2003

BS - Mass Communications

McNeese State University
Melissa McDonald