Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Personality Strengths
Affiliations
References
Timeline
AdministrativeAssistant

Melissa Thayne

Anchorage

Summary

I’m a relationship-driven professional with over 15 years of experience in business development, brand management, executive recruitment, and both corporate and nonprofit administration. I thrive in roles that allow me to work independently, build meaningful partnerships, and guide organizations through intentional growth. Whether I am managing a brand’s evolution, mentoring emerging professionals, or leading strategic recruitment efforts, I bring a thoughtful and people-centered approach to every project.

After taking intentional time to realign my goals with my values and personal priorities, I am stepping back into a high-performing role with clarity, energy, and long-term vision. At the core of my work is a belief in authentic connection, ethical leadership, and building things that last, whether that is a team, a brand, or a business relationship. I am currently seeking opportunities that combine strategic growth with meaningful impact, especially in brand leadership, business development, or talent strategy.

Strategic mind with a grounded presence, helping brands and teams grow with purpose.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Retail Sales Lead

Great Northern Cannabis, Inc.
Anchorage
06.2024 - Current
  • Investigated sales trends to pinpoint areas for enhancement and expansion opportunities.
  • Built lasting customer relationships leveraging excellent communication.
  • Coached employees through tough customer interactions.
  • Coordinated with marketing department, planning and executing promotional events.

Wholesale Representative

Johnny's Produce
Anchorage
07.2023 - 01.2024
  • Achieved sales growth through lead generation and strategic cold calling.
  • Utilized strong problem-solving abilities to boost repeat transactions.
  • Expanded and sustained network of pre-existing accounts within the wholesale market.
  • Supervised entire workflow of warehouse activities such as inventory management and order fulfillment.

Outside Sales Account Executive

iHeartMedia
Anchorage
02.2023 - 07.2023
  • Expanded connections with both new and existing contacts.
  • Conducted cold calls, networked, and performed targeted outreach to find qualified leads.
  • Enhanced workflows by engaging with internal teams to refine client campaigns.
  • Advised clients on optimal marketing strategies tailored to branding goals and future needs.

Account Executive

Coastal Television Broadcasting Holdings LLC
Anchorage
03.2021 - 11.2021
  • Consistently surpassed goals through effective client account management.
  • Designed tailored presentations and reports to highlight services and value propositions.
  • Performed comprehensive market analysis to identify client needs, enabling strategic marketing adjustments.
  • Fostered future opportunities through strategic relationship building.

Account Executive

Anchorage Daily News
Anchorage
11.2019 - 10.2020
  • Played a pivotal role in enhancing team performance and boosting revenue.
  • Supplied assessments of financial requirements for advertising initiatives.
  • Attended sessions focused on acquiring new selling techniques.
  • Tracked all facets of sales operations with comprehensive records encompassing contacts, accounts, and leads.
  • Participated in industry trade shows to showcase products.

Administrative Support II

Southcentral Foundation
Anchorage
01.2005 - 12.2008
  • Acknowledged by leadership for providing outstanding customer support.
  • Facilitated interdepartmental support to enhance project efficiency.
  • Addressed client and team concerns swiftly, maintaining seamless daily operations.
  • Ensured thorough understanding of company protocols through regular professional training.

Education

High School Diploma - General, Business Administration and Management, Business, Psychology, Art

A.J. Dimond High School
Anchorage, AK
01.2003

Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration

Alaska Pacific University
Anchorage, AK

Skills

  • Senior-level hiring methods
  • Pipeline development
  • Client relationship management
  • Strategic networking
  • Consultative sales approach
  • Expertise in prospecting
  • Competitive positioning strategies
  • Effective communication
  • C-suite collaboration expertise
  • Contract negotiation expertise
  • Coordinating event operations
  • Effective problem-solving

Certification

  • Google Digital Marketing & E-Commerce – Google
  • Inbound Marketing Certification – HubSpot
  • Talent Management – LinkedIn Learning
  • Project Management Foundations – LinkedIn Learning
  • Strategic Thinking – LinkedIn Learning
  • Google Analytics Essential Training – LinkedIn Learning
  • Digital Strategy & Online Marketing Foundations – LinkedIn Learning

Accomplishments

  • Market Expansion & National Accounts: At iHeartMedia, negotiated contracts up to $250K, expanding national and international accounts, and growing my territory by 18% in five months.
  • Wholesale Management & Sales Growth: Trained as a successor at Johnny's Produce, managing all aspects of wholesale operations and increasing sales by 10% over six months.
  • Pandemic Adaptation & Revenue Growth: At ADN, transitioned seamlessly to remote work during the pandemic, maintaining productivity and generating a 12% increase in advertising revenue.

Personality Strengths

  • Conventional: Adheres to established processes and methods
  • Flexible: Adaptable while maintaining stability and success
  • Collaborative: Relationship builder, assertive and equipped to lead
  • Accommodating: Diplomatic and accepting of others' needs
  • Composed: Remains calm under pressure

Affiliations

  • Actively involved in community and school events and programs.
  • Enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle, participating in indoor activities as a member of the Alaska Club and embracing the Alaskan outdoors.
  • Pursue digital art as a hobby, experimenting with various creative tools and AI techniques.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Retail Sales Lead

Great Northern Cannabis, Inc.
06.2024 - Current

Wholesale Representative

Johnny's Produce
07.2023 - 01.2024

Outside Sales Account Executive

iHeartMedia
02.2023 - 07.2023

Account Executive

Coastal Television Broadcasting Holdings LLC
03.2021 - 11.2021

Account Executive

Anchorage Daily News
11.2019 - 10.2020

Administrative Support II

Southcentral Foundation
01.2005 - 12.2008

High School Diploma - General, Business Administration and Management, Business, Psychology, Art

A.J. Dimond High School

Some College (No Degree) - Business Administration

Alaska Pacific University
Melissa Thayne