Melissa Williams
Fayetteville,AR
Summary
Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Global Communications Manager
Tyson Foods
08.2022 - 10.2023
- Executive and internal communication specialist with and public relations experience, including crisis communication advising during the arrest of the CFO
- Support the group president of the two largest business unit in the global company portfolio, creating communication plans, organizational announcements, newsletters and merger and acquisition announcements and grand opening programs for new and expanded plants, facilities and child care centers
- Building relationships with top tier journalists, building talking points, crafting messaging and conducting media training to prepare executives for interviews and media coverage.
Assistant and Acting News Director
KOAT | Hearst Television
05.2016 - 06.2022
- Successfully managed and coached 50 direct reports, department budgets, expense reports, hiring, communicating with internal department leaders and corporate executives
- Lead daily editorial meetings setting up daily plan for journalist excellence
- Oversee content, manage assignment desk editors, newsroom systems and workflow
- Manage investigative team, special assignments including specials, debates and town hall forums
- Work closely with the state Congressional Delegation on current events and coverage as well as the White House when coverage warrants, building relationships and creating collaborations that pass along knowledge viewers need to make decisions about their health and safety
- Contribute to digital platforms monitoring analytics for market success.
Assignment Manager
KMBC | Hearst Television
01.2015 - 04.2016
- Maintain organization for story ideas, press releases and planned shoots through task management system
- Create better working relationships with stakeholders in the community like police, fire, schools and major companies and corporations in the market by taking time for one-on-one visits with communications and public relations officers
- Organizing a digital thinking assignment desk creating good communication and workflow with digital staff
- Create good hand-off communication for staff during shift changes.
Managing Editor, Anchor and Reporter
40/29 News | Hearst Television
01.2002 - 04.2015
- Manage daily morning and afternoon editorial meetings
- Oversee development of content, lead and track open records requests, improve storytelling
- Manage digital channels including social media
- Anchored two-hour show and designated primetime fill in anchor
- Active in regional events to build station brand and commitment in the community
- Reporter building reputation of ethical excellence with community stakeholders.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR12.2001
Skills
- Business Development
- Contract Management
- Policy Implementation
- Financial Management
References
Wes Morris | Tyson Foods Poultry President | 479-422-6964
Derek Burleson | Tyson Foods Public Relations Director | 479-651-0275
Jess O'Neill | KOAT News Director |505-331-1711
Robin Edie | Mitchell Group Account Director | 479-790-3792
Certification
Emmy Award | Best Evening Newscast
Emmy Award | Historical Long Form Content
Graduate | Harvard Business Corporate Leadership
Hearst Change Agent Ally Certification
Recruiter for Hearst Television, Excellence in Journalism
Kneeland Fellow, Leadership Training
Hearst Producer Academy
National Press Photographer Association Certification
Investigative Reporter and Editor Certification
Timeline
Senior Global Communications Manager
Tyson Foods
08.2022 - 10.2023
Assistant and Acting News Director
KOAT | Hearst Television
05.2016 - 06.2022
Assignment Manager
KMBC | Hearst Television
01.2015 - 04.2016
Managing Editor, Anchor and Reporter
40/29 News | Hearst Television
01.2002 - 04.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Arkansas Tech University