Melissa Hernandez

• Directs efforts of team to execute strategic initiatives related to awards, conference sponsorships, industry and civic organization involvement, speaking engagements and other external communications
• Formulates corporate messaging and coordinate executive review of materials to support consistency of message in market, accuracy and compliance, and alignment with overall business strategy
• Develops integrated strategies to develop, support and promote keystone research initiative projects and third-party content marketing efforts
• Secures key partnerships that contribute to the company''s overall growth strategy and market reach
• Spearheads successful proprietary research initiatives that result in increased brand visibility and lead generation
• Facilitates cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization
• Improves the department's productivity, cost efficiency, annual business plan and budget
• Secures high-profile speaking opportunities for company executives, positioning them as industry thought leaders
• Enhances brand visibility through strategic partnerships and industry conference sponsorships
• Elevates company reputation nationally by garnering industry recognition and awards for individuals and corporate initiatives

Key accomplishments:

• Oversaw a strategic research partnership with Boston College Center for Retirement Research, including a multi-year, multi-million dollar contract to conduct analysis on several critical risks impacting Americans' retirement
• 40 speaking engagements across Jackson SMEs, enhancing the visibility of thought leaders
• Supported C-Suite officers with high-profile speaking opportunities, talking points and visibility through media, conferences, podcasts and more
• Personally secured several national and industry awards on behalf of the organization
• Partnered with Government Relations to formalize process for evaluating Jackson's presence across the industry in trade organizations

• Oversaw the External Communications team and the strategic communications plans for media outreach, crisis communications, risk mitigation and reputation management
• Served as company spokeswoman and primary counsel to company executives on media presence, talking points and messaging
• Cultivated relationships with key trade and local media, including coordination and facilitation of media interviews
• Facilitated national media tours on behalf of key executives, resulting in enhanced media relationships and positive publicity
• Developed scripts, presentations and talking points for Jackson executives for internal and external speaking engagements
• Wrote and strategically distributed outreach materials including press releases, bylined articles, newsletter content and internal communications
• Facilitated media training sessions with executive spokespersons, increasing their public speaking skills and ability to deliver strong key messages
• Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations

Key accomplishments:

• Earned LIMRA Rising Star of Marketing and Communications for 2017 for successfully helping to drive brand strategy, enhance Jackson’s trusted reputation and transform Jackson from a niche industry voice to an influential thought leader
• Received 2018 PACE Pinnacle Award in Community Relations from the Central Michigan Chapter of Public Relations Society of America (CMPRSA) for national launch of the Jackson Charitable Foundation and Cha-Ching Money Smart Kids program
• Received 2016 PACE Award in Community Relations from CMPRSA for exemplary communications plan and public relations work to promote the Boys & Girls Club of Lansing’s new Jackson Teen Zone

• Strategically counseled clients on reputation management and enhancing their public image through social and traditional media and community outreach
• Facilitated development of media materials and outreach for strategic public relations and marketing plans for clients, overseeing timelines and execution
• Coordinated, produced and directed print, TV and radio advertisements for local businesses

• Held this role concurrently with Christopherson & Co Communications
• Provided strategic media relations and social media support for numerous clients across several industries and channels

• Oversaw tactical execution of accounts, including writing materials, pitching reporters and conducting research
• Supervised account teams, providing strategic direction and overseeing formal review process, budgets and expenses