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Hi, I’m Melissa Damsen Watkins, a strategic PR, marketing and communications leader who serves as trusted CMO-level counsel for startups, Fortune 500s and agencies. I partner with organizations to build, manage and protect reputations, developing integrated marketing and public relations strategies that cut through crowded markets and drive measurable results. I bring executive-level insight and execution to every engagement—from launching local retail concepts and national campaigns to navigating crises, coaching executives for media, and amplifying thought leadership. I thrive on turning complex challenges into credible, compelling narratives that accelerate growth and deepen stakeholder trust.…Hi, I’m Melissa Damsen Watkins, a strategic PR, marketing and communications leader who serves as trusted CMO-level counsel for startups, Fortune 500s and agencies. I partner with organizations to build, manage and protect reputations, developing integrated marketing and public relations strategies that cut through crowded markets and drive measurable results. I bring executive-level insight and execution to every engagement—from launching local retail concepts and national campaigns to navigating crises, coaching executives for media, and amplifying thought leadership. I thrive on turning complex challenges into credible, compelling narratives that accelerate growth and deepen stakeholder trust.

Melissa Damsen Watkins

Content Creator, Copywriter, Brand Strategist, +2

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Hi, I’m Melissa Damsen Watkins, a strategic PR, marketing and communications leader who serves as trusted CMO-level counsel for startups, Fortune 500s and agencies. I partner with organizations to build, manage and protect reputations, developing integrated marketing and public relations strategies that cut through crowded markets and drive measurable results. I bring executive-level insight and execution to every engagement—from launching local retail concepts and national campaigns to navigating crises, coaching executives for media, and amplifying thought leadership. I thrive on turning complex challenges into credible, compelling narratives that accelerate growth and deepen stakeholder trust.…Hi, I’m Melissa Damsen Watkins, a strategic PR, marketing and communications leader who serves as trusted CMO-level counsel for startups, Fortune 500s and agencies. I partner with organizations to build, manage and protect reputations, developing integrated marketing and public relations strategies that cut through crowded markets and drive measurable results. I bring executive-level insight and execution to every engagement—from launching local retail concepts and national campaigns to navigating crises, coaching executives for media, and amplifying thought leadership. I thrive on turning complex challenges into credible, compelling narratives that accelerate growth and deepen stakeholder trust.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Melissa Damsen Watkins, a strategic PR, marketing and communications leader who serves as trusted CMO-level counsel for startups, Fortune 500s and agencies. I partner with organizations to build, manage and protect reputations, developing integrated marketing and public relations strategies that cut through crowded markets and drive measurable results.

I bring executive-level insight and execution to every engagement—from launching local retail concepts and national campaigns to navigating crises, coaching executives for media, and amplifying thought leadership. I thrive on turning complex challenges into credible, compelling narratives that accelerate growth and deepen stakeholder trust.

Skills

Copywriting

Experience Level

Copywriting

Expert

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Owner & Principal, PR Strategist at Out Box Communications

February 1, 2002 - November 26, 2025

Fractional PR leadership and full-service media relations for nearly 100 organizations, developing integrated campaigns across media relations, content, digital and community channels. Provides strategic counsel, executive visibility and media coaching to C-suite leaders; specializes in launching and elevating thought leadership and brand credibility in saturated markets.

PR Counsel / Agency of Record at UScellular (Mid-Atlantic)

February 1, 2002 - November 26, 2025

Managed proactive and reactive public relations across the Mid-Atlantic region as the agency of record for UScellular; supported PR programs, marketing initiatives, crisis communications, community engagement, writing, media coordination and placement across TV, radio, online and print; provided media training and developed talking points and monthly reporting; led crisis communications during incidents including the Virginia Tech shootings and other emergencies; oversaw national placements and award-winning campaigns; contributed to diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Director of Public Relations at Amsterland

August 1, 2022 - November 26, 2025

Creative-first integrated marketing agency role driving earned media for national news and lifestyle PR for Wondercide; grew earned placements year-over-year (+206% in 2023 and +93% in 2024) and helped drive a 33% sales increase; coverage included Good Housekeeping, NYT, Architectural Digest, Yahoo News, etc.; contributed to affiliate partnerships and product launches.

Public Relations Manager / National Spokeswoman at The Home Depot

December 31, 2002 - December 31, 2002

Built the PR division for The Home Depot’s interior design business; drove national press, community events and store launches to exceed sales goals; managed a $500K budget and PR agency relationships; generated broad earned media across Oprah, The View, Today Show, WSJ, NYT, and more; achieved 700M+ impressions in under 2 years.

Marketing and Communications Manager at Georgia-Pacific

November 30, 1999 - November 30, 1999

Planned and executed integrated marketing campaigns for structural panels and engineered lumber divisions; managed a $6M budget and agency relationships; led in-store merchandising, advertising, PR and promotions.

Marketing and Public Relations Manager at EQUIFAX

May 31, 1998 - May 31, 1998

Managed public relations, advertising, events and corporate communications; developed and oversaw speakers' bureau, internal and external newsletters and company website; increased positive publicity by 200% and earned the Golden Eagle Award.

Associate Account Executive at Biggs-Gilmore Communications

September 30, 1995 - September 30, 1995

Account executive for Upjohn Animal Health (now Pfizer), coordinating all facets of advertising, direct mail, marketing and public relations campaigns worth $2M; supported onboarding of new clients and international PR launches.