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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

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.

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.

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.

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.