Experience

Melissa Farmer Richards is a frequent presenter at local, regional, and national events. She is a member of the American Marketing Association (AMA), Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). She currently serves as president for the PRSA-Central New York Chapter and chair-elect for the Northeast District. She teaches public relations and communications as a part-time adjunct instructor at Aurora University Online and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

Prior to her 15-year career in higher education, Melissa spent 16 years in the corporate sector where she held senior positions at start-up software companies and global technology organizations, and she founded two small businesses. From 2010 to 2015 she helped found a children’s museum in Blacksburg, Virginia, that has since grown and thrives as Wonder Universe. In 2018, she helped establish the ASXL Rare Research Foundation to fund microgrants for genetic research related to the ASXL gene and three associated human syndromes. She is a member of CHIEF, a private networking and mentoring organization designed for women executives to strengthen their leadership, magnify their influence, and pave the way to bring others with them.

Melissa earned a Master of Public Administration at Virginia Tech, a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Virginia, the Accreditation in Public Relations credential, and the AGB Board Professional Certificate. She has edited four books—two fiction and two military history. She is currently writing her own book, The 30-60-90 Day Checklist for New and Aspiring Leaders of Communications and Marketing in Higher Education.