Strategic Communications Executive | Emmy Award-Winning Leader | Governance Expert

Melinda Davenport is a distinguished strategic communications executive with an exceptional track record of driving brand excellence, revenue growth, and stakeholder engagement on a global scale. With over a decade of experience in executive leadership roles, Melinda brings a unique blend of communication expertise, crisis management understanding, and a proven ability to enhance corporate reputation.

Professional Accomplishments

At Meta, Melinda is a trusted advisor to the Founder and CEO, overseeing a world-class global team. Her strategic vision has not only solidified Meta’s internal brand position but has also propelled the organization through critical business transitions, including Meta’s brand transition from Facebook, product launches, major restructuring/layoffs, multimillion-dollar acquisitions, and high-profile crises. Melinda's proactive approach to communication strategy has consistently delivered measurable results, achieving a 1-point brand lift on external campaigns and reducing budget requirements by 25%.

In her previous role as Head of Marketing and Communications at Kairos Power, Melinda was pivotal in repositioning the company and elevating its visibility. Under her leadership, the global team achieved a remarkable 621% increase in total average organic reach on social media platforms, demonstrating her ability to drive brand recognition and engagement in a dynamic market.

COnNECT 2023

Melinda presenting at the annual Connect conference at Meta’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California, which focused on AI and virtual, mixed and augmented realities.

Media and Academic Influence

Beyond her corporate roles, Melinda has left an indelible mark on the media landscape. As a two-time Emmy award winner for digital interactivity and news anchoring, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to captivate and inform diverse audiences. Melinda's influence extends into academia, where she serves as an Adjunct Professor at Marquette University and the Community College System of New Hampshire. Her commitment to education includes teaching courses on media writing, organizational communication, and critical thinking, shaping the next generation of communicators.

Leadership and Governance Expertise

Melinda is an Advisor to The Feel-Good Company, co-founded by the masterminds behind Drybar. She has a keen understanding of governance dynamics, having served on the boards of prominent organizations such as The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County and the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame. Her board memberships reflect her commitment to community service and her ability to contribute strategically at a governance level.

Recognition and Awards

Melinda's contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed. In addition to her Emmy awards, the Milwaukee Business Journal honored her with the prestigious ‘40 Under 40' award, further attesting to her standing as a leader and influencer.

Vision for Board Service

Melinda Davenport brings a wealth of experience, a commitment to excellence, and a proven ability to navigate complex communication landscapes. Her vision for board service within Fortune 500 companies is centered on leveraging her strategic communication expertise to enhance brand positioning, crisis readiness, and stakeholder engagement. Melinda is poised to contribute her unique blend of leadership, governance insight, and global perspective to drive sustained growth and success for the organizations she serves.

Melinda obtained her master’s degree in Organizational Communication from Northeastern University in Boston and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Houston.