About Me
With 15+ years across industries ranging from corporate communications and financial services to nonprofits, national sports organizations, and entrepreneurial ventures, I bring a rare mix of strategic thinking and hands-on execution — backed by both an MBA and an MFA.
I thrive in dynamic environments where no two projects look alike, connecting the dots across communications, program management, event production, and design to deliver work that's cohesive, creative, and built to last. And yes — when I'm not behind the scenes making things run smoothly, I'm on the track officiating and coaching roller derby.
My background spans several disciplines.
Not sure where to start? Select the resume that best reflects what you're looking for:
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Project Management
I'm energized by turning complex challenges into clear, actionable plans that move projects forward. From developing timelines and managing budgets to identifying risks and communicating progress across teams, I bring both strategic oversight and hands-on execution to every engagement. I thrive in dynamic environments where creative problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration are essential to success.
Event Planning
From intimate gatherings to 600-person productions, I manage concurrent events end-to-end — handling venue acquisition, budgeting, staffing, catering, sponsorships, vendor coordination, and on-site execution. Much of my recent event work has been in service of nonprofit and national sports organizations, where logistics, community, and mission all have to align. Based in the Northeast, but I've produced events coast to coast.
Graphic Design & Presentations
I create print and digital content that builds brand recognition and drives community connection — from newsletters, advertisements, and merchandise to social media graphics and presentations. I develop training videos and multimedia resources tailored to varying skill levels and organizational needs across industries. Whether working within an established brand or building one from scratch, I bring both the technical skills and strategic thinking to make visuals work harder and communication clearer.
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Roller Derby
Since 2017, I've volunteered hundreds of hours annually as a certified official and league development consultant, supporting roller derby communities locally and around the world. Over the past five years my involvement with the Junior Roller Derby Association has grown from HR Volunteer Coordinator to leading a national team, currently serving as National Statistics Chair overseeing a cross-functional group of analysts and coordinators.
WFTDA Certified Level 2 Off-Skates Official
MRDA Recognized NSO
Get in Touch
Over the last several years I have created and presented industry-recognized online workshops and in-person training programs, plus some interactive tools, enhancing learning opportunities and game flow for non-skating officials (NSOs) and team leadership across the derby community.
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🎥 To view recorded presentations and training videos, visit Mel's Guide to Roller Derby on YouTube — used as a resource by officials from all over the derby-verse.
📊 I developed a dedicated short track roller derby scoreboard, available on GitHub — built for NSOs who need a lightweight, accessible timing and scoring tool.
🎮 The Junior Roller Derby Rules Kahoot brings rules training to younger skaters and officials in a fun, interactive format using a game-based learning platform.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Mel