Experience & Education
- 4 years - Executive Director; 8 years - Marketing Director; 5 years - Marketing Manager; 2 years Marketing Coordinator
- BS in Journalism from the University of Kansas; Emphasis in Strategic Communications (Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations)
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Leading the AGA team and promoting a positive office and association culture. Our team is passionate, connected, and strive to give AGA members the best marketing support and technical expertise possible. The Board of Directors has set a great example of how a cohesive group can accomplish big things, and I enjoy learning from and serving the members and industry for them.
My Most Significant Contribution to Our Members/Industry
Consistency in the marketing of our industry and with the marketing program at the AGA. Prior to my tenure, there was not a lot of continuity in the marketing department, and I believe having a consistent voice has enabled the AGA and our industry to make significant strides in both existing and emerging markets as well as grow our marketing strategy into a more cohesive and sophisticated approach.
What I Consider the Most Interesting/Impactful Thing about HDG
Galvanizing is literally a part of your everyday life, and without it our lives would be much more difficult. Its amazing to me the average person doesn't know this or even what galvanizing is! This is a big part of why I enjoy educating others because I want our product and industry to be recognized for the impact it truly has on the world.
Other Interesting Things that Shape My Life
Outside of work, I enjoy exploring new places/things and spending time with friends and family while watching my kids grow up. Those who know me best would tell you I am a natural born leader (some might say bossy), foodie/wino, die-hard Kansas Jayhawks fan, and always willing to help those I love.
Random Facts
I grew up in a small town in Kansas… the type where everyone not only knows your name, but also everything you did yesterday and if they didn't like it, you can bet your parents already heard about it.
Words of Wisdom
As a former AGA member galvanizer once told me about attitudes on HDG - I already know the truth, don't confuse me with the facts!
Favorite Quote
Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all ones lifetime. ~Mark Twain
Recent KnowledgeBase Articles by Melissa
Recent News Articles by Melissa
- Galvanize the Troops: AGA and Members Work Together to Attract Infrastructure Funds
- Dr. Tom Langill Receives Thomas M. Gregory Memorial Award
- AGA Announces New Technical Director
- Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Skips the “Grave” as a Cradle to Cradle Material
- What Do You Think About Hot-Dip Galvanizing?
- Farewell to Carol Giblin
- Farewell to Emily
- Why You Should Always Login When Using the Galvanizeit.org Site
- Live Camera on Buffalo Creek Bridge in Iowa
- Steel Utility Poles in the News
- Welcome, Emily Shinkle!
- AGA in Transition: Goodbyes and Welcomes
- Still Strong: Revisiting the first galvanized bridge in North America
- In Their Own Words: Specifiers Provide Testimonials in Galvanized Steel Studies Video Series
- AGA Hits the Road Presenting a Number of PE Seminars
- To Certify or Not to Certify
- Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Industry Will Be Featured on New Episode of Innovations TV Series
- AGA Wraps Filming with Innovations TV
- Congratulations to Jordan and Laura!
- Beneath the Surface: Evaluating Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Underground
- Cliffwalk Recognized as Highly Commended Project in Global Galvanizing Awards 2015
- Take a Second Look at Steel: Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Sustainable Solution for Distribution Poles
- AGA Partners with Texas A&M University Students to Donate Ramp to Family for Ascension Program
- AGA Launches Updated Life-Cycle Cost Calculator and Releases Costs Less, Lasts Longer Publication
- Farewell to Brooke