Updated resume

1. 3116 East Marshall Street, Apt. 1
Richmond, VA 23223
Phone: (202) 556-7544 • E-mail: jasondmelvin@gmail.com
Jason D. Melvin
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
 Over 13 years of progressive experience developing speeches and other mission-critical external and
internal communications for C-suite executives, including Cabinet-level appointees and other senior
officials at NASA and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
 Proven ability to transform highly technical and/or complex subject matter into effective
communications that resonate with key partners, stakeholders, and communities.
 Specialized expertise communicating the value of public investments in science and technology,
innovation, and tech transfer and commercialization (i.e.—reusable launch vehicles and intelligent
transportation systems.)
 Strong track record of evaluating executive communications processes in order to develop new tools
and practices that produce high-quality results and enable excellence in service.
 Leads the planning and development of crisis communications in response to the COVID-19
pandemic, including outreach to partners and stakeholders.
 Extensive project/program coordination and outreach experience supporting communications
and public affairs.
 Growing capacity in digital engagement best practices and associated metrics.
 Committed to strengthening diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of the profession.
 Advanced proficiency using Microsoft Office and other industry-standard media and content
creation applications, including WordPress and Adobe Creative Suite.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
September 2019 – Present • Virginia Housing • Richmond, VA
Executive Speechwriter
 Leads development and management of executive communications for a highly visible financial
services organization with $3.9 billion in assets and a growing mission.
 Develops speeches, presentations, talking points, scripts, feature articles, and other mission-
critical external and internal communications for the CEO and Leadership Team.
 Works closely with business units to coordinate messaging and ensure the organization speaks
with one voice.
 Serves as a strategic communications advisor to the CEO and Leadership Team.
 Wrote the winning submission for the 2022 NCSHA Annual Awards - Homeownership
Category: New Construction.
 Designed and implemented new process to strengthen quality control and coordination; enable
greater situational awareness and accountability; and streamline/automate the workflow with
Adobe Sign.
June 2018 – August 2019 • Kent State University • Kent, OH
Executive Communications Director
 Led the development of President’s speeches, talking points, board presentations, marketing
collateral and all other external and internal communications products that speak with her
voice.
 Strategic partner to the President, providing critical expertise and leadership in executive
communications and their role in advancing her vision and university priorities.
 Collaborated with senior management to develop and integrate executive communications with
Communications and Marketing content.
 Worked with functional teams/organizations to coordinate participant messaging, venue/event
preparations, and other activities to position the President for success.

2. June 2016 – May 2018 • ASRC Federal • Huntsville, AL
Senior Speechwriter
 Developed speeches, talking points, multimedia presentations, video scripts and other mission-
critical communications for the Center Director and senior executives at NASA’s Marshall Space
Flight Center.
 Served as staff support and advisor to the Center Director during travel to high-profile events.
 Worked closely with the Center Director and senior officials on practical strategies for elevating
the leadership team as thought leaders and spokespersons, including a proactive placement
framework that defined each voice and role.
 Lead role in planning and executing key outreach initiatives, including the 2017 Total Solar
Eclipse, Vice President's tour and press event, and Employee Viewpoint Survey.
 Collaborated with Center leadership to develop and implement an integrated strategic
communications plan, including preparations for the Presidential Transition Team.
 Provided ongoing guidance to a junior speechwriter to ensure excellency in all deliverables.
 Conducted independent research, including engagement fact-finding, and worked with subject
matter experts to ensure all communications are accurate, relevant and data-driven.
March 2008 – May 2016 • Macrosys, LLC/22nd
Century Technologies, Inc. • Washington, DC
Senior Speechwriter and Technical Writer
 Composed speeches and talking points for the Assistant Secretary and other senior executives at
the USDOT Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology (OST-R).
 Provided speechwriting support to the Office of the Secretary and other DOT Operating
Administrations—such as NHTSA—as needed.
 Developed feature articles, op-eds, web content, marketing/outreach products and other materials
from conception to publication.
 Collaborated with senior staff to develop effective messaging for programs, policies, issues
and media inquiries, including congressionally-mandated changes that affected the workforce.
 Conducted independent research and works with subject matter experts to ensure that
communications include timely, relevant information and data.
May 2004 - February 2008 • AHEDD, Inc. • Pittsburgh, PA
Community Work Incentive Coordinator
 Coordinated operations and outreach for a grant-funded initiative to optimize employment
opportunities for persons with disabilities.
June 2002 - May 2004 • Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare • Pittsburgh, PA
Income Maintenance Caseworker
 Determined applicant eligibility for federal and state public assistance.
June 2001 - June 2002 • Human Services Administration Organization • Pittsburgh, PA
Project Assistant
 Provided administrative and technical support for a children's behavioral health project.
August 2000 - January 2001 • OpenWebs, Inc. • Pittsburgh, PA
Technical Writer
 Responsible for developing technical documentation and corporate communications.
EDUCATION
1996 - 2000 • University of South Carolina • Columbia, SC
B.A., English

3. ACHIEVEMENTS
 Received two NASA Silver Achievement Medals for critical role in communications for Vice
President Mike Pence’s 2017 visit to Marshall Space Flight Center and the 2017 Total Solar
Eclipse.
 Received NASA’s Group Achievement Honor Award for “exceptional service” in the planning
and launch of the 2017 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey .
 Named Employee of the Month for December 2017 by the Office of Strategic Analysis and
Communications at Marshall Space Flight Center.
 Received the Innovation Peer Award in July 2017 from the Office of Strategic Analysis and
Communications at Marshall Space Flight Center.
 Wrote the successful speeches given by Todd May, Director of Marshall Space Flight Center, at
the 2016 Summer Commencement at Auburn University and the 2017 Wernher Von Braun
Annual Symposium.
 Wrote the remarks given by the Under Secretary for Policy Peter Rogoff at the 2014 Eno Center
Policy Forum To Address Transportation Resilience.
 Officially recognized for contributions to the 2008 Hydrogen Road Tour.
 Op-Ed published in May 5, 2010 edition of the Houston Chronicle (under the Administrator’s
byline.)
 Feature articles published in the March/April 2010 and January/February 2011 editions of
Transportation Research News.
 Composed keynote and plenary speeches for the 2008-2015 Intelligent Transportation Systems
(ITS) World Congress.
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AFFILIATIONS
 Member, Public Relations Society of America - Capitol Region and Richmond Chapters