Melissa Charles is an accomplished communications professional with more than 15 years of experience delivering innovative marketing and communications solutions that expand reach and strengthen brand impact in higher education and nonprofit environments. In her role as Communications Manager, she serves as lead communicator for Furman University’s community, corporate and thought leadership outreach through graduate, corporate and professional programs, and in collaboration with Furman’s four institutes.

Previously, Melissa directed digital marketing initiatives at the University of Georgia Institute of Government and advanced community and business development through leadership roles with the Anderson Area, Newberry County and White County Chambers of Commerce. She brings a unique ability to pair creative storytelling with data-driven strategy, ensuring brand consistency, building collaborative partnerships and delivering comprehensive solutions that drive measurable results.

Melissa earned a Master of Public Administration from Georgia College & State University and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of South Carolina Aiken. She is also a graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s prestigious Institute for Organization Management program, a national professional development initiative for chamber and association leaders.

Education

• M.P.A., Georgia College & State University
• B.A Communications, University of South Carolina Aiken