Melissa Nicholson
Internal Communications Leader | Executive Messaging | Employee Engagement
I’m an internal communications leader who helps organizations stay aligned during periods of growth and change. With a background in marketing, storytelling, and design, I specialize in executive messaging, scalable communication systems, and translating strategy into messages employees can understand.
Hi! I'm Melissa.
I’ve spent much of my career helping organizations stay aligned. As an internal communications professional, I bridge the gap between leaders and employees, translating strategy into messaging people can understand, trust, and act on.
Over the past 20+ years, I’ve built a career at the intersection of design, marketing, and communications. In the last eight years, I’ve focused deeply on internal communications, shaping executive messaging, building scalable communication systems, and supporting organizations through growth and change.
My background in storytelling, design, and brand strategy allows me to bring a creative perspective to internal communications. I thrive where strategy, narrative, and execution connect, turning complex ideas into communication that resonates.
EXPERIENCE
2021-2025
TRAWICK INTERNATIONAL
DIRECTOR, CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
Built the internal communications function from the ground up, connecting a rapidly growing global workforce through leadership messaging, storytelling, and culture initiatives. In parallel, I led marketing and creative strategy, guiding campaigns and team operations that strengthened both employee engagement and brand growth.
2018-2021
GLOBAL BENEFITS GROUP
DIRECTOR, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Directed marketing for North America and Education markets while leading global internal communications initiatives that strengthened connection across teams. This work laid the foundation for the culture-building programs I would later develop at Trawick.
2017-2018
BRAND NEW DAY CREATIVE AGENCY
PARTNER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Co-founded a creative agency with former Kelley Blue Book colleagues, helping clients connect strategy, design, and storytelling to elevate their brands. This entrepreneurial chapter expanded my experience beyond the corporate world and ultimately led to my recruitment by the CMO of Global Benefits Group.
1995-2017
KELLEY BLUE BOOK / COX AUTOMOTIVE
PROGRESSIVE CREATIVE ROLES
Over two decades, I helped shape how millions experienced the Kelley Blue Book brand while leading creative teams supporting multiple automotive brands across the Cox Automotive portfolio. I partnered with marketing, research, and leadership teams to translate complex data and insights into clear, compelling storytelling. It was here that I first discovered the power of communication to simplify complexity, connect people, and inspire action — a thread that has carried through every role since.
EDUCATION
In Progress
YAVAPAI COLLEGE
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, BUSINESS
Returning to school to complete my BS in Business, strengthening the strategic and leadership foundation behind my communications work.
2001-2003
ORANGE COAST COLLEGE
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS, GRAPHIC DESIGN
Where my love of design and storytelling first took shape.
SKILLS
Internal Communications
Employee Engagement
Change Communications
Graphic Design
Executive Messaging
Communication Strategy
Storytelling
Video Production