Melissa Hourigan
Senior Account Director, New MediaMelissa Hourigan builds comprehensive social media programs that are customized to each IGNITE Consulting client. Melissa is not afraid to challenge clients to think differently, take risks and utilize new methods for getting the word out and leading the discussion whether it’s participating in a Twitter discussion, guidance on social communities, blogging, podcasting or crowdsourcing a new idea.
With more than a decade of high-tech PR experience, Melissa has demonstrated proven leadership in the areas of driving strategic communications programs in support of mergers and acquisitions, pre and post IPO activities, partner and channel communications, customer audits, thought leadership and reviews programs.
Driving communications programs for a variety of enterprise technology companies with emphasis on network infrastructure, security, storage, unified communications software and internet technology, Melissa’s client experience includes ASK Jeeves (now Ask.com), CH2M Hill, GeoEye, LeftHand Networks, Network Appliance, Polycom, Raytheon, Tribe Networks, Fast Forward Networks (acquired by Inktomi) and founder of DNS, Dr. Paul Mockapetris.
Placements include company profiles in Forbes Magazine; product launch stories in New York Times; exclusive stories in CRN and VARBusiness; numerous customer profiles in IT trades including Computerworld, eWEEK and Network World; rave reviews in InfoWorld and Network Computing; up to the minute breaking news in AP, Reuters and various online trade media outlets including Byte and Switch and SearchStorage.
Married to her favorite musician and with three children under the age of six, Melissa finds great joy in family “jam sessions” that include all of her 13 nieces and nephews.
“Working specifically with technology companies has helped me to understand the power of a client’s sphere of influence in good and bad market conditions. I’m a true idealist; I know I can unlock the stories that media respond to and analysts endorse.”
Melissa Hourigan