Info

The Hopkins Group, Inc. is a communications consulting company based in Northern Virginia working with nationally recognized corporate, non-profit and political clients. Melissa uses her broad professional experience in media, politics and entertainment to effectively execute client-specific communication programs. Works heavily with national, Web-based campaigns including a one-of-a-kind video email platform in conjunction with traditional media outreach. Served five years as the on-air talent for a weekly radio spot of Inside the Ring, a news column about the Pentagon, international affairs and intelligence, published in The Washington Times newspaper. Worked eight years as the media relations advisor and spokesperson for the Washington Times. Conducts extensive research for proactive message outreach in crisis situations. Provides media relations consulting for high stake interviews on CBS' 60 Minutes and other national programs. Worked with high profile clients providing strategic communications consultation during lengthly litigation proceedings. Gives speeches on media and public relations and provides media coaching for clients. Prior to starting her own business in 2001, Melissa joined political and public policy consultant veteran, Jo Anne Barnhart, to manage her company's media relations division. She developed and implemented communications strategies, interacted with local and national media and provided media coaching. She brought in The Washington Times as a client. Melissa also managed the media relations office for The Washington Times newspaper. She coordinated daily interaction with national and local media outlets including; AP and other newswire services, television networks and their affiliates, numerous radio stations and networks, national and local print media and various new-media vehicles. Initiated and arranged interviews with Times' reporters and editors and monitored other news coverage to ensure that the newspaper was properly attributed. Experienced in crisis management and proactive communications, also served as the newspaper's spokesperson. Attributions of Times' stories in other media more than tripled. In the 1996 election cycle Melissa served as the broadcast services manager for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. She created, developed and managed an interactive radio actuality and satellite teleconferencing program for 25 Republican U.S. Senate candidates in the 1996 election cycle. Conducted daily interviews with candidates, elected officials, and campaign surrogates to package to radio and television stations across the country for earned media coverage. Worked under political director, Jo Anne Barnhart. As a professional Actress in Los Angeles in the early 1990's, Melissa worked in television, commercials, and the stage in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and the Pacific Northwest. As a member of the Screen Actors Guild, credits have included roles for NBC television in "Sisters" and "Days of Our Lives". As a member of L.A Theatre Works, appeared in Exchange for National Public Radio and BBC radio. Also served as a casting assistant to LA-based casting director Mali Finn on the feature films, "Batman Forever" and "True Lies". Helped recruit actors, coached improvisational and scripted scenes and videotaped auditions for director Joel Shoemacher's review. In 2003 Melissa received the Award of Distinction from The Communicator for co-writing the documentary, "Two Decades of Dedication and Distinction".