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Dr. Melissa Newman, CFRE, has extensive work experience in various roles and industries. Since 2020, they have been serving as the Associate Vice President at Partners for Rural Impact. Prior to this, they worked at Eastern Kentucky University from 2012 to 2020, where they held multiple positions including Professor of Communication, Executive Director of Regional Programming & Regional Stewardship, Director of Regional Stewardship, and Regional Stewardship Coordinator and Communication Instructor. From 2020 to 2023, Dr. Newman also worked in Special Projects at Berea College. Furthermore, they served as the President and CEO at Martin Sisters Publishing from 2011 to 2018. Before that, they held the position of Director of Annual Fund and Alumni Relations at Union College (KY) from 2008 to 2011. Dr. Newman also gained experience in the media industry, working as an Advertising Director at the Times-Tribune, Publisher at Laurel News Journal, General Manager/Editor at Mountain Advocate, and Managing Editor at The Kentucky Standard and PLG-TV 13. Dr. Melissa started their career as a Publisher at Ada Herald from 1998 to 2001.

Dr. Melissa Newman, CFRE, holds a Doctor of Education - EdD degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Research from Eastern Kentucky University. Dr. Melissa also obtained a Master's degree in Secondary Education with a specialty in Communication and English from Union College (KY), and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a Communication minor, also from Union College (KY). In addition to their academic achievements, Dr. Newman is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) through CFRE International.