Get To Know #TheDelegator:
What Jeopardy category could you clear, no problem?
What is Harry Potter or Ghost Adventures Episodes.
Favorite Office Snack?
Popcorn, carrots and broccoli with dip, and chips.
Best account to follow on social media?
@mindbodygreen, @emilyley, @bbcearth
Who do you admire and why?
I admire a lot of people for different reasons. I would say right now I am really admiring many of the women in politics who are using their platform to advance women’s issues and bring light to adversities different populations are facing across our country. I admire women who teach me something about our world I didn’t know and who inspire me to make a difference.
Where do you look for inspiration?
Instagram. Books stores. Coffee shops.
Best piece of advice you have ever received?
Stand up for yourself. Be brave.
Tell us about your position at North:
I am the delegator of all the things. I make sure our trains stay on track and on time, for the most part, so really, I am the conductor!
How has working in your industry changed the way you look at the world?
In some ways, it has made me more jaded, politics is hard, the issues we are facing as a country are difficult to process, the social injustices we see are hard to comprehend. But, in other ways it has given me hope, we work with social justice organizations that go to work each day to solve problems and make our communities better.
Share a notable (funny, embarrassing, exciting) experience you’ve had at work:
I wish this wasn’t my notable work experience but the number of times my boss has physically hurt me during events is getting comical. Dropping a 6-foot table on my toes, whacking me in the head with an easel, and many more. We can not get through an event without her attempting to take my life in some random, unexpected way.
How do you handle work-life balance?
I think of it as a long-term goal and not a daily one. In the long term if I have balanced work and family life I will be proud. It doesn’t happen daily.
What advice would you give yourself in college?
Stop worrying about having it all together.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
My family is in the process of adopting from the SC child welfare system.
About Melissa West
Vice President of Operations & Marketing
Melissa West brings extensive experience to North, which includes political campaigns and strategic communications for legislative, business related and nonprofit organizations. Currently, at the helm of North’s Charleston office, Melissa’s areas of expertise include event management, nonprofit communications and branding, media management and outreach, legislative advocacy, advertising and event planning.
Prior to joining the team, Melissa was Donor Relations Coordinator for the Florida State University Foundation in the Office of Advancement Relations. Melissa has also worked as a public policy analyst at The Children’s Campaign, and as an assistant campaign coordinator for the Agricultural Commissioner general election campaign in 2010.
Melissa has received numerous honors and recognitions in her field including in 2015 named as a Golden A.C.E by the Tallahassee Network of Young Professionals.
Melissa is a graduate of Florida State University where she received her Master’s degree in Education Policy, Planning and Analysis as well as a Bachelor’s in Economics and Political Science, with a minor in Communications.
When Melissa isn’t delegating all the things for the North team, her favorite way to unwind is by running a tight ship at home in Charleston with her husband Kyle and 3-year-old son. She can usually be found cooking up a storm in the kitchen or delegating the latest home improvement project!
