Missy Joins Hampton Roads Partnership (HRP)

Missy joined the Partnership in September 2008 as Communication Manager. HRP is a public-private organization convening regional leaders from government, business and education, facilitating regional collaboration and action, pursuing global economic competitiveness as a region, benefiting all citizens of Hampton Roads.

Her primary responsibility is to devise and implement a comprehensive communication strategy and outreach plan to extend the impact HRP’s efforts and programs including the America’s First Region regional citizenship and branding campaign. She’s a marketer, writer, editor and designer responsible for HRP outbound communication, promotional materials, website, newsletters and more.

Prior to the Partnership, Missy operated her own marketing consulting business. Prior to moving to Hampton Roads, Missy was director of sales and marketing for Friendship Industries. While at Friendship, Missy expanded business into federal government contracting. Missy's work earned the 2007 NISH National Community Outreach Award for creative use of print materials, PR and other forms of communications to inform the community about providing employment for people with disabilities.

Missy's career has included work as sales manager and operations manager for a multi-million dollar B&I Food Service Operation, sales and marketing manager for the family Chevrolet dealership, corporate sales agent for a DC-based telecommunications company, and various management/buyer positions for Woodworth & Lothrop Stores in Washington DC and Leggett Stores (now Belk).

Missy is a 1981 cum laude graduate of James Madison University.

Current affiliations include the Hampton Roads Chapters of the American Advertising Federation, Public Relations Society of America and the American Marketing Association, the Hampton Roads Technology Council, and the Hampton Roads Defense & Homeland Security Consortium also known as “Pentagon South.”

Missy’s career has included speaking engagements, at Special Operations Forces in Fort Bragg NC, the Pentagon, Virginia Association of Community Rehabilitation Programs, VA Fund Raising Institute, American Society of Association Executives, industry-related business and technology expos and the Direct Marketing Association of Washington.

Missy resides in Norfolk, Virginia with her partner, Bert Schmidt, CEO of WHRO, Public TV & Radio for Hampton Roads.