Kristen Melick Hagen

About Kristen Melick Hagen

For over a decade, I’ve helped restaurants, CPG brands, and national commodity boards turn paid social into a growth engine, building campaigns that stop the scroll, spark conversations, and drive measurable impact.My approach lives at the intersection of human behavior and hard metrics. I examine why messages resonate and validate them through their impact on brand awareness, affinity, and revenue.What drives me is understanding the split-second decisions behind discovery and designing the journey from first impression to lasting brand loyalty.I don’t just manage social ecosystems. I map them, test them, and scale them until creativity and data compound into sustained growth.

Experience

1. Director, Social Media

   Sterling-Rice Group

   Dec 2025 — Present

   Lead cross-functional teams to develop and execute impactful social media strategies and paid social campaigns across a portfolio of food and beverage brands.Clients I have worked with: Almond Board of California, Boston Beer, Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt, Nissin Foods, Brewers Association, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, National Honey Board, Bolthouse Farms, Grimmway Farms, Cal-Organic Farms, Udis Gluten Free, Gardein, King’s Hawaiian, Snooze an A.M. Eatery, Kerry Foodservice, PetArmor, Snap-on Tools and more.

Education

• University of Colorado Boulder

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Business Administration: Marketing, CU Business Certificate in Entrepreneurial Studies

  2009 — 2014