Melissa Wren

About Melissa Wren

A 25-year business and communications professional, I currently serve as VP, Business & External Affairs at BlueForge Alliance, a national non-profit whose mission is to reinvigorate the U.S. defense industrial base to produce next generation capabilities in partnership with the U.S. Navy and DOD. Previously, I worked at Griffin Communications Group as Marketing & Business and Development Manager, leading & coordinating marcom initiatives for the agency. As part of the leadership team, I implemented BD strategies that helped guide the agency’s overall growth and stability. I also managed many special projects for key clients. Most notably, I led the planning efforts surrounding 2 grand opening events for Independence Plaza, Space Center Houston’s $12 million exhibit. In addition, I helped build awareness for the U.S. releases of multiple space-themed films: Interstellar, Journey to Space, The Last Man on the Moon and Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of Apollo. Other noted work included leading all media relations initiatives for the highly successful, annual Space Commerce Conference and Expo (SpaceCom), which drew attendees from around the globe. Other career highlights include: working for the Texas A&M University System, where I helped cultivate strategic industry alliances, assisting with economic development, marketing & business development initiatives across the state of Texas; leading marketing initiatives for multiple luxury real estate projects; overseeing all efforts for a luxury lifestyles publication from content and creative direction to print and circulation.

Experience

1. Vice President, Business & External Affairs

   Blueforge Alliance

   Nov 2022 — Present

Education

• Blinn College

  Associate's degree

  1997 — 2000

• University of Houston-Clear Lake

  Communication and Media Studies

  2008 — 2009