Ken Melton

About Ken Melton

I believe in fostering a mutually beneficial, two-way communication between the sender and receiver through various channels. This is the foundation of effective communication.With over 20 years of experience in public relations, communications, and media across multiple sectors and industries, I currently serve as the Communications Director for the Maryland Transit Administration\'s Red Line Project, a 14-mile initiative.I have a passion for mentoring and teaching, and I actively seek opportunities to share my knowledge of communications strategy, public speaking, photojournalism, and writing. Much of this expertise comes from my previous roles as a Communications Strategist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHUAPL) and Public Affairs Specialist at the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service.My core experience includes more than 12 years as a Communications Specialist working internationally with the United States Marine Corps, where I managed teams of up to 20 individual contributors.Additionally, I have taught a core course in communications as an Adjunct Lecturer at Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering. I aim to develop leaders and communicators who effectively convey their ideas, insights, and innovations to diverse audiences and stakeholders. I hold a Master\'s in Public Relations from Georgetown University and a Bachelor\'s in Communication Studies from the University of Maryland Global Campus. I am passionate about storytelling and dedicated to helping others achieve their potential.

Experience

1. Red Line Communications & Engagement Director

   Mta Maryland

   May 2024 — Present · Baltimore, MD, US

   I am responsible for developing and executing the Project Engagement Plan, including strategizing, coordinating, approving, and overseeing all logistics for engagement with the full range of project stakeholders – including local communities, transit riders, business and civic organizations, advocacy groups, regional, state and federal agencies, elected officials, and print, radio, television and online media. The position is accountable for leading the project\'s extensive public engagement and stakeholder outreach efforts and ensuring alignment with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and other permitting agency requirements and expectations. I am responsible for ensuring stakeholder input and feedback are appropriately communicated with the project design team and Project Director to consider and implement project decisions and commitments. In addition, this position directs the development of materials prepared for public events and speaking engagements and ensures that key project messages are successfully delivered via the large project consultant and state employee staff, press, project website, social media, and project partners. As the official spokesperson for the Baltimore Red Line project, the Communications and Engagement Director holds a highly visible and influential position. This role directs the content of websites and social media platforms and prepares the Governor, Secretary, and MTA executive leaders to deliver project messages at key milestones in the project. This is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape the narrative of a significant project.

Education

• Georgetown University

  Master's degree, Public Relations/Image Management

  2016 — 2017

• Learning @ Morning Brew

  Organizational Leadership

• University of Maryland Global Campus

  Bachelor's degree, Communication and Media Studies

  2012 — 2015

• Cottonwood High School

  General, HS Diploma

  1996 — 2001

• New York University

  Master's degree, Public Relations/Image Management

  2015 — 2015

• Syracuse University

  Certificate of Completion, Photojournalism

  2010 — 2011

• Sanford-Brown College

  Associate of Science (A.S.), Radio and Television

  2001 — 2002

• Defense Information School

  Certificate of Completion, Basic Public Affairs Specialist Writer

  2003 — 2004

Skills

• News Writing
• Online Journalism
• Blogging
• Photo Editor
• Digital Photography
• Time Management
• Security Clearance
• Combat
• Event Planning
• Press Releases
• Digital Media
• National Security
• Military Training
• Military Experience
• Magazines
• Videography
• Newspapers
• Photoshop
• Social Networking
• Multimedia
• Events Coordination
• Video Editing
• Speech Writing
• Government
• Final Cut Pro
• Spokesperson
• News
• Microsoft Office
• Social Media Marketing
• Photography
• Copy Editing
• Marketing
• Government Communication
• Image Editing
• Communications Planning
• Military
• Online News
• Leadership
• Photojournalism
• Editing