Melbourne Regional Chamber Welcomes Two Dynamic New Directors
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Melody Thomas
Director of Business Development Melbourne Regional Chamber |
Laurent Rawlings
Director of Business Advocacy & Community Development Melbourne Regional Chamber |
August 23, 2019
Melbourne, FL - The Melbourne Regional Chamber (MRC) welcomes its new Director of Business Development, Melody Thomas, and new Director of Business Advocacy & Community Development, Laurent Rawlings, to its team.
Melody Thomas has over 14 years of experience in sales and marketing. Prior to coming to MRC, Melody was the Area Director of Sales & Marketing for LaQuinta Hotels by Wyndham in New Orleans for over 8 years. She has also been serving on the Board of Directors for the Gulf South LGBT Chamber for over 5 years where she has led several committees responsible for fundraising, government partnerships and community outreach. Melody has a strong track record of increasing sales, elevating marketing strategies, and is enthusiastic about establishing meaningful connections in the Space Coast community. She attended Appalachian State University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a focus on English and Expository Writing. Leaving New Orleans in 2019, Melody now resides in Melbourne with her husband, Matthew, and their 4 rescue toy poodles.
Laurent Rawlings brings nearly a decade of experience in legislative affairs, policy coordination and public administration to the MRC. Laurent completed her undergrad at the University of South Florida and then earned her Master of Public Administration & Policy in her home state at the University of Kentucky. She has worked on both sides of the governmental spectrum, spending 2 years as a lobbyist for the Kentucky School Board Association, and as the Chief of Legislative Affairs for Kentucky’s Education & Workforce Development Cabinet. After leaving the Cabinet, she spent over 5 years as the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Home Builders Association of Kentucky. Laurent is an effective communicator who understands how business advocacy and public policy impact the business community and membership-at-large. Laurent currently lives in Merritt Island, Florida with her partner, Mark Maynard, and their two Havanese puppies.
“As we continue seeking ways to elevate the Chamber, I am excited to welcome both Melody and Laurent to the dynamic staff already in place. Both bring a wealth of talent, experience, and energy to the chamber team and I look forward to the value they will add for our chamber members,” said Michael Ayers, President/CEO of the Melbourne Regional Chamber.
The Melbourne Regional Chamber, founded in 1925, represents 1,200-plus organizations in Central Florida. It develops and promotes the business interests of its members through representation, advocacy, education and support, while contributing to the growth and prosperity of a vibrant business community.
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Melbourne, FL - The Melbourne Regional Chamber (MRC) welcomes its new Director of Business Development, Melody Thomas, and new Director of Business Advocacy & Community Development, Laurent Rawlings, to its team.
Melody Thomas has over 14 years of experience in sales and marketing. Prior to coming to MRC, Melody was the Area Director of Sales & Marketing for LaQuinta Hotels by Wyndham in New Orleans for over 8 years. She has also been serving on the Board of Directors for the Gulf South LGBT Chamber for over 5 years where she has led several committees responsible for fundraising, government partnerships and community outreach. Melody has a strong track record of increasing sales, elevating marketing strategies, and is enthusiastic about establishing meaningful connections in the Space Coast community. She attended Appalachian State University and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a focus on English and Expository Writing. Leaving New Orleans in 2019, Melody now resides in Melbourne with her husband, Matthew, and their 4 rescue toy poodles.
Laurent Rawlings brings nearly a decade of experience in legislative affairs, policy coordination and public administration to the MRC. Laurent completed her undergrad at the University of South Florida and then earned her Master of Public Administration & Policy in her home state at the University of Kentucky. She has worked on both sides of the governmental spectrum, spending 2 years as a lobbyist for the Kentucky School Board Association, and as the Chief of Legislative Affairs for Kentucky’s Education & Workforce Development Cabinet. After leaving the Cabinet, she spent over 5 years as the Vice President of Government Affairs for the Home Builders Association of Kentucky. Laurent is an effective communicator who understands how business advocacy and public policy impact the business community and membership-at-large. Laurent currently lives in Merritt Island, Florida with her partner, Mark Maynard, and their two Havanese puppies.
“As we continue seeking ways to elevate the Chamber, I am excited to welcome both Melody and Laurent to the dynamic staff already in place. Both bring a wealth of talent, experience, and energy to the chamber team and I look forward to the value they will add for our chamber members,” said Michael Ayers, President/CEO of the Melbourne Regional Chamber.
The Melbourne Regional Chamber, founded in 1925, represents 1,200-plus organizations in Central Florida. It develops and promotes the business interests of its members through representation, advocacy, education and support, while contributing to the growth and prosperity of a vibrant business community.
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