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Dr. Melissa Newman
AVP for Place-Based Partnerships: Investment & Sustainability and Executive Director of the Appalachian Cradle to Career Partnership
Dr. Melissa Newman is the Associate Vice President for Place-Based Partnerships: Investment & Sustainability at Partners for Rural Impact and Executive Director of the Appalachian Cradle to Career Partnership. Her dual roles support convening strategically aligned organizations in Kentucky’s Appalachia and also guiding other rural places nationally in their own cradle to career work, specifically around communication and policy, with a mission and vision to create cradle-to-career systems transformation in rural America.
Melissa has dedicated her career to elevating the status of Kentucky’s Appalachia through fundraising, grant writing, public and community relations, and research.
Melissa is a former journalist, public relations practitioner, and published novelist. Her academic research focuses on how the news media has influenced sustained negative stereotypes in Appalachia and has revealed that changing the region’s story can positively impact individuals, their communities, and the economy. More recent work includes a book chapter she co-authored, A History of Media Coverage of Poverty in the United States Since 1960, as part of a collective of work within “The Routledge Companion to Media and Poverty” that explores the complex, and often problematic, ways in which the news media shapes perceptions of poverty. Melissa also teaches in the Department of Communication at Eastern Kentucky University.
Rian Johnson
Associate Director
of Content Development
Rian Johnson serves as the Associate Director of Content Development for Place-Based Partnerships at Partners for Rural Impact. In this role, she oversees and implements strategic messaging to enhance the organization’s visibility, reputation, and engagement with key stakeholders, with a particular focus on supporting rural areas within the Place Team’s portfolio.
Rian is an accomplished communications specialist with extensive experience in social media marketing, project management, and copywriting. Her career, primarily centered around education, also encompasses valuable experience in sales and corporate communications, providing a well-rounded skill set that enhances her effectiveness in diverse professional environments.
Rian’s efforts in building and maintaining partnerships with community organizations and educational institutions have significantly enhanced outreach effectiveness, contributing to the overall success of her initiatives.
In addition to her professional roles, Rian actively volunteers and serves on her local school board and the chamber of commerce. This deep commitment to community service and rural education aligns perfectly with the mission of Partners for Rural Impact, which aims to ensure that all rural students succeed.
Rian’s dedication to rural education and community engagement continues to make a significant impact on the communities she serves, furthering the mission of Partners for Rural Impact and fostering successful outcomes for rural students.
Annie Zomaya
PR Writer & Content
Development Specialist
Annie Zomaya is a public relations professional with nine years of experience supporting nonprofit and grassroots organizations in Appalachia.
Annie’s expertise lies in amplifying rural voices through strategic communication and effective stewardship, building strong relationships with educators, policymakers, families and stakeholders.
Annie advocates for policies and programs that support rural communities, with a strong commitment to sustainability, equity and inclusion. Her vision is a thriving Appalachia where every student has the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
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