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NEW YORK, USA // Melissa Duren Conner is a publicist and strategic thinker with over 12 years of industry experience.

In July 2014, Melissa joined Jennifer Bett Meyer at Jennifer Bett Communications as the agency's Partner and Managing Director, helping to scale its mission of bringing a more thoughtful approach to public relations. Together with Jennifer, Melissa has grown the company into the leading agency for fast-growing consumer brands that are redefining the modern marketplace.

Melissa began her marketing, communications and media relations career at HL Group, where she led PR services for TOMS, David Yurman and Sotheby’s Diamonds. In 2010, Melissa joined Starworks Group as Senior Manager of Public Relations, where she oversaw the 10th anniversary of INTERMIX, in addition to PR operations for luxury fashion and lifestyle brands Monique Lhuillier, Zimmermann, Kelly Wearstler and Jack Spade.

Following her tenure at Starworks, Melissa joined Theory to oversee the press strategy of the core brand, in addition to the recently launched Theyskens’ Theory, led by industry-leading fashion designer Olivier Theyskens. Melissa then served as PR Director for the U.S. launch of Joe Fresh, Canada's leading fashion label and retail chain, where she positioned the brand competitively within the thriving accessible fashion market.

In 2017, Melissa was honored by the Public Relations Society of America as a member of its inaugural 15 Under 35 Awards, recognizing the foremost talent and emerging leaders of the Greater New York PR community. In 2018, Melissa spearheaded JBC's first-of-its-kind Office Hours program, during which the agency opens its doors to fledgling founders and entrepreneurs seeking PR, marketing and communications insight each month, free of charge. Melissa holds a regular speaking presence across conferences, panels and podcasts, appearing at The Wing, Interactive Advertising Bureau’s Direct Brand Summit, Business of Home’s Future of Home Conference and Shopify’s Commerce+, to name a few.