Priority Marketing Director of Marketing and Business Development Melissa Mitchell, APR, CPRC, has been named a 40 Under 40 Award recipient by Business Observer.
The annual recognition program honors 40 individuals under 40 years of age who represent the best and brightest rising talent along Southwest Florida’s coast between Tampa and Naples. Honorees represent the next generation of leaders and are entrepreneurial, but do not necessarily own their own businesses.
“There are a lot of publications that do similar lists each year,” says Business Observer Executive Editor Kat Hughes. “We wanted our list to stand apart as a group of young professionals who aren’t afraid to take charge and take risks in their business. They are willing to try new things and put their ideas into action. To us, this is what it means to be a business leader, and we feel these 40 individuals embody that spirit.”
During her eight years at Priority Marketing, Mitchell’s creative contributions have helped grow the Fort Myers-based firm and retain its market leadership. She has led the execution of thousands of strategic projects on behalf of a wide array of for-profit and nonprofit clients, and also leads Priority Marketing’s own marketing efforts.
Before joining Priority Marketing, Mitchell was a powerhouse within the nonprofit industry, serving as director of development for Pace Center for Girls, Lee County and Island Coast AIDS Network. She remains active in the nonprofit sector through numerous community service activities, including her position as a board member on the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and its philanthropic foundation.
In addition to Business Observer’s 40 Under 40 Award, Mitchell also has been recognized as an Alumni of Distinction by Florida Gulf Coast University, a 40-under-40 honoree by Gulfshore Business, a Power Woman by Florida Weekly and as an APEX Award finalist by the Greater Fort Myers Chamber. Mitchell, a resident of Fort Myers, earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern College and a master’s degree in business administration from Florida Gulf Coast University. Priority Marketing President and Senior Creative Director Teri Hansen, APR, nominated Mitchell for the 40 Under 40 Award.
“Every day, Melissa proves that she is an invaluable asset to her clients and colleagues, as well as the community,” Hansen said. “Melissa has eagerly accepted new responsibilities as she has grown professionally and personally, and she finds innovative solutions to overcome any challenge that comes her way.”
Business Observer honored 40 Under 40 recipients during an awards reception on Oct. 7 in Lakewood Ranch.
