Melanie Tolan

Melanie Tolan is currently the VP of Marketing & Communications at Roanoke College. Melanie has extensive experience in communications and marketing, having worked with some of the top Fortune 500 companies in a variety of industries including Consumer Packaged Goods, Consumer Health, Home Design, and Travel.

Melanie was recruited to work for Edelman in September 1994 and quickly rose through the ranks to Executive Vice President and Director of Global Clients. In this role, they were responsible for developing brand strategies and annual marketing plans for Edelman's clients. Melanie also gained a reputation as a universal resource for leaders of Edelman's most significant accounts.

During their time at Edelman, Melanie also gained extensive experience in event planning, third-party coalition building, digital and social media strategy, crisis management, and cause-related marketing. Melanie ran group operations for a 170+ person practice and was frequently involved in new business opportunities.

Some of the brands and clients Melanie has worked with during their career include Acuvue, ADT, Ambien, Arm & Hammer, Axe, Bausch & Lomb, Claritin, Dannon, Discovery Times Square, Dove, Dr. Scholl’s, Empire State Building, First Response, Good Housekeeping Institute, HBO, Iberostar, Johnson & Johnson, Knoll, Lebua Hotels, Mars, Porcelanosa, Priceline, Redfin, Scott’s Miracle-Gro, Starbucks, Trojan, and TOTO.

Their manager is Michael C. Maxey, President. They are on a team with David B. Mowen - VP, Business Affairs, Kimberly P. Blair - VP, Resource Development, and Brenda P. Poggendorf - VP, Enrollment and Dean of Admissions & Financial Aid.