Melissa Withers
Melissa Withers is the Executive Director of the Business Innovation Factory. In addition to her work overseeing day-to-day operations at BIF, Melissa plays an active role in projects conducted in the BIF experience labs.
Melissa previously served as Director, Communications and Market Development for the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. In addition to overseeing the corporation's market development and communications activities, Melissa led the development of the state's innovation programming and was responsible for the launch of programs such as the Rhode Island Science and Technology Advisory Council and RI-Nexus initiative.
Prior to joining to returning to Rhode Island in 2004, Melissa served as assistant director of communications and public affairs for Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. While at Whitehead, Melissa also managed a suite of nationally recognized outreach programs for scientists, high school students and teachers, and policy leaders. Foremost among these programs was a postdoctoral training program designed to help young scientists effectively communicate with non-scientists.
Earlier in her career, Melissa specialized in building communications and outreach strategies for academic and industry scientists working to expand their programs or commercialize new research. In this capacity she worked with clients like Harvard University, Washington University School of Medicine, and several smaller biotechnology companies.
Melissa also serves as a board member of Young Voices, a youth-empowerment organization that helps young people actively engage adults in work to improve youth experience in areas like education and recreation.
Melissa lives in Providence with her husband, son, and large yellow dog. She's an avid outdoorswoman and wine (and food) enthusiast.
Contact
Phone: 401-270-8796
Email: mwithers@businessinnovationfactory.com
