Melissa Hardegree, Lawrenceville’s Chief Communications Officer, has been appointed to the prestigious University of Georgia Crisis Communication Think Tank.
The CCTT, which was co-founded in 2018 by Dr. Yan Jin is a global leader in crisis communication research and practice.
The mission of CCTT is to build collaborations among leading global crisis scholars and practitioners through dialogue on emerging topics and the co-creation of evidence-based advice for next-generation crisis research and practice.
Jin, expressed her excitement over Hardegree’s appointment, stating: “Melissa’s extensive experience in strategic communication, coupled with her leadership in both municipal and nonprofit sectors, will bring invaluable perspectives to the Think Tank. We look forward to her contributions to advancing research and practice in crisis communication as we continue to build resilient strategies for organizations worldwide.”
Hardegree will collaborate with global experts and participate in Think Tank programming, including the annual U.S. HQ meeting in Athens, Georgia, and the international gathering in Amsterdam.
She will also contribute to research through the Crisis Insights & Analytics Lab, with opportunities for publication in leading industry journals.
She will serve as a facilitator in the CCTT’s Executive Education programs in collaboration with the UGA’s Terry College of Business.
Melissa Hardegree shared her enthusiasm for this opportunity: “I am incredibly honored to join the Crisis Communication Think Tank, particularly through the Grady College, where my communications journey began. Contributing to thought leadership in crisis communication, a field I’m truly passionate about, is an exciting opportunity. I look forward to learning from esteemed experts and gaining valuable insights that will benefit Lawrenceville and the broader community. This is a full-circle moment for me.”
Hardegree brings 27 years of experience in corporate fundraising and communications, having held leadership roles with organizations such as the Georgia Baptist Health Care System Foundation and The Howard School.
Since joining the City of Lawrenceville in 2018, she has led the Community Relations and Communications departments and served as Chief Communications Officer since 2021.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts from UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications and is a member of the Leadership Gwinnett Class of 2024.
Hardegree will serve a three-year term with the CCTT, further enhancing the City of Lawrenceville’s communications capabilities through her involvement in this elite network of crisis communication leaders.
