Melissa Rossi Wood
Background
Melissa earned her MA in Political Science at The Ohio State University, studying comparative politics in developing countries and gaining experience in statistical analysis. As a full-time DCI employee from 1998 to 2004, she created and implemented marketing and media relations campaigns for many economic development clients. Since 2004, she has served as Director of Survey Research, executing perception analyses for a range of DCI clients.
Melissa’s Passion for Places
Melissa is happiest when she’s learning new things, and traveling to new places is one of the most effective ways to do that. Learning about a place, its people and traditions is fascinating. A few highlights from her travels that come to mind include a cross-country road trip, attending a pow wow in Oklahoma City, a walk through Old San Juan on Gallery Night, a wedding in Tipperary, Ireland, and kayaking in Maui, among many others. Now, helping places to market themselves has become her passion.
Notable Results
- Melissa has spearheaded DCI’s triennial “Winning Strategies in Economic Development Marketing” survey and report since 2002. The report continues to be an important resource for the economic development community.
- For the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, Melissa managed a survey project that sought opinions from five different target industry groups. The results showed the organization how to reach out effectively to each group and meet their unique needs.
- For Peru, surveys of travel media and the travel trade in North America produced a treasure trove of information for the team that serves as the official representative of that South American country in the United States and Canada.
- Melissa designed and executed focus groups of site selection consultants for several clients, including Buffalo, Puerto Rico and North Carolina. Findings helped clients to understand how they are perceived and how they could better develop their marketing messages for this key audience.
Up Close
Melissa has the privilege of working from her home office. On most days, she puts in long hours to deliver outstanding projects. On other day, she has time to volunteer in her children’s school library and as the co-leader of her daughter’s Girl Scout troop. She is grateful to be able to put her talents to work for DCI’s clients and also for her family and community.
Where You’ll Find Melissa on the Weekend
The mother of two school-aged children, Melissa spends her free time with her husband Steve and their children Logan and Sierra. You might find them kayaking on the Long Island Sound; visiting local parks, museums or zoos; or running errands.
Places that Melissa has called Home
Stamford, Connecticut
Columbus, Ohio
Fairfield, Connecticut
Bronx, New York
Surprising Facts about Melissa
Presidential Scholar
Melissa has always worked hard at whatever she’s done. Her hard work in high school paid off, as she was the valedictorian of her class. A great accomplishment in itself, this distinction also earned her free tuition for four years at Fairfield University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree, through the Presidential Scholars program. Not only was her tuition covered, but she also got first choice in class placement every semester. Now that’s a class act!
Holidays are for Racing
When Melissa gets together with her sister and brother-in-law for the holidays, a race is usually on the agenda. Look for Melissa on Thanksgiving morning running a five-mile race in Westport, Connecticut. This past Fourth of July, she started the day with a 10K run in Freeport, Maine. Melissa has also participated in the 42-mile Bike New York Five Boro Bike Tour twice. She doesn’t go particularly fast , but she always finishes!
A Wood for Every Season
Melissa is pleased that things just worked out this way. Her husband’s birthday is in winter, her daughter’s in spring, her own is in summer and her son’s is in autumn. She looks forward every season to the birthday cake that will be served in her house.
