Melissa Merrifield
Passionate Community Marketing Leader, Fractional CMO
a strategic marketing leader with over 25 years of experience delivering measurable results across healthcare, nonprofit, media, and professional services. As the founder of Caffeinated Conversations and a sought-after Fractional CMO, Melissa specializes in building brands, accelerating growth, and creating marketing systems that drive revenue and relationships.
She has successfully led multi-million-dollar campaigns, rebranding efforts, and organizational transformations—reducing marketing expenses by up to $500,000 while increasing engagement, visibility, and donor pipelines. Her expertise lies in translating complex goals into integrated marketing strategies that align internal teams, energize communities, and generate ROI.
Melissa is known for her creative edge, data-driven decision making, and ability to lead high-performing teams. Her career spans leadership roles at Broadlawns Medical Center, DMOS, Golden Rule, and media organizations like KCCI.
Passionate about connection and community, Melissa has served on numerous boards and committees—from the American Heart Association to Dress for Success and Ronald McDonald House. She believes in marketing with purpose—and partnerships that create lasting impact.
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Case Study:
Key accomplishments throughout my career highlight my expertise in driving growth include:
Revenue Growth Initiatives: I led several comprehensive marketing campaigns that resulted in contributing to an overall 10% growth in annual revenue. These campaigns were strategically designed to engage 167 new and 1600 existing donors, leveraging data analytics to optimize outreach efforts.
- Spearheaded a comprehensive rebranding campaign that revitalized our public image and increased patient engagement.
- Leading the planning and execution of high-profile fundraising events, including the 19th Hole Celebration, which celebrated our 100th anniversary and significantly boosted donor contributions.
- Developing and implementing targeted marketing strategies that have successfully attracted new donors and strengthened relationships with existing supporters.
My passion for community service extends beyond my professional responsibilities. I have actively participated in local initiatives and volunteered my time to support various causes, always to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Collins Community Credit Union – assisted in launching the first two in-store credit union locations in Cedar Rapids. I also represented the credit union with the Show you Care program with KCRG.
Coral Ridge Mall – Regional and Operational sales & store goals to include new store locations.
KCCI – reached outside of the traditional TV in-market advertiser, closed one of my largest sales in 1 week for $45,000 to a national brand that has business locations in Iowa but has a nationwide reach. Top Sales Achiever. I worked with top companies across central Iowa including Des Moines Performing Arts, Hy-Vee, Cookies BBQ, Broadlawns and many more.
Golden Rule Plumbing – New Building, launched Top Tech University and new Electrical product line. I helped take the company from $16 million in revenue to $22 million in 18 months, this also included staff growth.
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Mowbility Sales and Service – I played a pivotal role in helping a family-owned business increase its revenue from $4.5 million to $8 million within a year.
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DMOS – Launched Engineered Performance and helped facilitate the acquisition of the company into Engineered Performance by DMOS, planning committee for their newest location in Urbandale. Generated funnel for increased awareness of Urgent Injuries, resulting in 3500 more visits in one year (avg office visit value is $435)
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Broadlawns Medical Center – Assisted in the opening of Broadlawns Community Clinic at Drake, Pediatric remodel, Prayer Room. I also have been instrumental in the Northwest Project. I reduced $500,000 in marketing experiences within the first 90 days on a budget.
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