Melissa Nichols
Warren County Chapter President
Melissa Nichols is the Community Relations Coordinator for Heath Village Retirement Community. She began working at Heath Village in April 2015. In this position, Melissa is responsible for the marketing and public relations for Heath Village or, as she likes to say, she is the face of Heath Village outside of Heath Village. She handles the community’s website and social media, their quarterly newsletter, annual report, annual Gala, and is responsible for all their marketing and branding efforts. She is also the official photographer for Heath Village. What she most enjoys about her job are the residents, and, more specifically, having the ability to tell their stories.
Prior to this position, she was the Acting Director of Communications at the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission. Most of her career has been spent working in government. She was born and raised in Parsippany, New Jersey, and currently resides with her husband and two sons in Washington Borough, Warren County.
The following questions were posed to Melissa about her involvement with BW NICE and her career:
- Why did you decide to become a member of BW NICE? Initially, I decided to become a member to help promote Heath Village Retirement Community; however, after my very first meeting, I knew that this organization was unique. Networking with the purpose of helping to prevent domestic abuse and making a difference in my own county is something that is incredibly important to me.
- What do you find most rewarding about the work you do? I love working with and serving the senior population. They have incredible perspective about life and the world in which we live. My position as the Community Relations Coordinator for Heath Village allows me to tell their stories and I always learn something from their experiences.
- What is the most important lesson you have learned throughout your career? You need to be honest with yourself and your employers about your priorities, expectations, as well as your limitations. Always be honest. And, ALWAYS, ask for what you want and/or what you believe you deserve. You may not always get it but if you don’t stand up for yourself you definitely won’t get it.
- What is your advice for others looking to get into this field? Generally speaking, I am in marketing and communications but my advice is really for any industry: Always be willing to work hard and do whatever task is put before you to the best of your ability – even if you believe it falls outside of your job description or skills. Be a team player. Pay it forward to those in and outside your industry – helping others succeed is invaluable. Choose happiness and smile every day.