Melissa Fors Shackelford

About Melissa Fors Shackelford

Melissa Fors Shackelford is a healthcare marketing strategist, author of Harnessing Purpose, keynote speaker and advisor to leaders who want to align mission with message; she brings practical insights on brand authenticity, inclusive communication, and how purpose can drive both growth and genuine human connection.

As the founder of Shackelford Strategies, she partners with executives, startups, and established healthcare brands to refine messaging, strengthen market positioning, and launch new offerings. With more than 20 years of leadership experience at organizations including Optum, Hazelden Betty Ford, and Cigna’s Evernorth, Melissa has built deep expertise in go-to-market strategy, brand development, and growth marketing. She helps businesses accelerate market entry, scale sustainably, and build lasting connections with the people they serve.

A recognized thought leader in healthcare and brand strategy, Melissa is a frequent speaker, podcast guest, and contributor to leading publications. Her insights focus on purpose-driven marketing, inclusive communication, and the role of authenticity in shaping modern healthcare brands. She has received multiple honors, including Nonprofit Marketer of the Year (American Marketing Association, 2019), the Women’s Health Leadership TRUST Award (2020), and recognition as one of the Top 50 Women in Healthcare (2025).

Melissa’s Amazon #1 best-selling book, Harnessing Purpose: A Marketer’s Guide to Inspiring Connection, has solidified her reputation as a leading voice in purpose-driven marketing. The book offers actionable strategies for marketers and mission-driven leaders, blending real-world insights with practical tools to help organizations foster authentic connections, spark creativity, and lead with clarity of purpose.