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Nicole Mezlo

@nicolemezlo

I build executive positioning, crisis, and internal communications programs that strengthen reputation and stakeholder trust.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead executive, reputation, change, and internal communications for an organization navigating complex business priorities, transformation, and high-stakes stakeholder needs.

I've led high-stakes communications programs at Quaker Houghton, Toptal, Bain & Company, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. At Quaker Houghton, I established an HR communications capability for 4,000 global employees, raising email open rates from 62% to 79% and survey participation from 58% to 76%.

I've built PR functions, advised CEOs through crises and transformation, and turned executive thought leadership into measurable engagement—raising Tier 1 media coverage 23% at Toptal and CEO LinkedIn engagement 130% at Bain. I bring executive counsel, clear narrative strategy, and practical change communications to complex, high-profile organizations.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Global Lead, Change Management & Internal/HR Communications

Quaker Houghton

Jan 2024 - Jan 2025 (1 year)

Established a communications capability within the HR function to reach 4,000 global employees, driving email open rates from 62% to 79% and boosting engagement survey response rates from 58% to 76%. Directed corporate communications and social media teams, developed messaging strategies for reorganizations, and authored a change management playbook.

Change Management Internal Communications HR Communications Content Strategy Crisis Communications Social Media Strategy Employee Engagement Merger Communications

Freelance Communications Consultant

NKM Communications

Jan 2023 - Jan 2024 (1 year)

Grew a communications consultancy from the ground up, building a $200K book of business in just over one year. Advised eight SMBs/start-ups in tech and fintech on corporate positioning, executive positioning, and reputation management, and enhanced crisis response effectiveness by 25%.

Organizational Positioning Executive Positioning Reputation Management Crisis Communications Business Development Consulting

Head of Public Relations and Influencer Relations

Toptal

Jan 2021 - Jan 2023 (2 years)

Established and scaled the organization's first PR and influencer relations functions, accelerating earned media coverage in Tier 1 outlets by 23% within six months. Cultivated partnerships with 15 key content creators, expanded the influencer program to $500,000, and hired and mentored an internal team of five.

Public Relations Influencer Relations Media Relations Executive Positioning Crisis Communications Team Leadership Content Strategy

Operations Director, Global Public Relations

Bain & Company

Jan 2013 - Jan 2021 (8 years)

Co-led the build-out of the firm's modern strategic communication function, supervising a global team of seven. Restructured the global communications Center of Excellence, built the firm's first speakers' bureau, and increased CEO's LinkedIn newsletter engagement by 130% within six months.

Public Relations Strategic Communications Media Relations Social Media Strategy Executive Communication Team Leadership Crisis Communications

Director, Media & Public Relations

Corporation For Public Broadcasting

Jan 2010 - Jan 2013 (3 years)

Launched the first formal public affairs department within CPB, overseeing a team of two and an external agency. Served as chief media spokesperson, crafted external communications for senior executives, and guided the organization through crises including the Congressional threat to defund public media.

Public Relations Media Relations Crisis Communications Executive Communication Public Affairs Spokesperson

Account Director, Corporate Practice

Ogilvy Public Relations

Jan 2005 - Jan 2010 (5 years)

Developed and executed strategic communications strategies for Fortune 500 clients, including DuPont and Lenovo, quadrupling revenue on the DuPont account over three years. Led award-winning crisis response strategies that reduced negative media coverage in half over nine months.

Strategic Communications Crisis Communications Media Relations Client Management Revenue Growth