Marketing with Purpose. Strategy with Impact.
Author - Speaker
Marketing & Growth Consultant
Fractional CMO
Startup Advisor
Board Director
About Melissa Fors Shackelford
Seasoned Healthcare Marketing Executive
Award Winning Thought Leader and Public Speaker
Fractional CMO, CEO/CMO Mentor and Advisor
Melissa Fors Shackelford brings over 25 years of experience as a healthcare marketing executive and fractional marketing leader, and consultant, having held key roles at industry-leading organizations, including Optum, Hazelden Betty Ford, and Cigna’s Health Services Business, Evernorth.
Most recently, Melissa served as Senior Vice Pre
Melissa Fors Shackelford brings over 25 years of experience as a healthcare marketing executive and fractional marketing leader, and consultant, having held key roles at industry-leading organizations, including Optum, Hazelden Betty Ford, and Cigna’s Health Services Business, Evernorth.
Most recently, Melissa served as Senior Vice President of Marketing at LetsGetChecked, a global health technology company specializing in home health testing, virtual care, genetic sequencing, and medication delivery for diverse health and wellness conditions. In this role, she developed and executed comprehensive marketing strategies across the U.S. healthcare sector and international markets, contributing to the company's growth and visibility.
Previously, during her tenure at Cigna’s Evernorth Health Services, Melissa led strategic marketing for Express Scripts PBM and specialty pharmacy services, where she played a critical role in market expansion and customer engagement strategies. Her executive experience also includes serving as Vice President of Marketing at Hazelden Betty Ford, where she led marketing for the merger of two iconic behavioral health brands, directed and strategic marketing functions to elevate the organization’s mission and impact. Before joining Hazelden Betty Ford in 2013, Melissa spent six years at UnitedHealth Group's Optum in a variety of marketing leadership roles.
Fractional CMO, CEO/CMO Mentor and Advisor
Award Winning Thought Leader and Public Speaker
Fractional CMO, CEO/CMO Mentor and Advisor
Melissa is passionate about fostering innovation and supports emerging leaders through her work consulting, mentoring and advising marketing professionals and early-stage startups. She provides strategic guidance on go-to-market strategies, brand development, and navigating the complexities of the healthcare industry. As a fractional mar
Melissa is passionate about fostering innovation and supports emerging leaders through her work consulting, mentoring and advising marketing professionals and early-stage startups. She provides strategic guidance on go-to-market strategies, brand development, and navigating the complexities of the healthcare industry. As a fractional marketing executive and healthcare marketing consultant, Melissa helps brands achieve growth.
Award Winning Thought Leader and Public Speaker
Award Winning Thought Leader and Public Speaker
Award Winning Thought Leader and Public Speaker
Recognized as a thought leader in healthcare marketing, Melissa is a frequent speaker at industry conferences, a recurring guest on healthcare and marketing podcasts, and a prolific writer for leading publications, focusing on topics such as healthcare branding, inclusive marketing, marketing ethics, and health equity. Her contribution
Recognized as a thought leader in healthcare marketing, Melissa is a frequent speaker at industry conferences, a recurring guest on healthcare and marketing podcasts, and a prolific writer for leading publications, focusing on topics such as healthcare branding, inclusive marketing, marketing ethics, and health equity. Her contributions have significantly advanced the field and she was named one of the Top 50 Women in Healthcare in 2025, she earned her the prestigious Nonprofit Marketer of the Year award from the American Marketing Association in 2019 and the Women's Health Leadership TRUST Award in 2020.
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