MELISSA MARINO

Melissa Marino brings 16 years of experience in journalism and storytelling to the Catalyst Communications team, where she now specializes in media relations and public affairs. For the past decade, she's served as an Anchor and Reporter at WFLA News Channel 8 in Tampa, where her reporting has spanned international events, major hurricanes, and exclusive investigations that have led to real accountability and change.

A Pennsylvania native, Melissa graduated cum laude from York College of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and minors in Behavioral Science and Human Services. She began her career at FOX43 in her hometown of York, where she rose through the newsroom ranks, from assignment desk to producer and reporter/anchor.

At News Channel 8, Melissa's reporting has included national and international coverage including the Tokyo Olympics and Super Bowl LV, along with investigative coverage that has strengthened community trust. During her time with News Channel 8, Melissa covered every major hurricane, elections, and many of Tampa Bay's biggest moments, including Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Lightning Championships. Melissa spent a month in Japan covering the Tokyo Olympics during the pandemic. She earned a Community Hero Award for helping rescue dogs abandoned during Hurricane Irma and contributed to Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award-winning hurricane coverage.

At Catalyst, Melissa leverages her extensive news experience and strong community relationships to help clients earn meaningful press coverage. She understands what makes a story resonate with media outlets and the community to help elevate clients work and create a lasting community impact.

Outside of her communications role, Melissa enjoys traveling with family and friends, golfing, attending concerts and sporting events, and spending time with her rescue cat, Leo, and German Shepherd, Kai.