Mel Huang

30+ years of international communications experience delivering visible and measurable results for stakeholders and clients. Always open to new ideas and collaborations anywhere in the world.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

About

I love that my 30+ year career has brought me through so many areas, from journalism as a foreign correspondent to a well-published geopolitical analyst with scores of publications and book chapters, from running PR and advocacy for a small grassroots organization to creating content for promoting institutions of higher education. There is joy from variety. It also gives me the breadth of experience that I crave, one that has served every employer I've ever had extremely well. What was my biggest career moment? When I got my leadership into the White House for a meeting? When the Prime Minister of a certain country introduced me as "the world's leading expert on my country" during a key event? Was it not driving a nominee of the Nobel Peace Prize off the road during a blizzard? Or just telling a story of a student's achievement that brought joy to people? It's hard to say, but it's all rewarding, and that's what keeps me going. Does my story end here? I doubt it. Anyone wants to help craft the next chapter in this story, ping me.

Experience

  • Manager, Marketing and Communications, International Activities at ACGME
    Sep 2022 - Jul 2026 · 3 yrs 11 mos

    Spearheaded international multimedia content strategy for a healthcare accreditation body, delivering 50%+ year-over-year growth in web session metrics, greatly expanding the organization’s international audience • Built the organization’s international social media presence from the ground up across three platforms, achieving up to 80% y/y engagement growth through creative, mission-aligned content • Co-led ACGME International’s most significant digital overhaul – a UX-driven website redesign – earning strong positive feedback from both new and long-term users • Advised ACGME International’s CEO on data-driven communications strategy, translating media monitoring insights into decisions that generated new international business leads • Managed large-scale international event exhibits end-to-end, consistently delivering on-time and under budget

  • Content Specialist at Bradley University
    2021 - 2022 · 1 yr

    • Produced high-impact external content for the university’s flagship magazine and digital platforms, expanding global brand recognition and readership • Managed internal communications for faculty and staff, sustaining high engagement with key institutional updates and initiatives

  • Principal Communications Consultant at Self-employed
    2002 - 2021 · 19 yrs

    • Operated a 19-year independent communications consultancy serving government, academic, and policy clients across the US, UK, and Europe, advising on media strategy, messaging, and stakeholder engagement • Developed and placed thought leadership content in major international publications, building a recognized platform on international affairs for clients across multiple sectors • Designed and delivered specialist communications training for professionals at government agencies and academic institutions in the US, UK, and Europe, preparing them for high-stakes international assignments • Provided rapid-response communications advisory on fast-moving international developments, enabling clients to shape narratives in real time

  • Journalist and Editorial Director at various
    1998 - 2001 · 3 yrs

    • Led regional coverage for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s flagship publication, expanding international audiences and shaping public discourse • Directed a team of writers and editors at the award-winning Central Europe Review, producing content that earned multiple industry accolades • Contributed investigative reporting and analysis to Financial Times Energy publications across European markets

  • Communications Consultant at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
    1996 - 1996 · Less than a year

    Authored and edited public-facing English-language materials and web content for a national government communications office