GMDC Hires Communications Specialist

The Global Market Development Center (GMDC), a trade association for retail and wholesale general merchandise and health beauty wellness industries, has hired Kellee Hardy, former marketing specialist for Bold Technologies to serve as communications specialist.

“With the growing importance of digital media and communications, new innovations to reach our target audience, and the increasing presence of social media, GMDC set out to find an excellent fit to work in our communications department,” said Mark Mechelse, director of industry insights and communications, and Kellee’s direct report. “With a spirit of service and excellence to serve our retailers, wholesalers, suppliers and service companies, we were very fortunate to add Kellee Hardy to fulfill a newly created role in our organization as Communications Specialist. GMDC is planning to greatly enhance its presence in digital media, and Kellee will play a key role in providing and implementing those communications to our members.”

Hardy has more than 17 years of customer service and marketing experience and has a degree in communications from Texas State University. Her background includes TV media relations, promotions, web development, social media, and trade shows. As communications specialist, Hardy will be responsible for the management of GMDC’s social media platforms and editorial interface with members and non-members through trade and public relations. The scope of her responsibilities will also include the maintenance and enhancement of existing company websites. She will also publish the GMDC weekly e-newsletter “Business Spotlight” that reaches over 4500 companies, executives and decision-makers that provides the latest news on business trends, consumer and industry updates.

“We welcome Kellee to the GMDC Marketing and Communications Team,” says Mark Deuschle, CMO. “Her high energy level and experience in the marketing and communications field will be an asset to GMDC as a whole. Her social media expertise will support GMDC’s mission to continually connect with GM and HBW companies, and build the associations ability to communicate through new avenues.”