Melissa Panzer is an Emmy and Clio Award winning creative executive with extensive experience in media, entertainment, and branded storytelling. Most recently, she led video strategy and execution at WorkingNation, where she oversaw more than 100 original productions including documentaries, explainers, livestreamed panels, and digital series focused on the American workforce.

Melissa created and hosted The Work Behind the Work, a five-part podcast exploring the hidden economics of caregiving and labor. The series was featured in Apple Podcasts’ “New Trailers” section and distributed by WABE. She also executive produced Breaking Barriers: Embracing Disabilities in the Workforce, which aired on PBS affiliate WABE and earned a Southeast Emmy Award.

She directed Unstoppable, a short documentary about the barriers single mothers face in pursuing higher education and the support systems that can make a difference. The film is part of WorkingForward, a five-part documentary series from WorkingNation that explores challenges in the American workforce through personal stories and community conversations. Each episode, slated to air on PBS beginning fall 2025, includes the film along with a follow-up discussion on the topic.

Melissa also directed Glory in Overcoming, a Google.org funded short film that was later adapted into a national television commercial for Goodwill.

Throughout her career, Melissa has produced short-form and long-form content for major brands and platforms including PlayStation, Reebok, Hallmark, and Nielsen. Her work has earned both critical acclaim and industry recognition, including a Clio Award and Adweek’s “Ad of the Day.” She began her career at ESPN, where she co-created The Pretty Good Sports Show and contributed to The ESPYs and the 30 for 30 series.

Melissa holds a BFA in Theater from Syracuse University and an MFA in Producing from the University of Southern California.