Director of Marketing and Communications
Janelle Richardson is an experienced marketing and communications leader with over 14 years of experience driving strategic growth, brand visibility, and community engagement across nonprofit, education, and creative industries. A graduate of the University of South Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing, and Management, she brings a rare blend of data-driven strategy and creative storytelling to every role she steps into. Throughout her career, Janelle has led multichannel marketing initiatives, developed high impact campaigns, and translated complex data into clear, compelling messaging that moves audiences to action.
Before stepping into her role as Director of Marketing and Communications at HACE, Janelle built a reputation for delivering measurable results. She has successfully increased sponsorships, expanded audience reach, and strengthened stakeholder engagement through thoughtful strategy and execution. Notably, her leadership in crisis communications during Hurricane Milton resulted in a 75% increase in donations and significant brand awareness growth. Her work has also earned recognition across major media outlets including Fox 13 Tampa Bay, Spectrum Bay News 9, and 10 Tampa Bay’s Great Day Live. Whether managing campaigns, analyzing engagement metrics, or leading cross functional teams, she is known for her ability to align vision with impact.
Beyond the analytics and strategy, Janelle is a creative at heart. As a professional singer and songwriter, she champions self expression, storytelling, and helping individuals and brands find their authentic voice. This creative foundation influences her marketing approach, ensuring that every campaign not only performs but resonates. Her ability to merge creativity with structure allows her to build campaigns that feel both intentional and human, a balance that sets her apart in the field.
Originally from Tampa, Florida, by way of Trinidad and Tobago, Janelle brings cultural depth, warmth, and relatability into every space she enters. She is known for her approachable leadership style, her ability to connect across diverse audiences, and her passion for building meaningful relationships. She chose to join HACE because of its commitment to empowering communities and advancing equity, values that align deeply with her own mission to use communication as a tool for impact, connection, and lasting change.