Vice President of Global Strategies for Leading Voter Targeted Digital Ad Network for Democrats and Progressives, “Honored” by Recognition

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Association of Political Consultants has named DSPolitical Vice President of Global Strategies Melissa Cressey to its annual “40 under 40” list of top political consultants under the age of 40 in the United States.

“I have so much respect for my colleagues in this industry who wake up each morning and do their part to help democracies flourish here and abroad,” Cressey said. “It is an honor to be recognized for my work among such amazing people — people I feel incredibly fortunate to work with each day. This award is truly humbling.”

According to the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC), the award recognizes “40 of the best and brightest young political professionals under 40 years old working in the United States.” The AAPC is “dedicated to fostering the next generation of political professionals and is proud to recognize leaders and innovators in the political business community (including media, advertising, polling and public affairs) who are making a mark in their organizations and their professions and whose conduct has been consistent with the Professional Code of Ethics of the AAPC.”

Only 18 Republicans, 18 Democrats, and 4 nonpartisan professionals in the United States were named to AAPC’s exclusive “40 Under 40” winners list this year. Candidates were evaluated on leadership and professional accomplishments in politics and public affairs. Contributions to the health of the political business community through volunteer work and other forms of philanthropy were also considered.

More About Melissa Cressey

Long before Melissa Cressey became a small and big “d” democratic missionary traveling the world preaching the gospel of voter targeted digital advertising to democracies around the globe on behalf of DSPolitical, she came to work for the company on domestic business development.

Having served as Development Director and Conference Coordinator for the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC), Melissa was no stranger to the world of political consulting when she arrived at DSPolitical in 2014. It was a time when the Democratic and progressive political establishment was finally taking notice of targeted digital advertising. To say that she took advantage of this opportunity would be an understatement. More than just taking the ball and running – she flew.

It is little wonder that she now serves as Vice President of Global Strategies, where she leads business development and client engagement for both domestic and international clients. During her time at this post she has interfaced with clients from the United Kingdom and Australia to Canada and Mexico. She is a major reason why the firm has been recognized with Reed Awards for Best International Online Ad Campaign and Best European Online Ad Campaign.

Melissa’s earlier work included stints as Development Planner at Appleseed Foundation, where she managed and directed the day-to-day work within the development department, and Vice President of Customer Services at Advocacy Data, where she specialized in email targeting for progressive campaigns and organizations.

Though she was born in Arizona, she spent most of her childhood in northern Sweden where she was also able to take advantage of the country’s incredible education system receiving a degree in political science with a focus on American politics and the European Union with a minor in economics and civil law from Karlstad University.

Melissa has previously been recognized as a 2015 Campaigns & Elections Magazine Rising Star and is a recipient of the 2013 AAPC Extraordinary Leadership Award and the 2012 AAPC Distinguished Service Award. Melissa also sits on the board of Transatlantic Progressive Campaign Committee and is the former co-chair of the AAPC Pollie Committee Contest.

About DSPolitical

DSPolitical pioneers the best integration of data and technology to persuade audiences and deliver wins for progressive candidates, causes, and issues with the most efficient and effective digital advertising campaigns in politics. The company’s proprietary enterprise software, expansive inventory, breadth of reach, and unrivaled access to the best voter file data, make it a clear choice for those seeking a critical advantage over their competition.

Since 2011, the ad-targeting technology pioneered and perfected by DSPolitical helped hundreds of candidates reach the exact voters needed to win. That’s because DSPolitical was founded by political technology, data and campaign veterans with decades of political experience. They know how important it is for campaigns and causes to be able to reach every voter on every device, everywhere.

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