Melanie Richards
Vice President for Engagement (2026-2028)
Melanie B. Richards, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Marketing and Director of the School of Marketing and Media at East Tennessee State University. She brings more than 20 years of industry experience in marketing research, analytics, customer experience, and strategic planning, including leadership roles with Teach For America and the American Cancer Society and research roles with Delta Air Lines and BBDO.
Dr. Richards’ research focuses on artificial intelligence applications in marketing, marketing research and analytics, marketing education, and brand experience. Her recent scholarship examines AI-evolved marketing research methods, generative AI in marketing education, AI and ethics, and emerging applications of AI in consumer and brand research. Her work bridges academic research and industry practice, with particular emphasis on how AI is reshaping the methods marketers use to generate insights and make decisions.
Within the Academy of Marketing Science, Dr. Richards serves as Vice President of Engagement, focused on strengthening member experience, engagement, and connection across career stages. She has contributed to AMS through numerous leadership and scholarly service roles and is committed to building an engaged academic community that creates meaningful professional and intellectual connections among its members
