Melisa Chantres: She rose from intern to preside over 85-year-old company

Melisa Chantres’ introduction to communications came as a teenager in Miami, when her family was swept up in a media storm following the 1996 shootdown of a Cuban humanitarian aircraft in which her uncle was a pilot. She witnessed firsthand how storytelling, media and advocacy shape public perception, influence outcomes and give voice to those who need it most – an early awareness that set the stage for her future in public relations. Her path became concrete when she received the PRSA Miami EvClay scholarship during her senior year of college, opening the door to Florida’s first PR firm and cementing her commitment to the profession.

Joining EvClay PR as an intern in 1999, Ms. Chantres has forged a 25-year career defined by strategic leadership, bilingual communications expertise and dedication to clients and colleagues. A University of Miami graduate with a B.A.S. in public relations and theatre management and a master’s in music business and entertainment industries, she rose steadily to become president of the firm in 2008.

EvClay PR, founded in 1940 by Everett Clay as Florida’s first PR firm, has long stood for innovation, integrity and community engagement. Under Dana Clay, the agency evolved into a culturally and digitally strategic boutique firm, serving clients across government, finance, healthcare, utilities, real estate, tourism and more, including British Airways, Burger King, AmeriFirst Bank, Home Depot and WTVJ Channel 4.

Ms. Chantres has been instrumental in sustaining and elevating the firm’s legacy, maintaining 100% employee retention during the Covid-19 pandemic and guiding the agency to recognition by PR Week’s Best Places to Work in 2022 and the 2024 PRSA Anvil Oak Award of Excellence. Known for her disciplined one-client-per-mission approach, she preserves long-standing relationships while fostering a workforce that is both experienced and diverse.

The firm’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of communicators comes full circle in the EvClay/PRSA Miami Chapter Endowment Fund, the largest scholarship program of any PRSA chapter nationwide. As a former scholarship recipient, Ms. Chantres has helped award more than $400,000 to over 200 aspiring PR professionals across South Florida.

Having seen PR evolve from print to digital, from traditional media to real-time global communications, Ms. Chantres emphasizes authenticity, strategic thinking, and human-centered messaging. Under her leadership, EvClay PR continues to adapt, thrive and set the standard for excellence, innovation and service.
Ms. Chantres spoke with Miami Today reporter Genevieve Bowen.

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