Melissa Richardson Banks is known for creating results-oriented marketing partnerships between nonprofits and companies alike. She prides herself as being the “Queen of Marketing with No Budget.” Over the course of her 15-year nonprofit career, she has raised nearly $40 million and provided strategic marketing services for numerous corporate partners. Previously, she worked for the Library Foundation of Los Angeles where she successfully started an inaugural corporate partnership program in support of the Los Angeles Public Library. She also spearheaded a new exhibitions program at Central Library, managing project teams for almost 40 major shows over four years and providing professional services such as sponsorship, marketing, community outreach, special events, volunteer recruitment, contract negotiation, and budget management. She formerly worked at the Autry National Center where she launched an integrated marketing/sponsorship program and Texas A&M University where she managed statewide business-school partnerships. Prior to the nonprofit arena, she worked for several years in corporate sales, marketing, and Hispanic market research. She holds a B.A. in journalism and communication studies from Texas State University and a master’s degree (and Ph.D. coursework) in educational administration with an emphasis on business and finance from Texas A&M University.