Marissa Bell has more than a decade of experience as a communications professional with expertise in strategy, public affairs, digital media, broadcasting, public relations, marketing and crisis communications. At Waterhouse PR, Marissa focuses on strategy, business development, media relations and more to deliver results for clients. She uses her PR background to craft and implement communication plans that align with clients’ strategic business goals.

Her previous work experience includes the Chattanooga Tourism Co., where she marketed the city to visitors through collaboration with partners and local, regional and national travel journalists and influencers. Marissa also worked for the City of Chattanooga, where she helped communicate the Mayor’s vision and implemented communications strategy, social media, and internal and external relations. She has an extensive understanding of storytelling and media outlets from her former work as a TV news producer. She made her way to Chattanooga via Knoxville, where she worked in digital media for foodnetwork.com.

Marissa is accredited in PR (APR) through the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and holds a master’s degree in corporate and organizational communication from Northeastern University, a program ranked on the PR News Education A-List. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in communications through the University of Tennessee, where she competed on the Division I women’s rowing team, including a NCAA Championship appearance. Marissa is a 2021 graduate of Leadership Chattanooga and the 2018 class of Protégé, the Young Professionals of Chattanooga (YPC) mentoring program.

Outside of work, she serves with multiple organizations, including the Lookout Rowing Club, Girls on the Run of Southeast Tennessee and YPC. Marissa has been a PRSA member for several years, including former service on the Lookout Chapter board. She’s always up for adventures in Chattanooga’s great outdoors, including rowing down the Tennessee River, biking the mountains or running along the Riverwalk.