Using a customized, collaborative approach with client teams, Dr. Sklar works to expand the reach of location brands in the highly competitive field of economic development. 

Experience & Clients

Alissa’s clients have included Research fDi, the Bermuda Development Agency, Violet PR, and Golden Shovel Agency. She spent 11 years as the vice president of content marketing for GIS Planning and the fDi Intelligence Portfolio, a service from the Financial Times, where she led their marketing efforts, authored the copy for a complete website redesign, introduced the use of new digital tools and analytics, developed marketing collateral, conference presentations, webinars, and client support materials. Alissa is the co-author with Anatalio Ubalde of Economic Development Marketing & Priorities (2024), published by the Financial Times.

Dr. Sklar has provided strategic teaching, consultation and training in educational, cultural and business settings for audiences and organizations across North America and Europe, synthesizing and presenting complex information in engaging and practical ways. 

With a Ph.D. and M.A. in Communication and Cultural Studies from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Alissa has worked extensively in both private and academic sectors, serving as a social media consultant for economic development agencies, full-time faculty member at Concordia University’s Department of Communication Studies, research faculty at McGill University, blogger, and multiple award-winning journalist.