The finalists for WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards were announced April 8, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person June 4.
Next is Melody Pleasure, senior director of corporate communications at Peraton, and a finalist in the Marketing Executive of the Year category. In this spotlight, she reflects on key priorities, offers advice for those following a similar path and shares a bit about her personal interests.
What are your primary focus areas going forward, and why are those so important to the mission?
As Peraton enters a new phase of growth amid evolving national security priorities, Melody Pleasure’s leadership in strategic communications and marketing remains central to how the company positions itself in the federal landscape. With more than a decade of experience rising through the ranks at Peraton, Melody brings institutional knowledge and creative discipline to her role overseeing corporate brand, executive visibility, public relations, digital experience, and employee engagement.
Pleasure leads the cross-functional team responsible for delivering unified communications that elevate the company’s reputation across defense, intelligence, space, and cybersecurity domains — while laying the groundwork to be recognized as a technology leader in the federal market. Her focus is on aligning Peraton’s voice across all touchpoints — from competitive RFP narratives to executive messaging, media engagement, and digital storytelling.
Looking ahead, she is championing agile communication strategies that enable faster alignment with customer priorities and amplifying innovative narratives across Peraton’s sectors. Under her leadership, the company is strengthening its voice as a trusted government partner and forward-leaning enterprise that’s shaping the future of national security.
What is your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Pleasure didn’t just choose a career in marketing and communications — she fought to stay on the path, even when other seemingly more lucrative or easier opportunities presented themselves. Throughout her journey, leaders often encouraged her to pivot into project management, business development, or sales. The offers were tempting, and in many cases, would have meant faster financial rewards. But Pleasure knew her strengths — and more importantly, she knew what kind of impact she wanted to make.
“I wasn’t just trying to grow professionally; I was trying to grow authentically,” she said. “It would’ve been easy to take a safer route, but I never wanted just a job — I’ve always fought for a career that I believed in.”
The path wasn’t always smooth. Saying no to people in power, especially early on, required confidence, patience, and resilience. But it shaped who she became as a leader — someone who values clarity of purpose and has built her career around crafting meaningful stories that influence, inspire, and drive results.
Her advice: “Know what you’re good at, and fight for it. Plenty of people will try to nudge you off your path, even with good intentions. But only you can define success for yourself — and you’ll never regret betting on your own voice.”
Fun Fact: What is something about you that most people do not know?
Most people know Pleasure as a strategist, storyteller, and executive — but not many know she’s also obsessed with space, stars, and the mysteries of the universe. On any clear night, you can find her in her backyard with an astronomy app, scanning the sky for constellations or timing the next meteor shower. It’s a passion she shares with her son that serves as a way to feel both grounded and inspired.
Pleasure also walks — a lot. She’s clocked hundreds of miles each year, not for the step count but to clear her mind, refocus, and tap into creativity. “My best ideas usually come somewhere between mile two and mile five,” she joked.
Perhaps, the most surprising thing is how sentimental she is. Despite her confident and polished presence at work, Pleasure saves handwritten notes, ticket stubs, and tiny mementos that remind her of people she loves or places she’s traveled. “I’m a nostalgic soul wrapped in a Type A shell,” she says.