Michelle Ong
About Michelle Ong
Michelle Ong serves as the Vice President and Head of External Communications at FINRA, bringing over 20 years of experience in strategic communications across various sectors. She has held significant roles at organizations such as The World Bank, The Carlyle Group, and UNIDO, and holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia.
Current Role at FINRA
Michelle Ong serves as the Vice President and Head of External Communications at FINRA, a position she has held since 2011. In this role, she oversees the organization's communication strategies, ensuring effective messaging and engagement with stakeholders. Her tenure at FINRA spans over 13 years, during which she has contributed to enhancing the organization's public profile and communication efforts.
Previous Experience in Communications
Prior to her role at FINRA, Michelle Ong worked as a Communications Specialist at The Carlyle Group from 2005 to 2011. During her six years there, she developed and implemented communication strategies that supported the firm's objectives. Additionally, she served as a Communications Consultant at The World Bank for seven months in 2005, where she focused on communication initiatives in Washington, DC.
International Experience at UNIDO
Michelle Ong has international experience, having worked as an Investment Promotion Analyst at UNIDO in Vienna, Austria. Her first tenure was from 1992 to 1993 for seven months, followed by another stint in 2005 for seven months. In these roles, she contributed to investment promotion efforts, enhancing her expertise in global communications and economic development.
Educational Background
Michelle Ong earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia, where she studied Economics and Rhetoric & Communication Studies, with a minor in Spanish. This educational background has provided her with a strong foundation in both analytical and communication skills, essential for her career in strategic communications.
Project Management Experience
In addition to her communications roles, Michelle Ong has experience in project management. She worked as a Project Manager at the National Foundation for Credit Counseling from 1998 to 2000. In this capacity, she managed various projects aimed at improving financial literacy and support services, contributing to the organization's mission.