Corporate Communications Director
S&T Communications
Corporate Communications Director
S&T Communications

Biography

Michelle Ma joined PNNL in September 2016 and led the Research Communications team for nine years. In November 2025, Michelle moved over to lead Corporate Communications, owning, operating, and amplifying the Lab’s public voice, brand identity, and core channels.

She started her career in the travel industry, working both on the tourism side and in travel industry publishing. Some of her early roles were at the Long Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Contiki Holidays, and Guest Informant Visitor Publications. Michelle later spent a decade in higher education as Director of Marketing and PR at a large California community college, as Chief Communications Officer at Whitman College, and as Chief Communications Officer at The Evergreen State College.

Originally from North Long Beach, Calif., Michelle relocated to Walla Walla in 2014 and embraces all of the peaceful elements of small town life. You’ll often catch her driving her restored 1970 Volkswagen bus, mowing her pasture, or tending to her backyard vineyard.

To connect with and follow Michelle on LinkedIn, click:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellesutliffma/

Education

  • Master of Public Admin in Public Administration, California State University - Long Beach
  • Bachelor of Science in Communications, University of Southern Indiana