DECATUR – Melissa Ford Thornton has been named development and communications director for the Princess Theatre, the Board of Directors for Decatur’s Princess Theatre and Performing Arts Center announced.

Melissa Thornton — Melissa Ford Thorton, Princess Theatre Development and Communications Director

An alum of the University of Alabama-Huntsville, Ford Thornton has more than 25 years of communications, public and media relations experience. She and her husband, Mark Thornton, established the Suzanne Kay and Gregory Ford Memorial Scholarship at UAH.

“In addition to her wide-ranging communications skills, Melissa is a gifted storyteller, which gives her a unique perspective on and passion for sharing and connecting patrons to the Princess Theatre’s incredible history and narrative,” said Mary McDonald, executive director of Princess Theatre. “I’m thrilled to have Melissa join our team.”

Ford Thornton said the position brings her career “full circle.”

“My first paying job at 16, was working behind the concessions counter at Madison Twin Theatres in Huntsville,” she said. “My professional career is varied, from marketing and corporate communications to musician promotion and booking and podcast host. So, this position with the Princess Theatre, is a beautiful, full-circle and career highlight for me.”