Melissa grew up in Marin County as an only child, yet surrounded by a magical family with deep connections to Bay Area rock and roll. Her youngest memories take her back stage with the Grateful Dead; dancing on stage with Jefferson Airplane; and sitting adorably on a sofa beside Grace Slick.

Melissa followed her love of music and of math to study accounting and economics at Northern Arizona University where she hoped to pursue the logical career path of becoming a music industry accountant. While still in college, she met Harry, the love of her life. 

Upon graduation the two moved to San Francisco where they pursued careers in accounting and finance. She at a premier CPA and business management firm that handled the likes of Green Day, NoFX, 3rd Eye Blind, and their burgeoning cohort of San Francisco sound.

She loved the intersection of music and business. But a career move was calling Harry to Orange County and Melissa found an amazing opportunity herself at the University of California, Irvine - Center for Investment and Wealth Management. Not only was she exposed to the power of philanthropic investment to create change - she was able to enroll in their MBA program and graduated Summa Cum Laude.

While her fellow MBAs pursued careers in tech and finance, Melissa asked herself if a degree such as hers could be put to a higher purpose? And specifically, what would happen if the rigor and acumen of her training were applied toward a non-profit charity? 

Could she help make the world a better place?

Melissa put her theory to work, becoming the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Orange County - which she led to become the fastest growing, highest performing, lowest turnover BBBS in the country. The accolades and awards added up. Best Place to work in OC. Top Women in Business. Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. And still, Melissa thought to herself, can we do more? 

Can we — the people who work to make the world a better place — achieve more with our time and resources if we look at things differently?

It’s no surprise that her questions drew her to Noah McMahon, who himself was wondering the same. In 2018, Melissa joined the company as President with a shared goal to “turn philanthropy on its head.” 

What process can be improved? 

What systems are ripe for disruption? 

What assumptions need to be questioned? 

Today, Melissa asks those questions on behalf of an incredible cohort of philanthropists and the causes they champion.

At Anonymous, her favorite days are those when she can connect deeply with a fellow employee - and she takes the greatest pride from enabling the team to each achieve their own personal best.  

Melissa credits her many mentors and her insatiable passion for leadership development for the lessons she intentionally passes along. Her relationship with UCI continues to this day where she serves as a Trustee of the University’s Foundation; Chairs the Alumni Association; and Chairs the Business School Dean’s Advisory Board. 

Melissa and Harry just enjoyed their 20th wedding anniversary. He and their three boys are her whole world.