BIOGRAPHY: Melissa has been in her role with OrthoSouth since mid-2019 after an early career spent almost entirely in the legal field. Prior to OrthoSouth, Melissa spent two years at the Branch Office manager of McAngus, Goudelock & Couriering, covering the HR and operations for five offices in Mississippi and Tennessee for the regional insurance defense law firm. From 2015 to 2017, she was the office manager for the Memphis office of Lewis, Thomason, King, Krieg & Waldrop. From 2007-2012, she held paralegal positions in various law firms. Melissa obtained her MBA from University of Memphis in 2013 and her B.A. in English from the University of Maine in 2006. She lives with her husband Aaron and two children, Addison and Aubrey in East Memphis.

DESCRIPTION OF WHAT YOU DO: Direct and manage company’s messaging, community involvement, and other marketing/PR activities.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST ELEVATOR PITCH: My legal background combined with HR and marketing experience have molded me into a personable, engaged, intelligent, confident, and data-oriented leader. I am always seeking ways to improve, whether for my organization, my professional growth, or my personal life.

WHAT IS YOUR WHY FOR WHAT YOU DO: My family and my sanity! I obviously start every day knowing I have to earn a living for my family. But to be able to do that while engaging in a challenging and rewarding career is icing on the cake.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR INDUSTRY: I am highly adaptable and not high-maintenance! I’ll learn a new role quickly and jump at the opportunity to get outside my comfort zone.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING A MEMBER OF LINK: The networking and social aspect.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO GIVE OR RECEIVE AS A MEMBER OF LINK: I hope to meet and develop genuine relationships with other professional women in the Memphis area.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TODAY TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF: Know what you’re worth and ask for it confidently.