Melissa joins Woodwell Climate from Brown University, where she served as the Director of Development for Academic Initiatives – Brain & Environmental Sciences. In this role, Melissa was the academic liaison for two university-wide priorities within the BrownTogether capital campaign: The Institute at Brown for Environment & Society and The Carney Institute for Brain Science. Prior to her role at Brown, Melissa held senior development roles at McGill University and Columbia University.

In her new role as Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Melissa will report directly to the Chief Philanthropic Officer (CPO) and collaborate with members of Woodwell Climate’s leadership, principal investigators, staff, Board members, affinity group members, major gift donors and prospects, friends and volunteers, to raise funds in the fight against climate change. Melissa will drive strategy, research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for a portfolio of major donors and develop tailored and targeted cases for the organization’s vital climate science research programs. Melissa will also work with the CPO to grow the President’s Council. Melissa is excited to bring her passion and experience raising research funding to Woodwell Climate and to focus her efforts fully on climate science research.

About Woodwell Climate Research Center

Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell Climate) is a top ranked independent climate research institute whose mission is to advance science-based climate policies through scientific research and outreach. Woodwell Climate works around the globe, conducting world-class research to understand how changing conditions, land use, and other forms of disruption affect local ecosystems and the larger world. Woodwell Climate’s work is focused on five research areas: Arctic, Tropics, Water, Carbon, and Risk. For more information, visit www.woodwellclimate.org.