As the Volunteer Engagement Manager at the Alliance for the Great Lakes, Melanie leads volunteer engagement initiatives that connect people and communities to opportunities to protect and care for the Great Lakes. She oversees the Alliance’s Adopt-a-Beach program and Alliance Ambassadors program, working to create impactful volunteer experiences and build strong community partnerships.
Melanie has more than a decade of experience working in nonprofits and community-focused programs. Before joining the Alliance, she spent four years at Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana, where she managed volunteer programs, built community and corporate partnerships, developed new engagement opportunities, and worked with volunteers to create positive experiences for families. She has also worked in volunteer recruitment with Girl Scouts and began her career in education and national service with AmeriCorps and City Year.
Melanie has always loved bringing people together around causes they care about. She believes that when people have a purposeful way to contribute, they can make a lasting difference in their communities.
Melanie lives in Chicago with her husband and two young twin daughters, and they love exploring the city together, spending time outdoors, and, of course, heading to the beach!