About Melissa Hess
“If I do my job right, your job gets easier.”
Melissa Hess is Founder and Principal of Executive Lift. Leaders turn to Melissa when they’re frustrated and stuck but don’t know where to start. Her mission is to uncover challenges, harness core competencies, and unlock possibilities that stand between your organization and its full potential.
Since launching Executive Lift in 2018, Melissa has taught clients how to regain their time and sanity while exceeding expectations for performance. She is relentless about tracing dysfunction to its root cause, which is often found at the intersection of people and process. Before Melissa’s work is done, your leaders will have the tools and applied experience to diagnose future challenges and sustain excellence.
Prior to launching Executive Lift, Melissa spent more than 25 years as an operations P&L leader for companies in manufacturing, service, pharma, and big box retail. No stranger to a hard hat and steel-toe boots, she is equally comfortable on the shop floor, at headquarters, and in the boardroom. Her employers have included GKN Hoeganaes, Southco, Inc, The Home Depot, Express Scripts (formerly Medco Health Solutions), and Holman Automotive.
Melissa holds an Sc.B. in Materials Engineering from Brown University and an MBA from The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania. She is a Six Sigma Black Belt and a certified Project Management Professional. As a certified DISC Personality Styles Coach, Melissa is skilled at addressing the uncomfortable people and culture problems many consultants are afraid to touch.
Outside of Executive Lift, Melissa serves as volunteer faculty for DELTA (NJ State Law Enforcement Leadership Program) and provides pro bono coaching for young entrepreneurs. When Melissa isn’t working, you’ll often find her in the gym. As an avid weightlifter, she appreciates the challenge of pursuing goals and the inherent fairness of the gym – the weight is the same for everyone.
Based in New Jersey, Melissa works with clients across the US. To start a conversation with Melissa, click here.
