Melissa Fortner

Melissa Lockhart Fortner is a dedicated executive leader known for her focus on social impact and her versatile experience across academia, impact investing, and policy domains.

With a strong foundation in education, Melissa pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from The Wharton School and studied Politics, Philosophy, and Economics for her BA at Pomona College.

Throughout her career, Melissa has held key roles such as Director of Investor Relations at Global Partnerships, Vice President, Chief Communications Officer, Senior External Affairs Officer, and Senior Programs Officer at Pacific Council on International Policy, showcasing her diverse skill set and leadership capabilities.

Her professional journey also includes roles such as Senior Writer for Cuba and Latin America at the Foreign Policy Association, Researcher at the School of International Relations at USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, and Consultant grant writer at The Myrtum Corporation.

Melissa Lockhart Fortner is recognized for her innovative and mission-driven approach, adept at strategic planning, organizational health, financial planning, board and donor relations, as well as nonprofit communications and branding.

She is known not only as a proficient leader but also as a motivating manager and mentor, bringing a wealth of expertise to the social impact sphere.