Melanie Brinkman

Melanie Brinkman has a diverse work experience spanning over two decades. Melanie began their career as a Senior Financial Analyst at GATX, where they provided complex financial analyses and played a crucial role in evaluating new business opportunities. From there, they moved on to Esprit, where they served as the Manager of Financial Planning and Analysis, overseeing retail store plans and managing the financial shut down of operations after the sale of the brand.

Afterwards, Melanie joined Safeway.com as the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, leading the finance team responsible for planning, modeling performance, and conducting financial and operational analytics. Melanie implemented cross-functional metrics and identified key areas for improvement to drive sales growth.

Melanie then transitioned to Treasury Wine Estates, where they worked as a Consultant focusing on the Finance and Direct to Consumer divisions. Melanie collaborated with various departments to improve cost management, analyzing tasting room labor and direct shipping expenses to enhance profitability.

Following their time at Treasury Wine Estates, Melanie joined Cost Plus World Market as a Consulting and Merchandise Planner, managing a $50M card and paper business. Melanie developed tools to enhance forecasting and analysis, led cross-functional initiatives, and implemented a new forecast system to ensure accuracy.

At Backroads, Melanie held the role of Marketing & Finance, where they were responsible for the circulation strategy and execution. Melanie improved direct marketing profitability by optimizing mail efficiency, analyzing customer lifetime value, and adjusting marketing strategies accordingly.

Melanie then served as the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at Honor, where they oversaw financial planning and analysis activities to support business strategies.

Most recently, they joined Meals on Wheels Diablo Region as a Finance Volunteer/Associate, contributing their finance expertise to support meal delivery programs. Currently, Melanie is the Director of Finance at Oil Changers.

Melanie Brinkman holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on Business-Economics, with an emphasis in Accounting, from UCLA. Melanie also earned a Master of Business Administration degree from USC Marshall School of Business, specializing in Finance & Marketing. In addition, they obtained a CPA certification, although the specific institution and time of completion are not provided.