Melissa Gerdes-Leonard

Melissa Gerdes-Leonard is the AVP of Client Services at the University of Southern California. Melissa has over fifteen years of experience in human resources and organizational development. Prior to their current role, Melissa served as the Executive Director and Senior HR Business Partner at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where they were a member of the CUIMC HR leadership team. In this role, they provided complex human resources consultation services, coaching, and leadership to HR network. Melissa also served as the University Talent Acquisition & Employment Manager and HR & Organizational Development Consultant at Eastern Michigan University and as Manager and Chief of Human Resources & Faculty Affairs at the University of Miami. Melissa has a proven track record of establishing and driving the people agenda aligned to organizational priorities. Melissa is a strategic thinker and partner who is able to accomplish business objectives through effective and innovative people and operational strategies.

Melissa Gerdes-Leonard has a Master of Science in Administration with a Human Resources Concentration from Central Michigan University, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Human Resources from Michigan State University, and is certified as a Human Capital Strategist from the Human Capital Institute (HCI), a Human Performance Improvement Certification from the Association for Talent Development (ATD), an MBTI Certified Practioner from The Myers & Briggs Foundation, a Principles & Practices of Organizational Development Certification from Teachers College of Columbia University, and a Professional in Human Resources from the HR Certification Institute - HRCI.

Melissa Gerdes-Leonard reports to Carol L. Folt, President. They work with Steven D. Shapiro - SVP, Health Affairs, Mike Bohn - Director of Athletics, and Kyle Henley - SVP, Communications.