David Melie, MBA

David Melie, MBA, is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in partnership management, marketing, and sales development. Currently serving as the Head Of Partnerships at FirstIgnite since August 2020, David focuses on connecting business decision-makers with academic experts. In April 2019, David founded WhoYou and assumed the role of CEO, aiming to enhance the online experience for users and businesses while advocating for more personalized customer interactions. Previously, David held key positions at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and The Moorings Yacht Charters, where responsibilities included automation training and CRM management, respectively. Earlier career roles included leadership positions at MotionPoint, Keyence, and Jimmy John's, showcasing a strong foundation in marketing, sales, and operational management. David earned an MBA in Marketing and International Management from Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Western Illinois University.