Melissa Jenkins

Vice President, Talent Management

Melissa Jenkins is the Vice President of Talent Management of United Way of Metropolitan Chicago (UWMC). UWMC is the largest non-governmental funder of health and human services in the Chicago region. Melissa assumed her role in July, 2009 and is a member of the executive team.

Melissa is responsible for the delivery of talent management and leadership development programs. She leads the organization’s strategy and execution of the strategy for talent acquisition, training and leadership development, performance management, total rewards and employment/retention. Under Melissa’s leadership, Talent Management has helped UWMC to develop into a high performing organization and a model for other organizations to follow.

Additionally, Melissa plays a variety of roles at the United Way. She is an advocate for employees to ensure their fair and equitable treatment. At the same time she is an effective business partner and coach to senior leadership. Melissa has a keen sense of the organization pulse and consistently provides valuable advice to employees at all levels to improve performance and enhance the organizational culture.

Melissa joined the organization in 1987. She began her career at the Northern Trust Bank in client services. She has earned a Bachelors of Arts degree in Human Resources and Business Administration from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. Melissa is a massage therapist, loves to skate, bowl and enjoys bike riding. She resides in the western suburbs and has a 23 year old daughter.