Melissa Padberg

Melissa Padberg is a dynamic, results-driven leader with extensive experience in organizational growth, strategic partnerships, and impact-driven initiatives in the private, corporate social responsibility, and nonprofit sectors. Born and raised in Haiti, she earned a bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology from Haverford College and a master's degree from McGill University's International Master’s Program for Managers.

Her career highlights include overseeing the historic Hotel Villa Créole, a Haitian service provision landmark, where she managed 140 staff members and improved management, compliance, and financial systems until the hotel closed after the 2010 earthquake. She coordinated redevelopment and financial planning after the earthquake, advocated for employee rights, and garnered community support during the transition.

As a seasoned manager with excellent communication skills, Ms. Padberg has demonstrated her ability to implement community development initiatives, manage large-scale programs, and ensure compliance with donor requirements. She served as Chief of Party for the USAID-funded KONBIT Program, a $7 million initiative that addressed organizational gaps in local development and promoted sustainable development results. Ms. Padberg also acted as Advisor and Interim Director for the Civil Society Strengthening Program (CSSP), a $15.25 million program that supported civil society organizations and advocacy initiatives. In this role, she advised on governance and risk management and facilitated communication within the project team.

Ms. Padberg is passionate about creating opportunities for Haitians to develop sustainable pathways for the country’s economic growth through her Board memberships with Papyrus S.A., the Bureau de Nutrition et Développement, and formerly, Hope for Haiti. She is fluent in English, French, and Haitian Creole and has basic Spanish proficiency.