Melinda Oakes has served as the executive director of the Triad Foundation for nearly 10 years, overseeing the internal operations and the external grant giving to more than 400 nonprofit organizations each year. Before her time at the Foundation, Melinda spent two decades growing her skills and knowledge in marketing, sales, and public relations with big brand consumer products and entertainment companies Hallmark, Madison Square Garden, and LEGO Company. Melinda currently serves as a board member at the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Science, The Empire Center for Public Policy, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Ithaca Garden Club. She is also an advisory board member at The Policy Circle as well as Cayuga Medical Center, and a vestry member at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Ithaca, NY.
Passionate about civil discourse, civic engagement, and moderation, Melinda is also an award-winning motivational author of The Cheerleader’s Guide to the Workplace with additional works in progress. She earned her undergraduate degree at Kansas State University and master’s degrees from the University of Hartford and the University of Missouri. She lives in Ithaca, NY with her husband and two children. Her passions include a good Audible listen, global traveling, quality time with her family, and lime Tostitos.
