Melissa Hamlin brings more than three decades of experience in nonprofit development, strategic marketing, and organizational advancement to her role as Chief Development and Marketing Officer at United Way of Summit & Medina Counties. She is responsible for leading the organization’s fundraising strategy, donor engagement, brand management, and marketing communications to support United Way’s mission to improve lives and create lasting change across the region.
Prior to joining United Way, Melissa served as President and Founder of Reserve Resources, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in comprehensive development planning and marketing for nonprofits. Throughout her career, she has led transformational fundraising initiatives, including large-scale capital campaigns, major donor programs, and successful public and private funding strategies. Her work helped secure significant support for local organizations, including the Battered Women’s Shelter & Rape Crisis Center of Summit and Medina Counties, where she played a central role in funding critical facility renovations, expanding services, and establishing long-term financial sustainability.
Melissa has a proven track record of building meaningful relationships with donors, foundations, government officials, and corporate partners. Her leadership has led to increased community investment and visibility for mission-driven organizations throughout Northeast Ohio. She brings deep expertise in strategic planning, board development, public relations, and brand strategy to her new role, helping United Way deepen its impact and broaden its reach.
Earlier in her career, Melissa held leadership and fundraising positions with Child Guidance & Family Solutions and St. Sebastian Church, School & Foundation, where she grew donor bases, enhanced marketing platforms, and helped establish sustainable financial futures for each institution. She began her career in sales and financial consulting, bringing a results-driven mindset to her work in the nonprofit sector.
Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing) from the University of Akron and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Management with a focus on Business Analytics. She is an active member of the community, with past and present involvement in the Akron Children’s Hospital Women’s Board, Junior League of Akron, WITAN, One of A Kind Pets and the Association of Fundraising Professionals, among others.
Her passion for community service and collaborative leadership continues to drive her efforts to create positive, measurable change across Summit and Medina counties.