Melissa Pappas

Chief Executive Officer

Professional Overview

Melissa Pappas is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in the consulting and public sector industries. As the Chief Executive Officer of ATHENA Consulting, she leverages her deep expertise in strategic planning, organizational development, and change management to drive sustainable growth and innovation for her clients.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the CEO of ATHENA Consulting since 2002, Melissa has led the firm's transformation into a premier provider of management consulting services. Under her leadership, the company has expanded its service offerings, diversified its client base, and solidified its reputation for delivering exceptional results. Melissa's strategic vision, collaborative approach, and commitment to client success have been instrumental in ATHENA's continued success.

Career Progression

Prior to her current role, Melissa held the position of Vice President at MAXIMUS, a leading provider of government services and solutions. In this capacity, she managed cross-functional teams and oversaw the implementation of large-scale public sector initiatives. Earlier in her career, Melissa served as a Policy Associate at the American Public Welfare Association, where she contributed to the development of social welfare policies and programs.

Academic Background

Melissa holds a Master's degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago, where she graduated with distinction. Her specialized knowledge in policy analysis, program evaluation, and stakeholder engagement has been a valuable asset throughout her professional journey.

Areas of Expertise

Melissa's areas of expertise include strategic planning, organizational transformation, public-private partnerships, and the effective delivery of health and human services programs. She is known for her ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, foster cross-functional collaboration, and implement data-driven decision-making processes.

Professional Impact

Under Melissa's leadership, ATHENA Consulting has been recognized for its innovative approach to problem-solving and its commitment to delivering measurable results for clients. The firm has been awarded several prestigious industry accolades, including the "Best Management Consulting Firm" award from the National Association of Management Consultants.

Conclusion

Melissa Pappas is a seasoned executive who has demonstrated a track record of success in the consulting and public sector industries. Her strategic vision, collaborative leadership style, and deep subject matter expertise have been instrumental in driving growth and innovation for both her clients and her organization. As she continues to guide ATHENA Consulting towards new heights, Melissa remains committed to creating positive and sustainable change in the communities she serves.