Melissa Stevens
About Melissa Stevens
Melissa Stevens is the Executive Vice President of Philanthropy at the Milken Institute, with a notable career in strategic philanthropy and health sciences.
Executive Vice President at Milken Institute
Melissa Stevens currently holds the position of Executive Vice President, Philanthropy at the Milken Institute, a role she has been in since 2022. Based in the Washington, DC office, she oversees the strategic direction and implementation of the Institute's philanthropic efforts.
Professional Experience at Milken Institute
Melissa Stevens has an extensive history with the Milken Institute. Before her current position, she served as the Executive Director from 2015 to 2022. In these roles, she has led the creation and execution of philanthropic strategies across various sectors, including medical, environmental, education, and public health.
Leadership at FasterCures
Melissa Stevens played a significant role at FasterCures, a center of the Milken Institute focused on accelerating the discovery and development of new medical therapies. She joined FasterCures in 2007 as Director of Strategic Initiatives and later served as Deputy Executive Director from 2012 to 2015.
Career at PricewaterhouseCoopers
Before her tenure at the Milken Institute and FasterCures, Melissa Stevens worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) from 2001 to 2007. She started as an Associate, advanced to Senior Associate, and finally served as a Manager. Her work involved advising commercial and federal clients within PwC’s health sciences practice.
Educational Background
Melissa Stevens received a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and an MBA from Pennsylvania State University. She completed her undergraduate studies from 1996 to 2000 and her MBA studies from 2000 to 2001, specializing in Finance and Marketing.
Co-founder of Milken Institute Centers
Melissa Stevens co-founded the Milken Institute's Center for Strategic Philanthropy and the Milken Institute Philanthropy in 2015. She has overseen the development of programs and organizations that have influenced more than $3 billion in philanthropic capital.