Melissa is the Process Owner of Associate Satisfaction, Engagement, and Retention for Bank of America’s Unsecured Borrowing and Small Business Products organization. Melissa serves as the ultimate associate advocate, striving to find solutions to address the challenges, concerns, and professional development needs of employees in local, regional, and virtual spaces, while leveraging Enterprise programs and leadership engagement to increase satisfaction. Employed by MBNA after graduating from the University of Delaware with a B.S. in Economics, Melissa has held positions in Customer Service, Fraud, Learning and Leadership Development, and Business Development. Melissa currently holds leadership roles within two Bank of America associate affinity groups: Program Manager for the Professional Development Forum of L.E.A.D. for Women Delaware (Leadership, Education, Advocacy, and Development), and Recruiting and Membership Chair for H.O.L.A. Delaware Valley (the Hispanic and Latino Organization for Leadership and Advancement). A strong supporter of a cleaner, greener world, she is also a member of Bank of America’s Environmental Network.

Melissa is a native Delawarean, having attended St. Helena’s grade school and Padua Academy for college preparatory classes. Appreciative of the empowerment and self-confidence gained while attending an all girl’s high school, Melissa supports and coaches Girls on the Run, a local non-profit prevention program that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running. Melissa recently married her college sweetheart Thomas (Buck) Payne of GroSolar, lives in Wilmington’s Trolley Square neighborhood, and enjoys spending time outdoors, training for marathons, participating in the Delaware Sports League, home renovating, cooking, and traveling.