Melissa Esbenshade is a seasoned strategic marketing leader with extensive experience across the SaaS sector, publicly traded companies, private enterprises, and non-profit organizations. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales Operations at InEight Software, Melissa has been instrumental in reframing the corporate brand story, enhancing market differentiation, and driving significant improvements in integrated marketing strategies.

Prior to her role at InEight, Melissa held key executive positions at Dream Center Education Holdings and Adtalem, where she successfully reversed declining student trajectories, reduced acquisition costs, and developed new brand positioning for multiple universities. Her tenure at DeVry University and Keller Graduate School saw her achieve revenue and enrollment targets for the first time since 2010, while also increasing brand awareness and new student enrollment.

Melissa’s career began at General Electric, where she progressed through the GE Experienced Commercial Leadership Program and held various marketing leadership roles. She notably led marketing for a $2 billion segment of GE Capital and created GE’s Insurance Leadership Institute.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, holds an MBA in Services Marketing and Management from Arizona State University and a BS in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Richmond. Melissa is also a Six Sigma Black Belt certified by General Electric.

Passionate about animal welfare, Melissa has volunteered with the Arizona Animal Welfare League and DUET, Partners in Health & Aging. Her dedication to mentoring young professionals and promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace underscores her commitment to making a positive impact both professionally and personally.