Melissa Harrison
Senior Executive Assistant
Melissa Harrison is the Senior Executive Assistant to our Founding President and CEO, Donn Rubin, and has been with the organization since its predecessor, the Coalition for Plant and Life Sciences, was founded. In her role, Melissa manages the Office of the President and serves as a key liaison to the BioSTL Board of Trustees, supporting executive operations, board governance, strategic initiatives, and organizational coordination across the institution.
A native of the St. Louis metro area, Melissa brings more than 30 years of experience in executive support, customer and employee/personnel services, and organizational operations. Throughout her tenure, she has played an integral role in supporting BioSTL’s growth and evolution into a leading force in the St. Louis innovation economy. Prior to joining BioSTL, Melissa worked in nonprofit community engagement and financial services management, and studied business administration at Belleville Area College.