Leila Melody

Leila Melody has extensive experience in financial leadership roles. Leila is currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer at WildAid since 2022.

Prior to this, Leila worked at rbe from 2019 to 2022, where they held the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. In this role, they optimized the financial performance of 7 corporate entities supporting 2 brands with 14 locations in California, with annual revenue exceeding $25 million. Leila collaborated with the Founder/CEO and COO on strategic planning, including adapting to changing regulations and consumer preferences. Leila also handled the internal aspects of the acquisition of 8 units sold to Yum Brands.

Before joining rbe, Leila was the Chief Financial Officer at Providence School from 2018 to 2019. Leila focused on establishing a robust budgeting and financial modeling system for the newly merged school and educated the Board of Directors on the school's financial position.

From 2012 to 2018, Leila held various leadership positions at Farm Sanctuary. Leila served as the Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer (COO/CFO) from 2014 to 2018, where they led all financial aspects of the organization and oversaw operations. Prior to that, from 2012 to 2014, they were the Chief Financial Officer/Chief Administrative Officer (CFO/CAO) at Farm Sanctuary, responsible for financial planning, analysis, reporting, and managing IT and administrative processes.

Leila also has experience working as a Consultant from 2011 to 2012, and earlier in their career, they worked at Resurgence Financial, LLC from 2002 to 2011 in various roles, including Director of Finance and Administration and Controller/Manager, Human Resources.

Overall, Leila Melody's work experience demonstrates their expertise in financial leadership, strategic planning, and operational management.

Leila Melody has a strong educational background with a variety of degrees and fields of study. Leila began their studies in 1996 at Northwestern University, where they pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Statistics and Psychology. Leila completed their undergraduate studies in 2000.

In 1998, during their time at Northwestern University, Leila had the opportunity to participate in a year abroad program at the University of Sussex. During this time, they focused on Psychology and International Relations.

After completing their undergraduate studies, Leila went on to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. Leila specialized in Management & Strategy, Social Enterprise, International Business, and Management & Organizations. Leila obtained their MBA in 2010 from Northwestern University.

Leila Melody's education history demonstrates their commitment to interdisciplinary learning, combining their interests in statistics, psychology, international relations, and business.