Former Chief Marketing Officer, Adobe Systems, and former CEO, Ella Health
Los Altos Hills, California
Melissa Dyrdahl is an internationally recognized marketing executive who helped build the brands of some of the world’s leading technology companies, including Adobe, Apple and Hewlett-Packard. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Melissa developed a unique blend of market insight and functional expertise that she has successfully applied in various leadership positions across a range of public and private businesses and non-profits.
In her role as Adobe’s chief marketing officer, Melissa led a global team of more than 500 people who established the company as one of the world’s most recognized technology and consumer brands. During her 12-year tenure, she also had P&L responsibility for the company’s $350 million education business.
In 2007, Melissa left Adobe to pursue new opportunities in the non-profit sector, becoming CEO and co-founder of Bring Light, a pioneering web service connecting donors and charities for more effective fundraising. She also served as board chair for Humane Society Silicon Valley.
Most recently, Melissa was recruited into the health care industry, becoming president and CEO of Ella Health, an innovative venture-backed women’s health care provider. She is currently a board member for Dignity Health Foundation, a leading philanthropy supporting the nation’s fourth largest non-profit health care system.
Melissa has received numerous awards and accolades, including: Distinguished Alumni, San Jose State University; Best Marketing Executive, American Business Awards; and the 100 Most Influential Women in Silicon Valley. She is also featured in the book, “Earning It: Hard Won Lessons from Trailblazing Women at the top of the Business World.”