Melissa Glisson has established herself as a leader in the chemical manufacturing industry. Since 2023, she has excelled as the continuous improvement lead at CP Kelco U.S. Inc., where she enhances environmental and company processes by identifying and addressing root causes to prevent future issues. Previously, she was the manager of utilities and continuous improvement from 2022 to 2023, refining her expertise in operational efficiency. Since joining CP Kelco in 2010, she has held various roles, including utilities manager, fermentation area manager, production supervisor, and WIP coordinator. Before her tenure at CP Kelco, she gained valuable experience as an etch tech at GE Global Research, General Electric Company, from 2008 to 2009.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Ms. Glisson is deeply committed to civic engagement. She co-founded The Addicts Family Bristow in 2020 and has served as president of Bristow Youth Positive Development since 2016, focusing on fostering community growth and support for youth. Her dedication to youth development is further reflected in her past role as a youth soccer coach for Bristow Soccer Club from 2011 to 2015. Additionally, she actively supports organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and The Eddie Sutton Foundation LLC.
Ms. Glisson has also contributed to academic research, with publications such as “Analysis of Ancient Mitochondrial DNA within the Tipu Maya Collection” published by The Internet Journal of Biological Anthropology. She is an active member of the American Chemical Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success. She is also dedicated to mentoring young professionals and recent graduates, taking pride in guiding them through career development, encouraging them to challenge themselves and explore diverse career paths. Drawing from her own experiences of taking on unfamiliar roles with increasing responsibility, she emphasizes the value of adaptability and continuous learning.
Laying a strong academic foundation, Ms. Glisson earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and biology from the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh in 2008, followed by a Master of Business Administration in international business from Southern New Hampshire University in 2017. She furthered her education with a Master of Science in microbiology and cell science from the University of Florida in 2019 and completed coursework in the psychology of leadership at Cornell University in 2021. Additionally, she holds a lean six sigma master black belt certification from Six Sigma Global Institute, earned in 2024, along with multiple Google certifications in data-driven decision-making.
Reflecting on her path, Ms. Glisson initially aspired to become a doctor but discovered her true calling in the chemical manufacturing industry after realizing that medical school was not the right fit. Her passion for learning has been a driving force behind her success, and she attributes her achievements to embracing challenges rather than shying away from them. She views difficult times as opportunities for growth, allowing her to identify strengths, build capabilities, and thrive under pressure. She also credits the profound impact of her mother’s support. Growing up in poverty with a single mother and multiple siblings, she was instilled with the belief that self-confidence and perseverance were key to success.
Looking to the future, she aims to continue expanding her skill set and aspires to become a data analytics manager within CP Kelco U.S. Inc., and also plans to pursue another Master of Business Administration in data analytics. Additionally, she remains committed to increasing her involvement with organizations that have supported her family and takes great pride in mentoring recent college graduates as they enter the workforce. She values the diversity of her industry and finds fulfillment in guiding young professionals as they develop and grow in their careers.
In advising aspiring professionals, Ms. Glisson encourages them not to limit themselves to preconceived career paths, as she once had no idea of the advanced opportunities available to her. She attributes her success to her willingness to challenge herself, which has been instrumental in her professional growth. Born in Madison, she is a devoted mother to four sons and one daughter. She enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family, cherishing the balance between her personal and professional life.