We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Giller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Teamwork and patience are the principles that most matter to me. A task – no matter how big or small – can not be done as well when it is being done in a high-stress, “only-me” attitude. When people work together for the common good and talk through the problems and issues that arise rather than yell through them, the project, the company, and your own self, will all be better served.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What have I learned? I’ve learned to find a job and an organization that encourages growth, that is challenging, and that supports life-work balance. In my 20’s I job hopped every few years, never satisfied with the company or role I was in. And then I found the Reagan Foundation – an organization who stands by their mission…and their employees. Over the past 20 years – yes, 20 years – I’ve grown within the organization to take on more roles, always learning, always growing. By working hard and dedicating myself to this organization, I’ve been able to expand my responsibilities from just managing the marketing and PR, to now also managing our public programs, our entire events team, our graphics team and even researching and finding the exhibitions that we bring to the Library. It has been a fulfilling and rewarding job.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m the “relax and chill” kind of friend. I would take them to a great sandwich shop, buy lunch and snacks and drinks, and then drive down to the beach – most likely Venice or Santa Monica beach – and spend the day hanging out in the sun; listening to music, talking, and reading the books we each brought. That’s really my perfect day. If we were looking for something more fun to do, and it was the right season, a LA Kings game is always a ton of fun! And if we had money and time to burn…well…I’m a Disney fan through and through and a day at Disneyland and California Adventure is something I’m always up for!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The senior management at the Reagan Foundation – John, Jerry, Mark and J0anne – who encourage me every day to be my best, to reach for the stars, and to never settle.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-giller-70001a14/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mgiller

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