Melissa Love is the current Treasurer and Vice President of Finance for the Cleveland Chapter of the American Marketing Association. Melissa provides financial guidance to all the different committees in the AMA.
Melissa takes care of the budgeting, monthly and year-end reporting, banking, and bookkeeping responsibilities of the chapter; keeping the chapter fiscally responsible, financially solvent and moving in the right direction. Melissa enjoys traveling – Disney World being her favorite destination. An animal lover, she he has two cats, a brother and sister. She’s a die-hard Cleveland Indians fan, and spends a lot of her off hours from AMA responsibilities with friends and family cheering them on.
Hi Melissa, please tell us a little about yourself.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio. For almost 10 years I’ve worked at Hobe & Lucas CPAs in Independence. Now a Manger at the firm, I provide audit and tax services to small, closely held business clients in the Northeast Ohio area. I grew up in Mentor Ohio and currently reside in Lyndhurst.
What is your position within the AMA?
VP of Finance/Treasurer
Why did you join the AMA?
I was recruited by the (then) President of the AMA to take over the role of VP of Finance in 2012. I was happy to join the group for the great networking events, learning experiences, and the opportunity to meet and share ideas with business professionals in industries other than my own. An admitted introvert, joining the AMA has helped me to improve my networking skills, gain confidence, and get me out in the Cleveland business community.
What do you love about volunteering?
I love using my skills to help the group to succeed from a financial standpoint. It’s rewarding to help plan entertaining and educational events that our members will find value in. It’s my goal to give our members the most for their membership dollars. The Cleveland Chapter of the AMA has such a great history and reputation within the community, and it’s exciting to be a part of that.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy baking, going to comedy clubs, playing coed softball with my friends, doing yoga, drinking wine, watching movies and traveling.
What are three interesting facts about you?
I’m told I have an infectious laugh…which I think is a compliment. Although I sometimes get looks at comedy clubs when I’m the loudest in the room, by far.
I’m a total Disney nerd. I travel to Disney World as often as I can—and frequently help others plan their vacations in my spare time. I’ve got a ton of useless knowledge and love learning even more.
I love baking…and I make a pretty mean cherry pie and chocolate chip cookies. A perfect afternoon for me is spent trying a recipe I’ve never made before and crossing my fingers it turns out ok. (admittedly, sometimes it doesn’t!)
If you could be one character in Mad Men (or any other television show) who would it be?
I never watched Mad Men. The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones are the two shows I obsess over at the moment. But picking a character to be on either would be way too risky—as they can all violently and unexpectedly meet their end at any minute!
What are your career and/or personal ambitions?
I enjoy the personal aspect of working in public accounting. I like working closely with business owners to help work through their individual situations and help them be more successful. I hope to continue to grow and learn in this industry.