Melissa Harper is the Co-Founder and CEO of Good Sports, Inc., a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing equitable access to youth sports. Since co-founding the organization in 2003, she has led its evolution from a small startup supporting 2,000 kids to a national force that equips millions of children each year with the gear and opportunities they need to play. Melissa oversees Good Sports’ strategic growth, operations, and partnerships, driving innovative collaborations that expand its reach and deepen its impact. Her background in nonprofit fundraising and management consulting—including roles at Gemini Consulting and Treacy & Company—has shaped her commitment to scaling effective, data-driven solutions that level the playing field for kids nationwide. A University of Pennsylvania graduate and lifelong athlete, Melissa brings her passion for sports into her leadership and her life. She stays active through running, hiking, boot camp, and yoga, and shares that energy with her four children. As a mentor, advocate, and mission-driven leader, she inspires teams and partners through her unwavering belief in equity and the power of play. Her recent honors include the 2024 Wise Boston Women of Inspiration Award, 2024 Ad Club’s Women We Admire Award, and Sports Business Journal’s 2023 Game Changers Award.
Wellbeing Stage
Melissa Harper
Scale and Thrive: The New Blueprint for Sustainable Success