Melissa Ceriale is a Founding Advisory Member of the Cornell Institute for Healthy Futures, and she has been a member of the Board of Trustees of Montefiore Health System since 2013. Melissa brings more than 20 years of experience in hospitality and design to both endeavors.

Upon completing her degree at Michigan State University’s School of Hospitality Business, Ms. Ceriale had a sales career with Marriott Hotels & Resorts, followed by ten years as the principal of Prospect Design & Build, LLC, a construction management firm. Melissa and her husband, John Ceriale, have raised four children, which led to her involvement with Teach for America and charter school/education reform efforts in Connecticut.

Melissa has a talent for recognizing and creating spaces that provide an immersive experience. Her personal commitment to health finds expression in cooking, art, vegetable gardening, and landscape and interior design. Melissa’s experience and passions are the foundation of her unique point of view in the health care environment.