/ speakers

Melanie Schmidt

Melanie Schmidt is an experienced strategist with a passion for helping organizations and individuals operate more effectively – moving beyond business as usual. She founded Timpano Group in 2003, to leverage a unique combination of expertise in management consulting (strategy), executive coaching (leadership), organizational development (performance), and intentional communication (messaging). The firm delivers a fresh approach to engaging stakeholders and improving effectiveness through strategic thinking, practical planning, creative problem solving, and comprehensive brand development.

Prior to opening the firm, Melanie worked in the private and public sectors. She was vice president of a full-service advertising and marketing agency recognized nationally for its excellence in creative campaigns, and she managed external communications for Alliant Energy Corporation, a major electric and gas utility company serving customers across three states. Melanie also handled government relations, policy analysis, and media relations for the State of Wisconsin addressing issues of workforce development, transportation, and insurance.

While advancing her consulting practice, she has also served Alliant Energy in managing its fuel and operational planning group involving generation and energy markets and the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Nursing through strategic leadership of communications, diversity and inclusion, alumni relations, continuing education, and organizational initiatives.

Melanie is a BoardSource Certified Governance Trainer and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. She earned her Master of Science in Organizational Development from Edgewood College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a graduate student, Melanie developed a multi-dimensional model for effectiveness of nonprofit organizations that further research suggests as instructive across sectors.

Melanie is an active member of the Board of Directors for Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS), having served as Board president and currently serving as Secretary. She is an affiliate with the University of Wisconsin Center for Nonprofits and a member of the Madison Area Business Consultants. Past community service includes: Literacy Network, Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras, Verona Area Community Theatre (past secretary), ParentShare, Opera for the Young (past president), Business and Education Partnership (past president), United Way of Dane County Community Solutions Team, Madison Metropolitan School District Advertising and Sponsorship Committee, and the Habitat for Humanity Grantwriting Committee. She has also provided past leadership for professional associations through local chapters of the Public Relations Society of America (past president) and the Advertising Federation of America. Moreover, Timpano Group has been honored to give back to the community by offering in-kind executive coaching, management consulting, and brand development services to various nonprofit organizations over the years – helping them to refocus, recharge, and connect with their stakeholders in new and rewarding ways.

Melanie also carves time out of her busy schedule for the things that rejuvenate her creativity, including walking her dog and preparing multi-course meals.

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Timpano Group

Timpano Consulting is a creative consultancy that helps leaders focus forward and organizations move beyond business as usual. Founded in 2003 by Melanie Schmidt, the firm is known for getting to the core of issues, framing necessary actions, and providing the guidance necessary to realize progress -- all while infusing positive energy into the process. Specialties include strategic thinking, practical planning, Board development, executive advising, change management, and messaging.

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