Melissa Smith
Co-Head Innovation Economy; Head of Specialized Industries, Commercial Banking, J.P. Morgan
Melissa Smith is the Co-Head of Innovation Economy (IE) and Head of Specialized Industries (SI) for the Middle Market Banking & Specialized Industries (MMBSI) business within J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking. She leads a team of national bankers with deep industry expertise who support startups, high-growth companies and venture capital firms in the Innovation Economy across Technology, Disruptive Commerce, Life Sciences, ClimateTech and Healthcare IT, as well as clients in specialized industries such as Healthcare Services, Not-For-Profit Healthcare, Higher Education, Agribusiness, Apparel, Beverage, Franchise, Media & Entertainment and Multinational Companies. Starting her career at the firm in 1998 in Public Finance, Melissa spent much of her career in the Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB), including as the Head of EMEA Investment Grade Finance in London. Prior to her move to London, she spent 14 years in the Debt Capital Markets group in New York as the Head of the Consumer, Retail, Healthcare and Chemicals team. Melissa is a member of the Commercial Banking Executive Committee and Operating Committee and helps lead Commercial Banking’s DE&I strategy. She serves as an advocate and mentor, and is passionate about elevating female and diverse talent within the firm. Melissa received a B.A. in Political Science from American University and a master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago. She is a Fellow of the Aspen Institute’s Finance Leaders Fellowship program and has served as a member of the American Ballet Theatre’s Board of Trustees since 2009.
