Melinda Gaus is a community relations professional with Giant Eagle, Inc., one of the nation’s largest food, fuel, and pharmacy retailers with more than 470 locations across five states. Melinda has been with Giant Eagle for 11 years and was most recently promoted to lead the company’s programs and solutions related to community food insecurity. In this role, she closely collaborates with the company’s inclusion, equity, and diversity teams, as well as the sustainability team. Giant Eagle is focused on giving its neighbors the opportunity to thrive, striving to make sure every family has access to fresh, nourishing food and other essential services. Melinda executes programs, such as Giant Eagle’s Mobile Market, that unite team members, guests and charitable organizations in this shared vision.

Prior to joining Giant Eagle, Melinda held positions in both for-profit and non-profit sectors. Her professional experience reflects her personal passion to build mutually-beneficial relationships between corporations and community partners. She graduated from Duquesne University with a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and a master’s degree in business administration