Melissa Verdugo is a Talent Developer, Programs Manager & Producer with 15+ years of experience in the design, implementation, and long term success of multiple career development programs, creative projects, and client careers.

She got her start as the Director of Corporate Booking for Levity Live, the largest comedy booking company in the country, before stepping into Talent Management for comedians, comedic actors, and comedic writers. In 2015, Melissa began producing, first in the advertising space at Deutsch LA, coordinating production on national ads for Dr. Pepper, Angel Soft, and Taco Bell, then as an independent producer creating content for brands like Marriott Hotels. She has also served as Line Producer of over twenty comedy specials for Netflix, Showtime, and Comedy Central and as the Executive Producer of the ALS Benefit Concert One Starry Night.

Since 2017, Melissa has served as the Manager of Career Programs at Women In Film (WIF) in Los Angeles where she runs the organization's Talent & Career Development Programs, including the Mentoring Program, Emerging Producers Program, WIF Shorts Lab supported by Google, and the Financing Intensive co-produced with the Sundance Institute.

With dense experience in the cultivation, development, and management of talent, Melissa is uniquely poised to help artists fulfill their goals with kindness, empathy, and patience. Her strong background in live event production also gives her the skills to drive projects forward with a gentle, but firm hand — always with the artist’s needs in mind.