Melanie Trudell is an HR and technology leader with more than 20 years of experience driving transformation at the intersection of people, culture, and digital innovation. She currently serves as the Senior Director - Culture and HR Technology at Wendy’s, where she works to improve the employee experience across a global organization. Her work spans HR systems, Risk & Governance, and inclusion initiatives—always with a focus on making work more human and accessible. Throughout her career, Melanie has led complex transformation efforts, helping organizations adopt new technologies while bringing people along in thoughtful, practical ways. 

A strong believer in the power of arts to build connection and community, Melanie is honored to support Short North Stage and its mission to create inclusive, engaging theater experiences. She lives in Dublin with her husband, daughter and 2 dogs and loves taking in live theater and musical performances whenever she can.