Melissa Aarskaug
Melissa Aarskaug is an accomplished Tech & Cyber Growth Strategist, Speaker, Host, and Community Builder with extensive experience in the IT and cybersecurity sectors. Currently, she serves as the Global Vice President at Bulletproof, a GLI company, a leading global IT and cybersecurity firm. Bulletproof is a member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA) and holds theMicrosoftThreat Protection Advanced Specialisation.
Before joining Bulletproof, Melissa worked with Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), a world-renowned leader in providing testing, certification, and professional services to the gaming industry. She played a key role at GLI, which operates laboratories across six continents and serves over 475 jurisdictions worldwide. Prior to her tenure at GLI, Melissa was involved in the construction of the world’s largest concrete bridge at the time as a Project Engineering Manager. Additionally, she managed investments at Las Vegas Investments, a commercial and industrial real estate firm with a portfolio valued at over $100 million.
Melissa has earned significant recognition for her contributions, including being named the Emerging Leader in Gaming by Global Gaming Business and The Innovation Group, supported by IAGA and Regulatory Management Counsellors. She also received the Patty Becker Pay It Forward Award for her work in the industry.
In addition to her executive roles, Melissa is the founder and host of Executive Connect, a platform and podcast that focuses on alternative leadership strategies. She speaks at over 20 conferences annually, offering insights on business growth, leadership, andcybersecurity. She is also a dedicated coach, helping teams and individuals develop their leadership and business skills.
Melissa is deeply committed to giving back to the community. She founded the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) in Austin and holds various advisory positions, serving on multiple boards, including those for Global Gaming Women, the Society of Women Engineers, and the Austin Technology Council. She is also involved in volunteer work with organisations such as Ballet Austin and the Texas School for the Blind & Visually Impaired. Melissa has volunteered with the Junior League in Austin, Las Vegas, and Reno for over 15 years.
Melissa holds dual Bachelor's degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno, with minors in Mathematics, Law, and Business. She has also completed professional training in negotiation and executive coaching, further enhancing her leadership capabilities.
