Our Leadership

Melissa A. Henderson 

President & CEO

Melissa A. Henderson is Summit Executive Resources’ founder, President and CEO. She is a nationally-recognized expert on global executive search strategies in the technology industry.

Previously, Melissa opened, built and led the mid-Atlantic office of Gilbert Tweed Associates International, a global retained executive search firm. At Gilbert Tweed, Melissa also managed the firm’s global technology practice. Prior to that she was an Executive Director with Russell Reynolds Associates, a top-four global retained executive search firm, overseeing part of the firm’s global technology practice. Earlier in her career, Melissa held leadership and management roles in several technology companies, including Gartner Group and Xerox.

Melissa is a member of several regional, national and international technology councils. She serves on the Board of Directors, Advancement Committee and Women's Leadership Council of Northern Virginia Family Service. Melissa also serves on the Leadership Council of the Virginia Hospital Center Foundation and is a member of the Washington D.C. Chapter of Business Forums International. She is frequently quoted in industry publications and books, and she speaks often on issues surrounding executive recruiting and advancement.

Melissa received her B. A. in advertising management and marketing strategy and execution from Michigan State University. An avid wine enthusiast, she holds multiple certifications from The Sommelier Wine & Food Society.

Lisa A. Hudson

Executive Director

Lisa Hudson directs and manages Summit Executive Resources’ day-to-day operations and oversees all aspects of research strategy and execution. Working in close collaboration with Melissa Henderson, the firm’s research team and strategic partners, Lisa ensures that every executive receives the personal attention and satisfying outcome our clients expect. Approachable and resourceful, she makes the lives of our clients and partners far easier. Lisa graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Science: Business & Anthropology Cognates.