Melissa Green's career in hospitality spans 26 years. Her first job was a host and busser at a restaurant in Long Island, New York, when she was 14 years old. 

She’s currently the vice president and area managing director of The Davenport Collection-Davidson Hospitality. The Davenport Hotel Collection that Green leads is comprised of five hotels in downtown Spokane, including the Historic Davenport Hotel, the Davenport Tower, the Davenport Lusso, the Davenport Grand, and the Centennial by Davenport Hotels.

Under her leadership, the company has undergone multiple changes, including completion of a remodel of the Historic Davenport’s lobby and upgrades and a rebranding of Davenport Lusso. 

Education: Associate’s degree in culinary, bachelor’s of science in full-service food and beverage management, Johnson & Wales University. 

What's the best piece of advice you've received? Take chances. Take risks. Make mistakes. That's the only way you will learn.

Why did you choose to do what you do? I grew up baking and cooking with my mom. Being in the kitchen was a big part of my life growing up and great memories. When I started working in restaurants, I knew my life would be surrounded by food and beverage. Throughout my career, I have been very fortunate to have opportunities to work with some incredible leaders who have given me the chance to take on large roles and always support me.

If you could change anything about your industry, how would you change it? I love the hospitality industry. I love that every day is different. I would love it if more schools taught that this as a potential career path at an earlier age and the different opportunities it has.