TicketsJussara Melo is a Human Resources leader with two decades of experience spanning higher education and manufacturing environments. Since August 2016, she has served as Associate AD and HR Director for the University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics, where she partners with leaders to implement improvements to people management, operational processes, employee engagement, and regulatory compliance.
Since joining the University of Cincinnati in 2009, Jussara has supported multiple areas of the institution, including Central Human Resources and the College of Engineering and Applied Science before joining the Department of Athletics. Throughout her tenure, she has led workforce transition initiatives, supported recruitment, compensation and benefits administration, and employee relations functions.
Prior to higher education, Jussara worked in the automotive industry, where she held human resources roles at both corporate headquarters and manufacturing facilities. Her experience in lean manufacturing environments included workforce planning, leadership development, and implementation of programs that increased employee retention and operational efficiency.
Jussara earned a master’s degree in human resources from the University of Cincinnati and a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business and Human Resources Management, with a minor in International Studies, from The University of Findlay. A native of Brazil, she is fluent in English and Portuguese and brings an inclusive approach to her work and leadership.
Her professional service includes appointments as an Administrative Hearing Officer for the University of Cincinnati, participation on strategic committees focused on advancing human resources practices at the university, and co-chairing a professional development committee that supports employee growth, engagement, and retention.
Jussara lives in the Cincinnati area with her husband, Noah, and their two sons. Outside of work, much of the family's time is spent supporting their sons' extracurricular activities and getting outside whether hiking, biking, or visiting the pool.