Last Updated on September 25, 2026 by Social Career Builder
Melinda Underhill is an Executive HR Leader, speaker, coach, facilitator, and team builder with extensive experience leading human resources teams, developing talent, and strengthening volunteer-driven organizations.
With more than three decades of experience across Human Resources and Internal Communications, Melinda Underhill has built a career around people, organizational culture, leadership development, and meaningful collaboration. Her work spans executive HR leadership, volunteer and membership management, mentorship, organizational effectiveness, and change management.
Executive HR Leadership & Human Resources
As Chief Volunteer & HR Officer for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Melinda Underhill helps foster a positive, collaborative organizational environment while supporting both employees and a substantial volunteer community.
Her responsibilities encompass human resources, volunteer and membership management, professional development, performance management, internal communications, and organizational culture. Learn more about Underhill’s professional background and experience through her LinkedIn profile.
Throughout her career, Underhill has worked closely with C-suite executives and cross-functional teams. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes communication, collaboration, mentorship, and developing people who can confidently lead others.
She also brings her experience to speaking and professional-development settings, sharing insights on subjects such as leadership, volunteer engagement, organizational culture, mentorship, and building effective teams.
Volunteer Leadership & Community Impact
Volunteerism and nonprofit service are important parts of Melinda Underhill’s leadership experience. Managing a large volunteer organization requires more than coordination—it requires creating a shared sense of purpose, developing future leaders, and building systems that allow people to contribute effectively.
Underhill has discussed lessons from leading tens of thousands of volunteers and the importance of creating meaningful volunteer experiences in a leadership conversation with Of The West.
Her community leadership was also recognized by the Houston Business Journal as part of its 2026 Community Leadership Awards.
Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council
Melinda Underhill also serves in a significant nonprofit leadership capacity with the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council. In 2026, the organization welcomed Melinda “Mel” Underhill as board chair.
Her involvement reflects a broader commitment to mentorship, leadership development, community engagement, and creating opportunities for future generations. Her experience in both executive leadership and volunteer management provides a strong foundation for supporting the organization’s mission and governance.
Coaching, Mentorship & Developing Leaders
Across her professional and volunteer work, Underhill has maintained a focus on helping people grow. As a coach, facilitator, change agent, and team builder, she brings together strategic HR knowledge with a people-centered approach to leadership.
Mentorship is another recurring component of her work. Her experience includes developing talent, leading HR teams, facilitating organizational change, supporting internal communications, and helping individuals become more effective leaders.
Underhill’s professional foundation also includes a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Texas at Austin, with studies in journalism and public relations, along with professional licenses and certifications related to her career in human resources.
Her combination of executive HR leadership, nonprofit board service, volunteer management, mentorship, and public speaking continues to shape a career centered on building stronger teams and organizations.
