Melba Abreu joined MLRI as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer in April 2019. Melba focuses on MLRI’s financial strategy and operations with the aim of propelling the organization’s vital advocacy work at the heart of its poverty law reform mission. In this role, Melba draws upon her deep experience in the non-profit and higher education sectors.

Prior to joining MLRI, Melba served as the Chief Financial Officer at Jobs for the Future, where she led the finance and business operations. In this capacity, she oversaw multi-year financial planning and annual budget processes, led the implementation of three major financial systems, and was recognized for consistently delivering best practice in the field of risk, compliance and financial management at the national level with both federal and private funders.

Prior to her time at JFF, Melba held several key positions at Harvard University including at the Office of Sponsored Research, where she developed the first Harvard University Sponsored Research Annual Report, and implemented the University-wide Faculty Effort Certification Reporting System. She became the first Director of Finance and Technology for Harvard University at the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies, where she offered financial leadership, built the technology department for this international unit, and oversaw the opening of the Center’s overseas offices in Santiago de Chile. At Harvard Graduate School of Education, she advised financial deans on the restructure of the school’s operating budget, lead the development of robust reporting platforms and the implementation of school-wide budgetary management.

Ms. Abreu studied Accounting and Finance at the Instituto de Economia in Cuba. She has served as Chair of Finance Committees and Treasurer for several organizations and is currently member of the Board of Directors of the North Bennett Street School, and Engaging Schools (formerly Educators for Social Justice).