Melissa Allen

Competitive Analysis Manager, has worked for a decade in competitive intelligence at Caterpillar as manager of the Business Resource Center, which offers information services and resources to the global Caterpillar enterprise, providing research about competitors, business concepts and practices, industries, and markets.  During her tenure in Competitive Intelligence, she has increased research staff and services by 200%, leading a team of information professionals that delivers relevant insights in support of Caterpillar’s business strategies and fosters individual employee development.  Melissa is passionate about creating high efficiency in the knowledge value chain through enterprise resource sharing, knowledge management initiatives, and building strong relationships with key stakeholders.

Her organization reports up through Corporate Strategy and Financial Planning & Analysis, influencing decision makers at both the executive and strategic business level.  Melissa has a demonstrated track record in research, knowledge management, and information dissemination.   She is an enthusiastic influencer whose subject matter expertise and strong communication skills have helped her lead her function to constantly innovate and reach beyond the boundaries of traditional job roles.  She is highly skilled at connecting with and motivating individuals throughout the entire firm, dreaming up strategic visions for her organization, and executing possibilities into concrete results.

She graduated in 2003 with her MLIS from the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign.  Melissa has been a member of the Conference Board Information Research and Management Council since 2012, actively works with the University of Illinois iSchool Corporate Roundtable, and serves as a mentor for both employees and outside organizations seeking guidance with communication skills.  Melissa also leads large workplace and community events for the American Cancer Society and United Way, winning an ACS team excellence awards for her service work for the past several years.  Melissa is also an ACI alumn.