Melissa Cotesta brings a unique blend of people, systems, and science expertise to the work she does with TruNorth. With a strong background in healthcare leadership and human resources, and a deep passion for wellness, she helps build cultures where people feel respected, supported, valued, and proud of what they are creating together.

Melissa holds a Master of Health Sciences and is a current professor, with a strong foundation in adult learning and leadership development. She is known for translating big picture strategy into practical, human centered practices that strengthen trust, clarity, and accountability.

At TruNorth, Melissa serves as our Human Resources and Business Advisor. With a shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and excellence, she works alongside the team to bring forward the best in natural wellness, while strengthening the internal relationships and culture that make that possible. She supports values aligned collaboration with our people and partners, and helps shape a workplace grounded in respect for land, culture, safety, and community. Her approach is rooted in the belief that long term success comes from caring for people and protecting what matters, both inside the workplace and beyond.

Outside of TruNorth, Melissa volunteers on multiple boards, including Northern Ontario Families of Children with Cancer, where she supports families across Northern communities who are navigating childhood cancer. She also serves with the Canadian College of Health Leaders and was recently recognized with a Distinguished Service Award in Northeastern Ontario for her contributions to leadership and community impact.

Melissa is the Founder and CEO of AuthenticExec, where she supports senior leaders and entrepreneurs through executive coaching and purpose driven business consulting, helping them build aligned, resilient organizations that perform without losing what matters most.

At home, she lives with her husband and is raising two daughters to be strong women, grounded, and deeply respectful of nature, teaching them to care for the land, the people around them, and to live with intention in the same way TruNorth lives its values every day