Melissa Daley is a technology executive, entrepreneur, and AI strategist with over 20 years of experience leading digital transformation across government, nonprofit, and commercial sectors. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Orca Intelligence, a technology consulting firm specializing in AI-driven requirements intelligence, procurement modernization, and enterprise transformation.
Under Melissa’s leadership, Orca Intelligence developed Swiftly®, a proprietary AI platform that helps organizations reduce procurement risk, improve requirements accuracy, and lower project costs. Swiftly has delivered measurable impact for public sector clients, including cost reductions of up to 65% on large initiatives. Melissa is known for her application-agnostic approach, radical transparency with clients, and focus on practical, outcomes-driven innovation.
Melissa began her career as a requirements engineer and business systems analyst, consulting with organizations such as Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton, and multiple government agencies. In 2007, she founded iT Gets Better, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing computer literacy and access to technology in underrepresented communities—an early reflection of her long-standing commitment to inclusive innovation.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Hampton University, a Master’s degree in Technology Entrepreneurship from the University of Maryland, and certifications including CBAP, PMI-ACP, and a Certificate in Design Thinking from the University of Virginia.
Beyond her professional work, Melissa is deeply engaged in STEM education, youth innovation, and ethical AI adoption, regularly mentoring emerging technologists and advising organizations on responsible, human-centered technology strategies.
