Committed to applying business approaches to international development, Ilze Melngailis’ career has focused on improving reproductive and women’s health through social marketing and public private partnerships. Ilze currently leads GBCHealth's efforts to devise and deliver strategic partnerships through global teams of member companies and partners.

Prior to joining GBCHealth, Ilze was Senior Technical Advisor of Marketing and Promotion for the USAID-funded ACQUIRE Project where she led the project's social marketing technical work.  With the International Planned Parenthood Federation she brokered partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, developed business and sustainability plans for NGOs and health care clinics, and developed affordable contraceptive brands and communications campaigns. She also led the International Consortium for Emergency Contraception for two years and is the founder and first Executive Director of Latvia's Association for Family Planning and Sexual Health.

Ilze has worked in or with over 33 countries throughout her career, has an MBA from Yale University.