Name: Melanie Morrill
Role: Salt Lake City Operations Manager
1st ALE Season: 2004
Nationality: USA
What first brought you to work for ALE?
Before ALE, I was working as a Travel Agent with Meetings & Incentives Groups. When ALE decided to base its headquarters in Utah I became the first employee and booking manager in Salt Lake City.
What aspect of your job do you find challenging or love most?
I love the challenge of working with guests who have creative and eccentric Antarctica goals. I enjoy watching their progress through the Antarctic season and hearing about their experience once they have returned home.
What is one thing you wish everyone knew about Antarctica?
How unique and spectacular of a place it is. It’s hard to express to others how amazing it is when you take your first step off the plane. I get that excited feeling for them just knowing what they are about to experience.
What is one random fact about yourself you could share with us?
Well, I grew up on a watermelon farm.
What is your proudest moment at ALE?
I am always so proud when we wrap up another successful season!
What are three words to describe ALE?
Unique, dedicated, and fascinating.
What’s the most unusual question a guest has asked you?
If I have ever seen evidence of aliens in Antarctica…
How do you keep a healthy work/life balance?
*laughs* What’s that?
How has ALE changed in the last 15 years that you have worked here?
It has grown in so many ways: staff, programs, structure, and guests. It is fun to look back and see how much things have changed!