Melissa has over 20 years of human resource experience and has been passionately running HR departments for over a decade now.  Her HR experience includes various industries, in both public and private sectors, as well as tribal governments.

Melissa is an avid volunteer who is passionate about helping her community.  She has donated time and knowledge to numerous groups and organizations, ranging from community colleges to elementary schools, non-profits, and various professional groups.

Throughout the years, Melissa has donated significant hours to various SHRM-affiliated groups.  She has been serving on the Lower Columbia SHRM board for over a decade, including roles as the VP of Membership and the Foundation Director.  Over the last 5 years, she also served on the Oregon SHRM State Council board.  It was through her association with Oregon SHRM that Melissa naturally became a planning committee member for NHRMA’s HR Leaders of Tomorrow Student Conference, where she remains passionately involved.  Working with student chapters has proved to be a full-circle moment for Melissa, as her connection to SHRM originally began as a student chapter member and officer while attending college.

She coordinates certification preparation courses through NHRMA.