Melissa began at Brown Edwards in July 2015 after sixteen years with Dixon Hughes Goodman where she began her career as an associate and worked her way up to partner in 2007. Melissa is an accounting and audit partner with Brown Edwards focusing on Manufacturing, Real Estate, Employee Benefits, Not-For-Profit and Education practice areas. In 2016, Melissa was named Co-Leader of the K-12 Education practice area at Brown Edwards. She is a graduate of Lynchburg College and resides in Vinton, VA with her husband Mike and has two children, Michael, a junior at Radford University and Katherine, a freshman at Lynchburg College.
Let’s ask her a few questions:
Where are you from and where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Vinton, VA. I lived in Richmond for 5 years but was very happy to move back to the area to be close to my family. I have many fond memories of growing up here. Vinton is also where I met my husband, the love of my life! I enjoyed the small town life while I was growing up in Vinton and I still love living there today.
Do you have any pets? If yes, tell us about them.
I do. His name is Rambo and he is a spoiled rotten English Bulldog. Before Rambo joined our family I was scared of dogs, so he has a special place in my heart for helping me conquer that fear.
What is something people would find surprising to learn about you?
In the 4th grade my teacher asked us to write a paper on what we wanted to be when we grew up. I said in the paper I wanted to go to Lynchburg College and I wanted to become a CPA. And I never changed my mind. That is exactly what happened.
What do you consider your best quality or trait?
I think my best quality is compassion for others.
What is the best advice you ever received and from who?
My father always told me never to complain too loudly because you never know who your audience is and they could be going through something much worse that what you are going through. I’ve always remembered that and try to adhere to it.
If you could be a superhero what would be your superpower?
Oh, gosh, that’s a tough one. I think it would be having a super-photographic memory. It would be really helpful in this profession. They could call me Memory Girl or Photo Woman!
What is your favorite food?
That’s easy, grilled cheese. Not the fancy kind, just plain bread and cheese. It’s my comfort food!
What do you think is your biggest contribution to the Brown Edwards team?
I think for me it comes down to doing everything I can to keep my clients happy and build long-lasting client relationships. That is very important to me, both personally and professionally.