Melissa joined Brown Edwards in November 2021 as part of the acquisition of Richmond firm, Mitchell Wiggins.

For over 20 years, Melissa has focused on providing attestation and taxation services for clients in a variety of industries such as nonprofits, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services.

She graduated from Bridgewater College with a Bachelors's in Business Administration in Accounting and Finance. She is a member of AICPA, VSCPA, Richmond Medical Group Management Association, Virginia Association of Fundraising Executives, and the Virginia Manufacturing Association.

We interviewed Melissa to really get to know her, outside of her profession, and we were surprised to learn that she is a huge fan of rock-n-roll! In particular, she loves 80s hairbands and has seen Def Leppard in concert five times. In June, she is going to see them, Motley Crue, Poison and Joan Jett!

Where are you from and where did you grow up?

I lived my entire childhood in Remington, Virginia which was once as rural as they come but is now considered Northern Virginia.

What are some of your hobbies?

I enjoy reading, swimming, and watching my daughters play soccer.

What do you consider your best quality or trait?

One of my strengths, when I did Strengthfinders, was Learner. It has helped me to acquire new skills throughout my career. I love to jump into something new and learn all I can about it.

What is the best advice you ever received and from who?

"It is what it is"........this was always an inside joke with some of my MW coworkers but it has in all seriousness helped me to remember there are things I can change and things I can't and I really need to stay focused on what I can control. It has helped me to better manage stressful situations.

If you could be a superhero what would be your superpower?

Mind control

What is your favorite food?

I love Mexican food especially salsa and guacamole.

What famous figure (living or dead) would you most like to meet and why?

I would love to meet Walt Disney. I am a Disney fanatic and I would love to meet the legend behind the company known for making children's dreams come true and the most stellar customer service.

What do you think is your biggest contribution to the Brown Edwards team?

That remains to be seen having only been here a month, but I'd like to help contribute to efficiencies in both tax and audit processes.