Melissa Smith

Winner of the 2024 Denise E. Maleska Leadership Service Award

Melissa Smith is a visionary leader whose career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to building inclusive communities, empowering individuals, and driving economic opportunity for all. As the Director of Workforce Development Solutions at the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, she leads transformative initiatives that not only enhance local businesses but also cultivate a thriving, equitable workforce. Through her dynamic leadership and collaboration with the Chamber’s exceptional Economic Development team, Melissa designs and implements strategic programs that bring together diverse stakeholders—including community organizations, educational institutions, government agencies, and employers—creating a powerful network that fosters growth and prosperity.

A catalyst for change, Melissa has played a pivotal role in attracting new businesses to Greensboro and supporting the expansion of existing ones. Her efforts have played a key role in attracting a diverse range of industries to Greensboro, driving job creation and securing significant capital investment, further establishing the city as a dynamic hub of opportunity and growth. With an unrelenting dedication to overcoming workforce challenges, Melissa has reshaped workforce development across the Piedmont Triad, helping to create sustainable career pathways and positioning the region as a leader in economic opportunity.

At the forefront of innovation, Melissa is the driving force behind the Workforce GSO Collective, a groundbreaking initiative that unites a diverse array of stakeholders to empower individuals, stimulate growth, and promote community success. Her ability to bring people together towards a common purpose has made her a transformative leader with a deep understanding of the vital connections between business needs and workforce development. Under her guidance, the Collective has become an invaluable resource, delivering creative solutions and advancing workforce opportunities for countless individuals.

Before joining the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, Melissa served as the Business Services Consultant and Apprenticeship Coordinator for the GuilfordWorks Workforce Development Board. In this role, she launched the first Workforce Board-sponsored Apprenticeship Program in the Piedmont Triad and led the Fresh Start Initiative, which connects reentry populations, immigrants, and refugees to critical training and employment resources. This initiative earned the NCWorks Governor’s Award of Distinction for Outstanding Innovative Partnership in 2023, recognizing Melissa’s exceptional leadership and dedication to fostering inclusive workforce solutions.

Melissa’s dedication to workforce development extends through her leadership of the now revamped Fresh Start Collaborative, in partnership with Triad Goodwill Industries and the Guilford County Reentry Council. This transformative initiative provides career pathways and critical support services for individuals reentering society after incarceration, aligning with Governor Roy Cooper’s Reentry 2030 initiative. Under her stewardship, the initiative has been incredibly successful, engaging over 130 community members and 50+ employers. It has reduced hiring stigma by 30% and opened doors for individuals, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their past, can succeed.

Melissa has also been instrumental in building connections between Greensboro’s workforce ecosystem and nationally recognized organizations, such as The Manufacturing Institute and Heroes MAKE America. These partnerships have facilitated the integration of transitioning military service members and their spouses into Greensboro’s flourishing manufacturing sector, addressing workforce shortages while strengthening bonds between business leaders and civic organizations.

A enthusiastic innovator, Melissa has created impactful programs to connect Greensboro’s business sector with Guilford County schools’ Career and Technical Education programs. Through these initiatives, students engage with industry leaders, tour local businesses, and explore career opportunities that inspire and empower the next generation of talent. By laying the foundation for a pipeline of emerging professionals, Melissa is ensuring that Greensboro’s future is in capable hands.

Melissa is also a passionate advocate for young people in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Through her collaboration with Core Technology Molding Corp.’s Molding Kids for Success program, she empowered young women to explore and excel in STEAM careers. By offering mentorship and career opportunities, she is inspiring the next generation of female leaders in these fields. Additionally, her partnership with Honda Aircraft Company and their community-wide initiatives further strengthens her commitment to exposing young people to a variety of engaging activities and experiences. These collaborative efforts aim to create a lasting collective impact, fostering excitement and opportunity in STEAM disciplines.

As a proud alumna of NC A&T State University, Melissa continues to prioritize her own growth, currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Training and Development from NC State University. She shares her expertise at both state and national conferences, inspiring others to view workforce development challenges as opportunities for growth and progress.

Melissa’s personal journey as a survivor of domestic violence fuels her advocacy for change. She uses her voice to inspire others, particularly young people in colleges, universities, and faith-based communities, to overcome adversity and create a brighter, more hopeful future. Her resilience is a source of strength for others, and she continues to be a beacon of empowerment and hope.

An active member of numerous professional associations, including the Southeastern Employment and Training Association (SETA), NC Employment and Training Association (NCETA), and the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP), Melissa serves on the Regional Core Team for the Triad Healthcare Talent Alliance, the National Skills Coalition WIOA Advisory Council, and the Boards of Directors for The Forge Makerspace Greensboro, Reading Connections, and the Journey Adult Daycare Center. She is a graduate of Leadership Greensboro (Class of 2018) and the City of Greensboro Operational Leadership Program. Melissa is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Trinity AME Zion Church in Greensboro.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to workforce development, Melissa was named one of Triad Business Journal’s Top 25 Outstanding Women in Business for 2024. She lives in Greensboro with her husband, Brad, and their two sons, William and Langston, where they are committed to building a future defined by opportunity, empowerment, and community.

Reverend Oliver M. Thomas, Ph.D., M.Div.

Recipient of the 2024 Leadership Service Medal

Oliver M. Thomas, Ph.D., is the Associate Vice Chancellor of External Affairs at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the Associate Pastor for Young Adult Ministry at Providence Baptist Church, Greensboro, NC. He is a gifted servant-leader with 17+ years of experience in preparing future leaders, strategic planning, and community building in the public and ecclesial sector. Dr. Thomas has held roles in higher education as a faculty member and administrator.

Prior to serving as the Associate Vice Chancellor of External Affairs, Dr. Thomas taught African American History in the Department of History and Political Science at North Carolina A&T. As the Associate Vice of External Affairs, his primary responsibility is to develop and enhance relationships with local, regional, state, federal, and elected officials, as well as key stakeholders, alumni, and the community at large. He strives to promote North Carolina A&T so that representatives and leaders have a greater understanding of the university’s values and its impact on the City of Greensboro, the State of North Carolina, the United States, and the world.

Dr. Thomas holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from North Carolina A&T State University, a Master’s degree in Divinity from Wake Forest University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies with a concentration in Cultural Foundations from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

In February 2023, Dr. Thomas was a recipient of the Triad Business Journal’s “40 Leaders Under Forty” award. The honor is bestowed upon “talented movers and shakers, highlighting their contributions to the Triad region”. Likewise, in February 2020, he was a recipient of the “40 Under 40 Most Influential African Americans in the Piedmont” award by Black Business Inc. The honor is bestowed upon “outstanding leaders who help build their community, seek new challenges, and serve as a model for all to emulate.” Dr. Thomas was inducted into the prestigious Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers, Board of Sponsors and Collegium of Scholars at Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia, in 2014. The honor is bestowed on individuals, Christians and non-Christians, who give their lives in service to humanity.

He serves on the YMCA of Greensboro Metropolitan Board of Directors and the Shirley T. Frye YWCA of Greensboro Board of Directors. He is the past chair of The Baptist Commons Advisory Council for the Wake Forest University School of Divinity.

He is married to the lovely D’Najah Pendergrass Thomas of Charlotte, NC. They have one child, Ayden, who is the heartbeat of their lives.

James Dean

Recipient of the 2024 Leadership Connector Medal

James Q. Dean is the Founder and CEO JD Financial Group and Associates Inc. James is 2023 recipient of the Community Impact Award (Finsea Lamp Award) for the Financial Service Profession. His passion to impact the Community and the Financial Service Profession has been illustrated through the opportunity to Speak on National platforms. In 2022, James spoke Mainstage at the NAIC (National Association Insurance Commissioners) and graced the stage at the 2022 Advance Markets Conference in Washington D.C.

In recent months, James has participated with the North Carolina Leadership forum. James, along with other Civic, Business and Political Leaders addressed Community Safety in North Carolina. This strategic cohort is an impactful resource to bring meaningful successful outcomes to the state.

James is the Co-Founder of BUILD “Blacks Uplifted in Leadership and Development” a National Life Group Community. His goal is to increase the discrepancy in the financial service profession for Black advisors and their careers. The BUILD initiative was captured by INC magazine highlighting
National Life Group as the leader in the Financial Service Profession in supporting Black Businesses.

Highlights:
● Community Impact Award 2023 for the Financial Service Profession
● North Carolina Leadership Forum Participant
● Mainstage Speaker at NAIC 2022 Summit
● Mainstage Speaker 2022 Finseca Advance Markets
● Breakout Session CAAFP and Advance Markets
● Co-Founder of BUILD “Blacks Uplifted in Leadership and Development” a
National Life Group Community
● Guest Lecturer for Guilford Technical Community College
● Graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University