Melissa McDonald

Melissa serves as the Chief Human Resource Officer for the North Carolina Board of Nursing, where she has dedicated 31 years of service since beginning her career in 1994. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from St. Augustine’s College and a Master of Science in Human Resource Development from North Carolina State University.

Her commitment to youth, leadership, and service is demonstrated through her work with Top Teens of America. She served as an Assistant TTA Advisor 2018-2019 and has been the Top Teen Advisor since mid 2019, providing consistent guidance, mentorship, and leadership to teens in the Raleigh Chapter.

Melissa is a strong advocate for scholarships, actively supporting and encouraging teens to apply for academic opportunities. Through her guidance and advocacy, teens in the program have collectively received thousands of dollars in scholarships, helping to expand access to higher education and reduce financial barriers for families.

Her leadership and impact have been recognized at multiple levels. She was named Top Lady of the Year for the Raleigh Chapter in 2023, earned Area IV Top Lady of the Year – 2nd Place Runner-Up in 2023, and received the Area IV Sisterliness Award in 2024. Under her leadership, the Raleigh Chapter won the Area IV Conference Attendance Award in 2025 for bringing the highest number of teens (24) to the Atlanta Conference, with plans to increase attendance to 31 teens for the 2026 conference.

The Raleigh Chapter has also earned notable program awards, including Area IV TTA Program of Work – 2nd Place and 3rd Place recognitions. Additionally, the chapter achieved a milestone by inducting 21 teens, the largest number inducted in over 15 years.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when membership participation declined nationwide, Lady Melissa remained steadfast. She successfully kept teens engaged through virtual meetings and activities, ensuring the chapter remained operational and competitive. Her efforts led to a significant membership increase, growing the chapter from the low 20s to 60 teens currently enrolled, with plans for a large induction class in Spring 2026. Her dedication ensured teens continued to participate in Area IV and National competitions, maintaining momentum and visibility for the chapter during challenging times.

Lady Melissa’s unwavering commitment, strategic leadership, and passion for youth development continue to strengthen the Raleigh Chapter and inspire the next generation of leaders.Melissa is committed to youth, leadership, and service is demonstrated through her work with Top Teens of America. She served as an Assistant TTA Advisor 2018-2019 and has been the Top Teen Advisor since mid 2019, providing consistent guidance, mentorship, and leadership to teens in the Raleigh Chapter.

Melissa is a strong advocate for scholarships, actively supporting and encouraging teens to apply for academic opportunities. Through her guidance and advocacy, teens in the program have collectively received thousands of dollars in scholarships, helping to expand access to higher education and reduce financial barriers for families.