Melissa A. Aguilar-Southard

Melissa A. Aguilar-Southard is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in workforce and educational systems management. Currently serving as Senior Project Director and Subject Matter Expert at Safal Partners, Melissa leads grants and program management across the United States and its territories. Previous roles include CEO and Chief Strategy Officer at Dot.Connecting.Solutions.LLC, where Melissa specialized in strategic planning and community development, and Member Relations Director at the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers, focusing on productivity and workforce advancement. As Executive Director for the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board, Melissa directed workforce initiatives in accordance with state policies. Melissa's experience is further enriched by roles such as Contracted Consultant and Coach at AIR/Maher & Maher, Business Owner at 304Solutions, and State Director for March of Dimes. Melissa earned an MBA from Averett University and a BS in Business Administration from Bluefield College.