Debbie Melvin

Debbie Melvin has a long and varied work experience in economic development and workforce solutions. Debbie started their career in 1996 as a Special Assistant at the Virginia Secretariat of Commerce & Trade, where they coordinated economic development events and issued news releases. In 1998, they became an Enterprise Zone Coordinator at the Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development, overseeing the administration of 20 enterprise zones and developing annual reports. Debbie then moved on to the Virginia Department of Business Assistance, where they served as a Director of Marketing & Events from 1998 to 2003. In this role, they planned and organized marketing campaigns and events. Since 2003, Debbie has been working at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). Debbie started as a Sr. Workforce Business Manager, marketing the Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP) and managing VJIP projects. In 2017, they were promoted to Assistant Vice President, Talent Solutions, where they continue to lead VEDP's Workforce Solutions Division and establish new workforce initiatives and partnerships. Additionally, they manage the Virginia Jobs Investment Program in the Shenandoah Valley and Roanoke Valley regions, focusing on lead generation and project management. Overall, their work experience reflects a strong background in economic development, talent solutions, and project management.

Debbie Melvin obtained a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from the University of Virginia, where they studied from 1989 to 1993. Later, they pursued a Master's degree in Urban & Regional Planning at Virginia Commonwealth University and completed their studies from 1995 to 1997.