Laura is the Vice President of Volunteer Engagement at Junior Achievement USA where she joined the National office staff in 2011. In the role of VP of Volunteer Engagement, Laura works closely the Volunteer Strategic Implementation Team on projects and initiatives tied to the JA USA Strategic Plan and the overall role of the volunteer. Laura also works with the JA USA Education team to design the role of the volunteer in JA programs; develops tools that will enhance the JA experience for volunteers; and creates resources that will support JA Areas in enhancing volunteer engagement. Laura also oversees current national volunteer partnerships and identifies opportunities for new national relationships that ultimately drive additional resources to the local JA Areas. Previously as the Senior Director of Training & Organization Initiatives at JA USA, Laura had responsibility for Program Management Training (PMT), Education Officers Conference (EOC), developing volunteer training tools used by JA Areas, conducting webinars, and creating eLearning courses for JA Area staff. Laura also provided services to enhance volunteer engagement, strengthen business processes, and support to JA Area program staff. Prior to joining JA USA, Laura spent 5 ½ years managing JA programs, volunteers and business partnerships for JA of South Central KY. She was recognized as a JA Rising Star in 2008 and was named a 2009 Athena Young Professional. She is a graduate of the Developing Managerial Effectiveness program at Penn State as well as the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Bowling Green - Class of 2007.

As Director of Development for Junior Achievement USA, Melanie is responsible for fostering new and ongoing national partnerships with corporations and foundations that lead to optimized community impact. She joined Junior Achievement USA in 2008 as Manager of Stewardship in which she managed an $8M grant portfolio engaging over 10,000 volunteers and impacting more than 200,000 JA youth around the globe. Leading up to her current role, Melanie’s career includes over 20 years in marketing and customer service. Melanie earned her Bachelor of Science from Colorado State University and Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado. As a mother of three boys, Melanie has a personal passion for Junior Achievement’s focus to empower young people to succeed.