MEET OUR CEO

Melody Harkness, a distinguished leader in organizational development and public service, is renowned for her steadfast commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in every facet of her professional journey.

Melody’s passion for public service led her to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Africana Studies with a concentration in Community Development from North Carolina State University. Recognizing the transformative power of education and law, she furthered her studies with a Master of Legal Studies degree from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law.

With a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, Melody acquired a Certificate in Business Analytics from Harvard Business School Online and a Diversity Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certification from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business. Her education is complemented by her certification as an Everything DiSC® Certified Practitioner and her participation in various leadership development programs, reflecting her holistic approach to leadership and organizational growth.

Melody’s career is marked by a series of impactful roles that blend legal expertise, public service, technology and strategic leadership. Currently, she spearheads initiatives to enhance workforce and leadership development for an organization that manages over $140 billion in assets for NYS educators. Her role involves designing and implementing comprehensive training programs, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and aligning organizational goals with performance metrics.

Previously, as the Chief of Case Management at the City of Rochester’s Police Accountability Board, Melody demonstrated exceptional leadership in overseeing case management operations and driving systemic improvements. Her role involved strategic planning, workforce development, and community engagement, underscoring her ability to navigate complex organizational landscapes and effect positive change. She has also served as a Program Manager at Albany Law School’s Government Law Center, where she was instrumental in supporting the City of Albany Community Police Review Board.

Beyond her professional roles, Melody is an active volunteer and community leader. Her dedication to community service is further evidenced by her long-term volunteer work with the Support the Port Foundation Inc. and her involvement with the Albany County Bar Association CLE Planning Committee and the National Association for Civilian Oversight in Law Enforcement (NACOLE) Training, Education and Standards Committee.

Her extensive experience in legal aid includes positions at the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York and Legal Aid of North Carolina, where she has developed and executed programs to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, managed private attorney involvement programs, and provided crucial support in equal employment and affirmative action policies.

Melody Harkness is not just a professional but a transformative leader, whose work is a testament to her belief in the power of inclusive practices and continuous learning. Her presentations and workshops, ranging from Closing Justice Gaps through Remote Service Delivery to Preparing for the Future of Your Workforce, have established her as a thought leader and reflect her expertise and her commitment to making a tangible difference in the world. 

She has collectively, combined this experience to serve as the framework of her management consulting firm, Harkness Consulting Solutions, offering services to identify opportunities for organizational growth.

Melody has served as a guest speaker or facilitator at the following conferences:

• ABA/NLADA Equal Justice Conference 
• CRATD/CRHRA Conference
• Civil Legal Aid Technology Conference 
• National Asian Pacific American Bar Association Regional Conference
• NYS Partnership Conference 
• Pro Bono Institute Annual Conference 
• Technology Initiative Grants Conference