This is part of an NBCC Visions series introducing board certified counselors to NBCC employees and their work. Melanie Wilkerson is the Director of Information Technology at NBCC and Affiliates. 

When did you begin working with NBCC, and how did you arrive?  

I began working with NBCC on Nov. 4, 2019. I had recently retired from AT&T but was looking for other employment. A colleague from AT&T recommended I reach out to Sid Grant, the new VP of Technology and Security Compliance, at NBCC. After discussing the company and the position with Sid, I quickly accepted the challenge of unifying a team who had been through quite a bit of change in a very short amount of time. 

What is your role with NBCC?  

As the IT director, I manage an incredible team of IT professionals who ensure our systems remain stable, utilize cutting edge technology, and are secure. Given the fact our systems handle counseling professionals' sensitive data, it is imperative security is our number one priority. 

What do you enjoy about your work with NBCC?  

I enjoy this organization’s amazing group of people. I truly look forward to coming into a friendly atmosphere where everyone appreciates the work each of us is tasked with performing. Additionally, we are all working to ensure our National Certified Counselors have everything they need to continue the extremely important and ever-changing work they perform. 

What are your interests outside of NBCC?  

I belong to a wonderful church community, Westminster Presbyterian, where I recently agreed to serve as an Elder. I also belong to a book club that meets monthly to discuss the books, which usually cover a wide variety of subjects. This month's book is Running the Rift, by Naomi Benaron. We read a mixed variety given that we read what is available in the libraries’ book club selection. My favorite books are murder mysteries, and John Verdon is an amazing mystery writer. I’ve read 17 of the 19 Women’s Murder Club series by James Patterson, who collaborates on the series with Maxine Paetro. They are nice, quick, entertaining reads. I enjoy fantasy series and have read the Harry Potter series, the Twilight series, the Hunger Games series, and recently started reading the series An Ember in the Ashes, by Sabaa Tahir. 

Who is someone you look up to in the field and why?  

My IT hero is Steve Wozniak, aka Woz. He is an amazing computer scientist, inventor, and programmer—the true brains behind Apple. Not to mention, my very first PC (personal computer) was a Macintosh. It was this little Macintosh that sparked my interest in computers, programming, and a love for technology, leading me into an IT career.