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Melinda Szeliga has been hired as the first chief operations officer for the Davie Community Foundation.

Szeliga joined the team in May and jumped right in coordinating foundation responsibilities for the All-America City competition in Denver, Colo.

“Hopefully you have heard by now that our team came back with a win,” said Jane Simpson, foundation CEO. “Davie is now deemed an All-America County.”

Szeliga has begun settling in and learning more about the day-to-day operations and making connections with donors and grantees.

Formerly a successful small business owner for more than 20 years, a public-school teacher, and now serving on the council in Bermuda Run, she understands the importance of nurturing trust and building relationships.

She serves as the board chair for the Davie County Chamber of Commerce, providing her the opportunity to meet business members across the county.

“Melinda has already been a great addition to our staff,” said Simpson. “She brings great energy, wants to learn every aspect of our work, and is already contributing.”

Szeliga and her family moved to Advance in 2003 and are delighted to call Davie County home. She and her husband Ken are graduates of NC State University. Their daughter Kamryn graduated from Davie County Early College High School and is a ‘22 graduate of the UNC School of the Arts.

Szeliga said she is honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve the greater Davie community in her new role.

“The work of the Davie Community Foundation is incredibly impactful. It’s so fulfilling working alongside Jane Simpson and the devoted foundation staff, continuing our mission to inspire philanthropy to strengthen Davie County for present and future generations,” she said.