Community Helpers of Rutherford County
Melissa Branchau has devoted her career to strengthening and empowering small businesses and nonprofits through extensive financial expertise for nearly two decades. From 2005 to 2024, she owned and operated a successful consulting practice, guiding a diverse range of clients toward sustainability and strategic growth by offering support in budgeting, grant
administration, systems-building, and fiscal planning. Throughout this time, she helped organizations streamline operations, ensure compliance, and leverage data insights to serve their missions more effectively.
Drawn by her passion for community service, Melissa joined Community Helpers of Rutherford County (CHORC) in 2021. She initially handled the Financial Manager role, enhancing the organization’s financial infrastructure and promoting a culture of accountability. Her dedication and leadership led her to serve as Interim Executive Director from November 2022 until January 2023, at which point she officially assumed the role of Executive Director. Today, Melissa champions CHORC’s commitment to uplifting neighbors in need and fostering long-term resilience within the community.
A formerly single mother to twins and a domestic violence survivor, Melissa’s personal experiences inform her warm, empathetic leadership style and unwavering commitment to serving others. She credits her family as her greatest inspiration—recognizing that, under different circumstances, she might have turned to CHORC for assistance herself. Grounded by a deep sense of compassion, Melissa continues to work tirelessly to ensure that those facing hardship have access to crucial resources and a supportive path forward.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbranchau/
Org website: https://chorctn.org/