Melisa Galasso, CPA, CGMA – 2017 40 Under 40 Honoree

Professional Associations/Memberships:

• AICPA – Technical Issues Committee Member, Leadership Academy Alum (2014)
• NCACPA – Past Chair A&A Committee, Past President Charlotte Chapter, Charlotte Women Initiative Co-Chair
• VSCPA – LEAD Task Force Member, Digital Rewind Committee Member, Past Board Member – Northern Chapter

• Melisa Galasso is the founder of Galasso Learning Solutions, where she designs and facilitates courses in advanced technical accounting and auditing topics. In addition to running her own business, she works part time as a Director in Cherry Bekaert’s Professional Practice Department. She distinguishes herself by meticulously monitoring regulatory bodies for changes in auditing and accounting guidance.  In the last five years, Melisa received the Women to Watch – Emerging Leader Award from the NCACPA and AICPA, the 50 Most Influential Women by the Mecklenburg Times, the Top 5 Under 35 Award from the VSCPA, several 5.0 Speaker awards, and the Don Farmer Award from the NCACPA for excellence in training of technical courses. In 2017, Melisa received the Association for Talent Development Master Trainer™ Designation. Prior to establishing Galasso Learning Solutions, Melisa worked in public accounting, industry, internal audit, and academia.  She earned her BSBA from Georgetown University.

• Melisa supports many charitable organizations including the Arts & Science Council, Charlotte Ballet, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Children’s Theater of Charlotte, Dress for Success, and Girls on the Run. Her daughter, an animal lover, makes certain that she also shows support for several animal related causes.Melisa is an active volunteer for ​Saint.Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church, Providence Day School, and Georgetown University. Melisa is active in the CPA profession serving on committees at the local, state and national levels. She has a passion for accounting and enjoys teaching Becker CPA review courses to help the next generation of CPAs join the profession!

Favorite influencer(s) (authors, bloggers, mentors, speakers, etc.)

• Melisa is an avid reader of books on professional development. Some of her favorite authors include Carson Tate, Laura Vanderkamp, Simon Sinek, Carol Dweck, and Amy Cuddy. Her involvement with various women’s initiatives has provided her with a variety of mentors over the years. One of her biggest champions has been Jonathan Kraftchick who encourages her to try new things and push boundaries. Melisa enjoys watching Ted Talks to learn from some of the best speakers in in their fields. On the conference circuit, some of Melisa’s favorites include Tom Hood, Denise Ryan, Tara Foster and Joseph Rugger.

———-

Read about the other 40 Under 40 Honorees for 2017.