Melissa Fulmore-Hardwick embodies the spirit of the Military Friendly® Veteran of the Year® Award through her lifelong dedication to service, leadership, and advocacy. A former commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, Melissa has leveraged her military foundation to build a distinguished career in technology and executive leadership, and today, her impact spans the globe.
She currently serves as the Global Head of RGF Connect at RGF Staffing, where she leads a global social impact initiative designed to support underserved communities through education, training, and employment opportunities. Under her leadership, RGF Connect has expanded its reach to include U.S. Military Veterans and Military Spouses, helping them transition into meaningful careers while fostering a global network of support and opportunity.
Prior to her role at RGF Staffing, Melissa held executive technology positions at Oracle, Acosta, JEA, and most recently served as Chief Information Officer at The CSI Companies. Her leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including Women in IT’s 2023 CIO of the Year, Tech Leader of the Year by the Jacksonville Business Journal, and recognition among the National Diversity Council’s Top 100 CIOs.
Outside of her corporate achievements, Melissa is the founder of Brown Girls in the Boardroom, a nonprofit organization dedicated to mentoring and empowering young women—particularly from underserved backgrounds—with the tools and guidance to rise as leaders in business and beyond.
Melissa’s unwavering commitment to equity, empowerment, and veteran support makes her a standout candidate for the Veteran of the Year® Award. Through every role she’s held, she has advanced the mission of service, making a measurable difference in the lives of individuals and communities around the world.
Brown Girls in the Boardroom (NonProfit)
I am the youngest of 12 siblings, raised in a family grounded in faith, perseverance, and love. Though neither of my parents graduated high school, they instilled in us the power of education, discipline, and service. When my mother passed away when I was just three, my father—my hero—worked tirelessly to raise and educate all of us. My older sisters became my mentors, stepping in with wisdom and strength to guide me. I graduated high school with honors, but college was a struggle at first. My father, a veteran alongside several of my brothers, encouraged me to join the U.S. Army to gain discipline and direction. That decision changed my life. It shaped my resilience, leadership, and drive. Everything I’ve achieved is rooted in my father’s unwavering commitment to our success and the unshakeable foundation my family built. I stand on their shoulders, and I carry their legacy forward every day.
Melissa Fulmore-Hardwick is an award-winning CIO and transformative executive with over 25 years of experience leading technology, workforce innovation, and social impact strategies. A U.S. Army veteran and former accountant, she has driven measurable outcomes across industries including healthcare, finance, and government. As a seasoned CIO, Melissa currently leads a global workforce enablement initiative, equipping individuals with pathways to career success. She is the Founder of Brown Girls in the Boardroom and serves on numerous corporate and nonprofit boards. Recognized for her personable leadership and strategic vision, she’s a sought-after keynote speaker and advocate for equity in leadership. Her recent honors include the 2025 Florida CIO ORBIE Finalist and Jacksonville Technology Leader of the Year. Melissa holds an Executive MBA from Jacksonville University and a B.S. in Accounting from the University of South Florida. She balances career and calling through faith, family, and her deep commitment to community service.
