Melissa Fulmore-Hardwick
CIO for The CSI Companies
Regarded as one of the First Coast’s most prolific technology leaders, Melissa Fulmore-Hardwick has dedicated her more than 25-year career to driving change and merging innovative technology solutions with collaboration-based leadership. Her initiatives have skyrocketed operational efficiency, reduced the IT footprint, and bridged exciting technologies with operational objectives.
Melissa credits much of her success to the teams she has recruited and cultivated over the years. Powered by knowledge and ideas, these teams have been integral in the projects upon which Melissa has built her career from complex cloud strategies to groundbreaking Agile-based development initiatives.
Melissa started off by serving in the U.S. Army as a Commissioned Officer and later launched her career as an accountant. It was this early experience that instilled a respect for standardized processes. She soon discovered how technology can enhance these processes and improve the world around us. Melissa then shifted to IT and moved up the ranks as Oracle consultant, change management leader and then business applications director, while also developing as a leader to motivated teams, both on-site and remote.
Today, Melissa continues her passion for technology as a CIO for The CSI Companies in Jacksonville, Florida.
Her industry experience has spanned financial, retail and manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, aerospace, marketing, and services industries, as well as the U.S. Federal Government.
Melissa is recognized as a refreshingly personable and engaging leader whether she is chatting with an entry-level developer or addressing a boardroom of executives. She is a prominent presenter, having served as keynote speaker and panelist for numerous Northeast Florida trade organizations and charities.
She holds a B.S. in accounting from the University of South Florida and an Executive MBA from Jacksonville University.
Giving back to the community helps Melissa to create balance, inspire young people and champion emerging talent. She is the Founder of recently launched Brown Girls in the Boardroom, Inc and maintains several board positions, hosts workshops to help young women get excited about their career and helps underserved youth throughout Northeast Florida. Melissa is a devoted member and leader in her church.
When she is not working to make a difference in the world, Melissa can be found engaging her husband and adventurous, super-hero son or taking in a few minutes of meditation.
Melissa learned at an early age what it means to be a Servant Leader and her service to the community is well-demonstrated through the various organizations in which she is a part of.