Melissa Cox Brown

Mentor, Executive Director of The Ford Community Center, United Way West Tennessee

Melissa Cox-Brown is a seasoned community and economic development leader with two decades of experience driving impact through strategic partnerships, nonprofit leadership, and business development. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Ford Community Center at the United Way of West Tennessee where local partners, along with Ford Philanthropy, work to advance opportunities for long-term residents and support regional growth.

In previous roles, she has served as the ARMS Program Manager - Business Development for American Ordnance, supported industry expansion and recruitment across West Tennessee as a Business Development Consultant with the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development, and led the Crockett Chamber of Commerce earlier in her career.

Melissa received her Bachelors of Science in Education and Business Administration from The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. She resides in Jackson with her husband and two children.

She believes in giving back to communities where she lives and works. Her civic engagement has included, but not limited to, Crockett County Relay for Life (event chair), Jonah Affordable Housing (board of directors), Milan YMCA (board of directors chair), tnAchieves, and the Exchange Club of Stanton.

Melissa is focused on building strong communities, navigating public-private partnerships, and helping people move forward. She’s passionate about mentoring and sharing her knowledge to support others in their growth.