In a world of never-ending uncertainty for mission-driven organizations, it is comforting to know that an eternal optimist and determined risk-taker, Melanie Lockwood Herman, is leading the Nonprofit Risk Management Center. NRMC provides consulting services, innovative web applications, and practical educational resources that help nonprofit management and leadership teams overcome risk aversion and embrace the bold risks their missions require.
A prolific author of more than a dozen comprehensive (and comprehensible!) books and resource guides on various risk management topics, Melanie has delivered countless workshops and keynote presentations for organizations simply unwilling to leave success to chance. Melanie earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Urban Affairs from American University (Washington, DC) and a Juris Doctor from George Mason University (Arlington, VA). She is a member of the District of Columbia Bar Association.
In August 2023, Melanie was named to The NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50, whose editor has described her as “…the most in-demand expert in the nonprofit risk field…” and “the architect of the risk plans of some of the nation’s largest nonprofits.” This was Melanie’s 15th appearance on the list: she was recognized in 2007-2008 and 2011-2022.
In addition to her professional career, Melanie is an active volunteer in both professional organizations and community-serving nonprofits. She currently serves on the boards of two national organizations: the American Foundation for the Blind, and the National Human Services Assembly. Melanie is the former chair of the Legal Section Council of ASAE/The Center for Association Leadership, and during 2010-2013 she served on the Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee (NAC) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board.