MADISON – Melanie Thornton envisions Madison Visionary Partners or MVP as a valuable resource for the city. She has accepted the role of MVP Executive Director.

“When I look at MVP, I see an organization (with) potential to make an impact. I’m excited to take it to its next level. It’s also rewarding to work directly on making the community where you live a better place,” Thornton said.

Throughout Thornton’s career, she has worked for established organizations with 50 to 200 years longevity. “Because MVP is a newer nonprofit, I see challenges and rewards that come with making its mark,” she said.

Currently, her work is focused on meeting with community and government leaders to bring awareness to MVP’s mission. Supporters’ unwavering commitment has both surprised and motivated her.

MVP is finalizing Home Place Park renovation and will assist in future programming. Fundraising is underway for a new, inclusive Kids Kingdom playground at Dublin Park. Other projects are in the discussion phase.

Her first goal is rebranding to better reflect MVP’s role in the growing city. Secondly, she will build a strong base of supporters and encourage them to donate to projects that directly impact their community.

“I also recognize the value in partnerships. I’m focused on partnering with other organizations to further our mission,” Thornton said.

Thornton is applying 18-plus years of communications experience working with federal, state and local governments, along with nonprofits. For five years, she worked as Director of Public Relations for Huntsville-Madison County Public Library; one of her first projects was opening the new Madison library.

Thornton’s career started at a Boston publishing company and managing Alabama’s oldest preservation nonprofit in Mobile. As Public Affairs Officer for Department of Interior, she worked in response to Deepwater Horizon’s explosion and helped tourism in Southeastern Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina.

She attended Nicholls State University to earn a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and American Public University for a master’s degree in public history.

Thornton grew up in Thibodaux, La, south of New Orleans. “I come from 100 percent Cajun and Creole ancestry. I have gumbo flowing through my veins,” she said.

Thornton volunteers with Christian Job Corps’ board and Women’s Economic Development Council. “My two boys admittedly keep me pretty busy otherwise, but, as a family, we love to travel and cook. I’m also an avid reader,” she said.

MVP’s address is 103 Spenryn Drive. For more information, call 256-384-4358 or visit mvpmadison.org.