Melissa Authur
Deputy Chief of Staff, Brenda Baham Domestic Violence Division & Family Justice Center CoordinatorDeputy Chief of Staff, Brenda Baham Domestic Violence Division & Family Justice Center Coordinator
Melissa Arthur’s unwavering dedication to ending domestic and gender-based violence has defined her distinguished career in public service and nonprofit leadership. She was hired by the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office to serve as the Site Coordinator for the Fulton County Family Justice Center (FJC), where she is leading the formation, development, and implementation of a comprehensive, survivor-centered model designed to transform the county’s response to domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and human trafficking. In this role, Melissa works closely with the District Attorney’s Office, community-based organizations, healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, and legal partners to build an integrated system of care under one roof. Her leadership is focused on aligning stakeholders, strengthening infrastructure, securing sustainable partnerships, and ensuring the Center launches with a trauma-informed, multidisciplinary framework.
Prior to this role, Melissa dedicated just under a decade to the Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV), Georgia’s first and largest domestic violence agency, where she served in executive leadership. During her tenure, she oversaw prevention, outreach, and legal advocacy initiatives, expanding programmatic reach, strengthening cross-sector collaboration, and elevating public awareness throughout Gwinnett and Fulton counties. Her leadership was instrumental in advancing survivor-centered strategies and building sustainable community partnerships. She is widely recognized for her ability to convene stakeholders, translate vision into actionable strategy, and drive systemic change.
Melissa actively collaborates with multidisciplinary professionals through multiple Coordinated Community Response Teams, advancing coordinated efforts that promote safety, accountability, and access to justice. Her work reflects a deep commitment to reducing barriers and creating sustainable pathways toward healing for survivors and their families.
Melissa earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Mercer University and is a graduate of the 2025 Leadership Gwinnett Cohort. Her career embodies a steadfast commitment to justice, collaboration, and transformative leadership, grounded in the belief that communities are strongest when survivors are supported, empowered, and protected.
Prior to this role, Melissa dedicated just under a decade to the Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV), Georgia’s first and largest domestic violence agency, where she served in executive leadership. During her tenure, she oversaw prevention, outreach, and legal advocacy initiatives, expanding programmatic reach, strengthening cross-sector collaboration, and elevating public awareness throughout Gwinnett and Fulton counties. Her leadership was instrumental in advancing survivor-centered strategies and building sustainable community partnerships. She is widely recognized for her ability to convene stakeholders, translate vision into actionable strategy, and drive systemic change.
Melissa actively collaborates with multidisciplinary professionals through multiple Coordinated Community Response Teams, advancing coordinated efforts that promote safety, accountability, and access to justice. Her work reflects a deep commitment to reducing barriers and creating sustainable pathways toward healing for survivors and their families.
Melissa earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Mercer University and is a graduate of the 2025 Leadership Gwinnett Cohort. Her career embodies a steadfast commitment to justice, collaboration, and transformative leadership, grounded in the belief that communities are strongest when survivors are supported, empowered, and protected.