Education: Masters degree
Lanuages Fluent: English
Industry: Consulting, Education and Training, Government, Non-Profit
Years of Experience: I've spent 8-10 years in Change Management
Responsibility Level: Independent Consultant
Change Management Skills Experience:
Change Plan Development, Change Team Coaching, Communication Strategy, Consulting, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Operational Excellence, Organizational Change Management, Process Improvement/Optimization, Stakeholder Analysis/ Engagement, Training and Development
Discipline Type Experience:
Agile Methodology, Data Analysis and Metrics, ERP Implementation, Executive Coaching, Process Improvement / Optimization, Risk Management, Strategic Planning
Change Management Related Skills Experience:
Coaching, Mentor, Public Speaking, Remote/Hybrid Work, Trainer
Professional Designation(s):
Change Management certification
DEI in Workplace certification
Mental Health First Aid certifications
Everything DiSC certification
Business Analytics certification
Professional Bio:
Melody Harkness is a force for transformation. As Principal Consultant and CEO of Harkness Consulting Solutions, Melody brings a career devoted to breaking down barriers and building up communities. With a master's in legal studies from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law and a bachelor's degree in Africana Studies and Community Development from North Carolina State University, she has combined academic excellence with real-world leadership to guide organizations toward justice, equity, and lasting change.
Melody’s experience spans public, nonprofit, and private sectors. From leading organizational assessments to designing workforce development programs, she has reimagined systems so they honor the dignity and potential of every person. Her leadership with the City of Rochester, Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York, Albany Law School, and numerous civic boards has strengthened community relationships and advanced equitable systems for marginalized populations.
Her contributions to public service and leadership have earned her multiple honors, including Women of Distinction and Exemplary Community Service awards.
Through Harkness Consulting Solutions, Melody continues to light the way, helping leaders step into their power, strengthen their purpose, and build organizations worthy of the communities they serve.
Social & Volunteer Organizations:
Albany County Bar Association CLE Planning Committee
National Assoc. for Civilian Oversight in Law Enforcement Conference Planning Committee and Training, Education & Standards Committee
