Melanie Franklin

Director of People

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Recognitions

President’s Club Recruiter Award
The youngest person to complete the Yosemite Bike Rally, 1977....LOL

Languages

Some Spanish
Portuguese
“When we long for a life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure”
– Peter Marshall

About Me

I am a dedicated human resources leader with over 15 years of experience supporting organizations through periods of growth and transformation. Driven by a passion for building strong teams and positive workplace cultures, I thrive on helping people reach their full potential. My background in both corporate and nonprofit sectors has shaped my flexible, people-first approach, and I am committed to making a lasting impact at every stage of the employee journey.

 

Professional Achievements

Scaled a national healthcare consulting startup in 2005, expanding operations throughout the Central Valley, Contra Costa County, and the greater Sacramento Area.

Launched a successful medical division within a prominent Fresno-area recruitment firm in 2011, expanding service offerings and driving new business growth.

Founded and served as CEO of an independent Healthcare Consulting Group from 2013 to 2022, specializing in Human Resources, staffing solutions, and regulatory compliance for healthcare organizations.

Brings over 20 years of HR leadership experience, including advanced expertise in California HR practices, and holds both PHRca and Leave of Absence Specialist certifications.

 

Personal Background

I didn’t set out to work in HR, in fact, I started my career in nursing, but quickly discovered my passion for mentoring others and helping teams work better together. That curiosity led me to pursue my certification in HR management, and I haven’t looked back since. As a Central Valley native and proud Fresnan, having called Fresno home for the past 25 years, my approach is rooted in empathy and community, shaped by my own experiences balancing work, family, and personal growth here. I believe in creating workplaces where everyone feels heard and valued, because I know firsthand how much that matters in building a supportive and thriving environment. Outside the office, I’m a proud parent, Ava (Portuguese for grandma 😊) of 4 girls, self-proclaimed amateur chef, and lifelong learner always on the lookout for my next adventure.

 

Family Life

Proud mother of 3 adult children, and have 4 grandaughters, and 3 furbabies (Huskies). We enjoy camping and anything outdoors, we are very competitive and love playing sports, we are definitely a family of current and former athletes!

 

Hobbies & Interests Outside of Work

You’ll usually find me outdoors camping, curled up with a good book, or listening to music, traveling whenever I get the chance. I’m an amusement park enthusiast with a special love for Disneyland and Universal Studios, and a proud lifelong Wonder Woman fan (Linda Carter will always be the original in my eyes!). Collecting Wonder Woman memorabilia is a favorite pastime of mine. I’m also passionate about live music and never miss a good concert. Some of my greatest joy comes from cheering on my grandchildren at their soccer, basketball, and volleyball games, and supporting my daughter as she competes in Special Olympics soccer, basketball, and softball.

Legends Off the Clock

Favorite Sports Memory
Going to Cheer Nationals with my high school!
Go-To Hype Song
I honestly have a whole playlist of Hype Songs….Don’t know if any of mine are work appropriate, Hypnotize (Biggie), Feelin’ Myself (Nikki and Beyonce), Affirmations (Flippa T).
Favorite Local Spot (restaurant, coffee shop, hangout, etc.)
My new fave is Saizon, amazing food!
Dream Travel Destination
Greece, Italy or the Maldives
Favorite HPA Moment
Experiencing the HPA x Fresno State Winter Camp and celebrating the success of the camp with our amazing team!
Hidden Talent
Interior design and event design/planning
Why You Love Working at HPA
It’s all about the people, how they are cared for by leadership and what they giveback! From the CEO to our CIT’s, everyone I encounter here is an amazing human being that lives out HPA core values! I couldn’t ask for a better company to work for.

Community Involvement:

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Volunteer work & Supporter of:

Special Olympics
Saint Agnes Center for Women and Children
Marjoree Mason
Poverello House

Local Impact

As a lifelong Central Valley resident and passionate HR leader, I believe in using my experience to give back, whether it’s through mentoring the next generation of professionals, building inclusive programs for local youth, or partnering with community organizations to create real, lasting change.

Other Team Members

Jesus Garcia
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Bill Cummings
Chief Business Officer (CBO)
Jason Hannold
Business Consultant & Advisor 

We’re Changing the Game Beyond the Field. Join Us.