Melanie received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from the College of Charleston in 1996 and her Master of Arts Degree in Management and Human Resources from Webster University in 1997. In 2006, she graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Certificate in Higher Education Leadership while working in the South Carolina State Technical System as a full time Business Instructor.

 

She joined the David M. Gilston Insurance Agency, Inc. as Director of Human Resources in 2007 and in 2008, received her LA&H license. Several of her responsibilities include recruiting and staffing, performance management, employee orientation, and development and training. In 2012, Melanie was promoted to Vice President. As Vice President, Melanie’s job duties expanded to include supervision and oversight of Individual Sales and Service, Group Sales and Group Renewals, and Agent Training. In January 2019, Melanie was promoted to the President of the Gilston Insurance Agency. In this capacity, Melanie, along with the CFO, is responsible for establishing short and long-term goals, plans, and strategies. Additionally, she is responsible for presiding over the entire workforce and assists in creating and managing staff development.

 

Melanie is an active member and current President of the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals.   Prior to this role, she served on and currently chairs the Statewide Education Committee.

 

Having formerly served as President of Anderson University’s Women’s Council and recognized as a Future Leader in South Carolina, Melanie currently sits on the  BlueCross BlueShield Broker Advisory Board.  She is an active member of Convene as well as the Kim S. Miller Family Enterprise Institute of South Carolina. 

 

Melanie is an approved South Carolina Department of Insurance Continuing Education instructor and has been an adjunct instructor at the College of Charleston.

 

Melanie and her husband, Christian, live in Mount Pleasant with their two children.  They are active members of Christ Church Anglican.