Melanie Pearson Hurley is the CEO and Treasurer for the Heart of Gold Sickle Cell Foundation of Northern Virginia. She stepped into the position when the orginal Founder/CEO Clarissa Pearson passed away from sickle cell disease in 2021. Melanie has an extensive science background and works full time as an Environmental Scientist with the U.S. Department of Energy. She and her sister, Valerie Pearson Bey, and cousin, Edna Williams serve on the board to carry out Clarissa’s dream of advocacy for sickle cell patients and their families. Melanie has a Master of Arts, MA, in Public Administration and her BA from Virginia Tech in Biology/Biological Sciences.