Melissa Forrester Get to Know

Canton’s Finance Director

What is your background?

I joined the city in 2008 after working in public accounting and the construction, real estate and health care industries. I’m a certified public accountant with a bachelor of business administration in accounting from Kennesaw State University and an MBA from Reinhardt University. I also hold certifications with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia and the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University.

What is your main responsibility?

I’m charged with maintaining the government’s fiscal strength and integrity, anticipating trends, and facilitating change for the benefit of the city’s residents, businesses and community partners.

Describe a typical day on the job.

While some tasks are recurring (payroll, debt service, tax reporting, annual audit, etc.), each day is remarkably different. The Finance Department works collaboratively with all other city departments, so our work depends on the current financial needs of Public Works, the Police Department, Utility Billing, Engineering, Building & Safety Services, Code Enforcement, Municipal Court, Parks & Recreation, and Administrative Services. We monitor or manage revenue collections, vendor payments, capital asset acquisitions/dispositions, general ledger adjustments, budgeting and monthly reporting. This variety keeps things interesting!

Where did you grow up?

I was born and spent my early years in the suburbs of St. Louis. I still have family there, and across the country. Nearly every school holiday involved a road trip to visit relatives in different states when I was a kid. My mom had a career with a Fortune 500 company, and Dad was in the Navy when I was young, so I learned the importance of working hard and making the most of family time.

What do you like most about your job?

I love serving the people who keep Canton safe by paving roads, cleaning up debris, patrolling our neighborhoods, providing us with clean water, rendering building and fire inspections, and giving us outlets for fitness and entertainment. My family shops, works and attends school in Canton, and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.

Describe a memorable work experience. Training and working with multiple jurisdictions to understand and report on the financial aspects of emergency management has been one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had with the city. I’ve served in the Canton Emergency Operations Center during winter weather events and large-crowd festivals, assisted with cleanup activities after tornados and trained for catastrophic incidents. Seeing the planning efforts, coordination and dedication local and state government personnel (and even the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport) invest to keep our communities safe has been eye-opening.

What are you looking forward to this year?

My family and I enjoy kayaking on the Etowah River and at the reservoir (Lake Canton), and we’re looking forward to the council’s plans to make these water features more visible and accessible.

What are your goals?

After spending many years raising a family and building a career, it’s time to prioritize my spiritual and physical well-being.

Describe your family and hobbies.

I married my high school sweetheart, and we bought our first home in Canton in 2001. We have three amazing sons and an energetic German shepherd. Together, we enjoy outdoor entertainment and active vacations. I relish free time outside, especially gardening/yard work since my job requires so much screen time.