Madison Visionary Partners is searching for a candidate to fill the vacancy for Executive Director. Melanie Thornton, who has been the director, recently announced her departure to become the next CEO of Burritt on the Mountain. CONTRIBUTED

HUNTSVILLE – Melanie Thornton has been named the new CEO of Burritt on the Mountain. She is currently the executive director of Madison Visionary Partners (MVP), a nonprofit that focuses on community projects and public space initiatives in Madison. Under her leadership, MVP successfully raised over $2 million for projects such as the Madison Community Center and the Kids Kingdom Inclusive Playground. She also spearheaded the city’s first two public art murals.

A press release from Burritt on the Mountain touted Thornton’s experience as an award-winning communications professional and public historian with a career spanning over 22 years across various sectors and leadership roles. “She brings a wealth of knowledge in nonprofit operations, museum management, and strategic communications.”

“I am incredibly honored to join Burritt on the Mountain and lead such an outstanding organization,” said Melanie Thornton.

“Under Leslie Ecklund’s leadership, Burritt has cemented itself as a premier destination and educational institution in North Alabama. I look forward to working with the dedicated team of staff, board of directors, volunteers, and community stakeholders to advance our mission and ensure Burritt’s continued success,” Thornton said.

Prior to MVP, Thornton was the Director of Public Relations for the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library (HMCPL) system leading a capital campaign opening three new libraries in Madison County.

She is also the former Director of Alabama’s oldest preservation organization – Historic Mobile Preservation. In her role, Thornton oversaw the operations of several historic properties, a museum and an archive. She also worked on enhancing Mobile’s cultural economy through their advocacy efforts in preserving its five historic districts.

“My experience as a public historian has allowed me to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of our communities, a passion that aligns perfectly with Burritt on the Mountain’s mission. I am committed to ensuring that Burritt continues to inspire and educate, while preserving the stories and legacies that are so essential to our community’s past and future,” Thornton said.

Thornton has worked in numerous community roles, both in a professional capacity and as a volunteer. Her passion for community building can be traced back to her roots, growing up in a small town in South Louisiana. She worked directly on recovery of the region after Hurricane Katrina by acting as an ambassador of the State of Louisiana and representing the tourism industry, the region’s second-largest economic driver.

Thornton uses her volunteer time to empower women through mentorship and education by serving on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Economic Development Council. She is an alumna of the Alabama Leadership Initiative and a former committee member of the Alabama Bicentennial. She has a Master of Arts Degree in Public History and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication.

The selection comes after a lengthy search, attracting applicants from around the region. In her new role, Thornton will lead a team of 45 employees dedicated to providing Heartfelt Hospitality through daily execution of the Burritt mission.