Melvin B. Richardson became the Director of the Board of Equalization Office in October, 2009.  As the Director Melvin is responsible for the administration of policy development, operational management, and analytical reporting of the adjudication of all certified appeals.

The Board of Equalization is govern by Georgia Statute O.C.G.A § 48-5-311 which requires fair and impartial appeal hearings to property owners regarding disputed assessment valuations issued by The Board of Tax Assessors in the annual Tax Digest.
 
Prior to working in this capacity, Melvin was the Assistant Director in the County's Department of Community Development and Housing, a recipient of eight (8) National Community Development Awards.  Richardson served as President, and as an Executive Board Member for the National Association for County Community and Economic Development (NACCED) in Washington, DC for nine years.  Additionally, as a member of the National Community Development Association (NCDA) - Southeast Caribbean Region, Melvin was chosen to speak before the U.S. Congressional House of Representatives Appropriation Committee. 

His professional employment history prior to Fulton County includes The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Atlanta Daily World, Mead Packaging, and Atlanta Gas Light Company in the positions of General Leger Manager; Financial Manager; Cost Accountant, and Accountant respectively.

Richardson's leadership and community involvement includes serving as PTA President of Bryant Elementary School for three consecutive terms, where he initiated a male role model and support system entitled,  Men of Bryant, which became a blueprint for several schools in Metro-Atlanta.  He served as President of the Board of Managers for the Michael A. Grant Boys & Girls Club while also serving as a member of the Parental Advisory Committee of Bryant Elementary. Melvin also served as President of both the Lindley Middle School - Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) and the Pebblebrook High School Band Booster for two consecutive years.  Additionally, he completed two terms as Vice President of the Pebblebrook High School Council in Cobb County, a state-sponsored initiative to encourage community collaboration and participation in the plans, goals and direction of schools within the local district.  He has also served as a Board Member of the Scottdale Child Development and Family Resource Center, Inc. of Central Dekalb County.