Vern Melvin brings more than 40 years of experience in child welfare to his current position as managing director for the Southeast Region. Prior to rejoining the Department, the veteran director and administrator most recently served for four years as Circuit 19 Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) director. Vern had retired from state government in January 2012 but returned to state service as a director with GAL.  

Much of Vern’s service has been in the four-county Treasure Coast region, including eight years as the circuit director for the Department of Juvenile Justice, which was followed by 12 years of service as the interim district administrator for District 15 and as interim regional managing director of the Central Region.  

Vern holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology, as well as a Master of Science degree in Dispute Resolution. Vern also has proudly served in the North Carolina National Guard, Florida Army Reserve and Alabama Army Reserve. Vern and his wife, Maureen, have two grown sons and three grandchildren.