The National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) announced today the appointment of Melissa L. Sorenson, Esq. as the association's first dedicated Executive Director since its formation ten years ago. Formerly with Verifications, Inc., Sorenson served as a member of the NAPBS Board of Directors and brings industry experience as well as a keen understanding of the important issues facing screeners today.

"The decision to retain a dedicated Executive Director has been a vision for NAPBS since its inception and Melissa's many years of experience as an active professional in our industry make her an ideal choice to lead NAPBS into the future," said Judy Gootkind, NAPBS Chair. "Along with the entire NAPBS Board, I am delighted that Melissa has accepted this position and I look forward to her leadership in the years to come."

As Executive Director, Sorenson will focus on several 2014 initiatives including reviewing and monitoring legislative and lobbying actions and overseeing association finances. She will serve as the official voice for NAPBS on key issues and activities, working directly with legislators, regulators, media, the public and major stakeholders. Sorenson will also focus on promoting and growing NAPBS' accreditation program and individual certification programs.

"I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to take on such a leadership role in NAPBS," stated Sorenson. "This is an exciting time for the background screening industry and for NAPBS. I look forward to continued progress in building public awareness of the important role screening plays in ensuring safe work and living environments."

Prior to joining NAPBS as Executive Director, Melissa worked in the industry for seven and a half years, where she held the position of Compliance and Contracts Officer for Verifications, Inc. In that capacity, she was responsible for drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts with clients, vendors, and alliances. Sorenson also conducted legal research and analysis including statutes, case law, regulations, privacy information and security, managed client relationships and consulted with employers on their screening policies.

Melissa has played an active volunteer role within NAPBS as a member of the Conference and Best Practice committees, conference presenter, and most recently as a regular board member for 3 years. Melissa was serving as the Secretary on the NAPBS Board of Director's Executive Committee before she began her role as Executive Director, a position which she resigned from in order to serve in her current capacity.

About NAPBS

The National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS) is the leading national resource for issues related to the background screening profession. NAPBS promotes and advocates for ethical business practices and fosters awareness of privacy rights and consumer protection issues. NAPBS is the foremost leader in the movement toward establishing generally accepted and reliable standards for background screening professionals and organizations. For more information on background screening, visit our website at www.napbs.com.

National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS)
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