A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Melanie Vaughn-West received her Master of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Prior to attending seminary, she was employed in public relations for the Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America and as a TV news reporter in Denison, Texas.

Since her ordination by the Oakhurst Baptist Church in Atlanta and relocation to Annapolis to become pastor at Broadneck, Melanie has been actively involved in the ecumenical Broadneck Ministerium, the Alliance of Baptists, the American Baptist Minister’s Council, and the District of Columbia Baptist Convention (DCBC). She has provided leadership within the DCBC by chairing the Committee on Public Affairs and Social Concerns, serving on the 2010 Visioning Committee and chairing a conference on Restorative Justice.

Melanie helped organize multiple programs at Broadneck Baptist Church, including the Contemplative Prayer and Mediation group, and was a driving force in the Broadneck Ministerium.