LAKE OSWEGO, OR., APRIL 7, 2025— The Portland Business Journal named Melissa Berndt, Chief People Officer, Partner + General Counsel, a 2025 HR Leadership Award Winner. This list recognizes HR leaders who have gone above and beyond in their roles to execute organizational strategy, drive success, and build a welcoming culture.
“Melissa’s ability to bridge culture, development, and business strategy is rare—and it’s one of the reasons Aldrich continues to grow with purpose,” said John Lauseng, CEO + Partner. “Her leadership elevates the employee experience, drives firmwide performance, and ultimately delivers greater value to our clients. She’s helped make our culture a competitive advantage.“
Since 2008, Melissa has overseen all functions related to shared services including human capital, legal, marketing, administration and facilities. Named Partner in 2018, Melissa has been instrumental in building and evolving Aldrich’s people strategy to support firm culture through expansion into new geographies and service lines. In 2023, Melissa was named one of the Portland Business Journal’s Executives of the Year. She also leads Aldrich’s HR + Payroll services, which helps provide clients with strategic guidance in areas like compliance, talent development, and workforce planning.
“This recognition is a reflection of the work of our entire HR team and the firm’s commitment to a culture where every team member feels empowered to shape our future,” said Melissa Berndt. “Through our collective focus on personalized development and meaningful coaching, we’re building a workplace where teams are equipped to deliver exceptional service and innovative solutions that help our clients thrive.”
Melissa graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Portland State University, has a JD from the University of Oregon School of Law, and is an Oregon State Bar member.
About Aldrich
For more than 50 years, Aldrich has worked with businesses, their owners, and their employees to help them achieve their professional and personal financial goals. We pair deep industry experience with a full suite of integrated financial, tax, accounting, wealth, corporate retirement, and business transition services to help bring clarity to every phase of our clients’ personal and professional life cycles.
The Aldrich group of companies is composed of Aldrich CPAs + Advisors LLP, one of the top 70 accounting firms in the US; Aldrich Wealth LP, a Registered Investment Advisory firm with over $6.5 billion in assets under advisement; and Aldrich Capital Advisors LP, which provides advisory services for business transactions.
Based in Oregon since our founding in 1973, Aldrich now serves clients across the country from our eight offices throughout the Western US.
Learn more at www.aldrichadvisors.com/about.
