Melissa Musser, CPA, CITP, CISA, CIA
Partner & Director of Risk & Advisory Services | GRF CPAs & Advisors

Melissa Musser is a Partner and the Director of Risk & Advisory Services at GRF CPAs & Advisors, where she leads the firm’s risk advisory practice and helps organizations navigate complexity, uncertainty, and transformation. She is widely recognized for translating risk into opportunity—designing practical, forward-looking solutions that strengthen governance, resilience, and performance.

Melissa’s expertise spans internal audit leadership, internal control optimization, strategic planning, compliance, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), ESG, and cybersecurity. She has guided organizations across industries in establishing and enhancing internal audit functions, modernizing risk programs, and aligning governance structures with evolving regulatory and technology landscapes.

A highly sought-after speaker, Melissa regularly presents on ERM, internal audit, AI, cybersecurity, and governance at national and regional conferences. Known for her engaging style and ability to simplify complex risk and technology concepts, she is a trusted voice for executives and boards seeking clarity in an increasingly risk-intensive environment.

Melissa is the recipient of the AICPA’s 2018 Information Management and Technology Assurance (IMTA) Standing Ovation Award and was named an Excellence in Innovation honoree in Consulting® Magazine’s 2022 Women Leaders in Technology awards. She is deeply involved with the Institute of Internal Auditors, having served as President of the Washington, DC Chapter, Vice President of Programming, a member of the DC Board, and District Representative for the Mid-Atlantic District I on the IIA’s Chapter Relations Committee.

In addition, Melissa collaborates with leading institutions including NC State’s ERM Initiative, the University of Maryland’s Smith Enterprise Risk Consortium, and the Smith AI Initiative for Capital Market Research. Through these partnerships, GRF delivers high-impact programming, thought leadership, and applied research at the intersection of risk, technology, and governance.

Melissa brings a diverse professional background that includes public accounting, internal audit leadership roles within global SEC-registered companies, and academia. Throughout her career, she has helped organizations strengthen their risk posture while remaining agile and innovation-focused.

A proud CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Melissa is passionate about service to the Deaf and nonprofit communities. She has served on numerous nonprofit boards and remains actively engaged as a volunteer and advocate.