Episode 50: Inside PBSA: Melissa Sorenson on Leading the Global Background Screening Movement

Behind the Screens: Conversations with Background Screening Pros hosted by Les Rosen

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In this milestone 50th episode of Behind the Screens, I sit down with Melissa Sorenson, Executive Director of the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA), for a candid conversation about the past, present, and future of our industry.

Melissa opens up about her journey from law school to leading PBSA through some of its biggest transformations—like going from a U.S.-focused group (NAPBS) to a truly global organization. We talk about what it takes to grow an international association, how volunteers shape the community, and why people—not just technology—remain the heartbeat of background screening.

She also shares what it’s like running a global operation from her home office in Minnesota, her most influential mentors, and the proudest risk she’s ever taken.

Key Takeaways:

• Melissa’s path from in-house compliance to Executive Director of PBSA.
• Why PBSA’s shift to a global focus was a defining moment—and how it happened.
• The importance of mentorship, leadership, and taking calculated risks.
• What it’s really like to plan international conferences and support a global community.
• How anyone in the industry—at any level—can get involved and grow their career through PBSA.

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This podcast is sponsored by:
The Preemploymentdirectory, publisher of the Background Buzz! https://preemploymentdirectory.com/