The National Wrestling Hall of Fame is pleased to announce that its Board of Governors has unanimously approved Melody Domanico (Atlanta) and Ron Domanico (Atlanta) to join the Board of Governors.

The Domanicos believe strongly that wrestling uniquely builds character development and have been dedicated for decades in advancing participation and excellence in the sport at all levels. They received the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award from the Georgia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2019.

“Melody and Ron have given a lifetime of service to wrestling, and their willingness to give back to and support wrestling is a blessing to our great sport,” said Tom Slowey, Chairman of the Board of Governors. “The Hall of Fame is grateful for their willingness to serve on the Board of Governors, and we look forward to the guidance and insight they will contribute.”

Ron wrestled at Elk Grove High School in Illinois and received his bachelor of science degree in management science and his MBA in finance from the University of Illinois. Melody received her bachelor of arts in music education from the University of Illinois.

The couple worked as administrators and coaches for youth wrestling programs in Mendham, New Jersey, and at the Lovett School in Atlanta. They worked for years with Team Georgia Wrestling as board members, coaches, and administrators. Ron was treasurer and officiated. Melody was the national team’s mom for Schoolboys/girls, Cadets and Juniors.

Melody was a USA Wrestling Bronze Level Coach and was instrumental in starting the Lovett Youth USA Wrestling Club and served as a coach and administrator from 2008 to 2012. Ron was a certified USA official for Olympic styles. The couple co-founded the Holy Innocents' Prep Slam tournament, the second-largest high school prep school tournament in the country.

Ron has been a Georgia High School Association (GHSA) wrestling official for 15 years, refereeing regular and postseason events. He also serves as treasurer for the Georgia Wrestling Officials Association. Melody has served the GHSA since 2004 at the state dual meet and traditional tournaments in administration, awards, data entry, and hospitality.

FCA Wrestling (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) started in Georgia in 2008. Ron and Melody were founding board members and Ron served as chairman for over a decade. Ron also serves the National FCAW as a board member and on the stewardship committee.

The couple are founding and active members of the Atlanta Chapter of Wrestlers in Business Network, a non-profit organization that strives to unite the thousands of wrestlers that have retired from the sport and are now in their respective careers with a goal of supporting current & former wrestlers and the sport.

Ron serves as a board member and treasurer for the Georgia Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, and both are active members of the Atlanta Takedown Association, and past recipients of the ATA Volunteers of the Year award.

The couple are actively involved through volunteer work and financial support for their alma mater, the University of Illinois, and serve on the advisory committee to the athletic director for the new wrestling facility. At the same time, they work to expand intercollegiate wrestling in Georgia.

Melody & Ron routinely open their home to the wrestling community to support South Georgia teams traveling to Atlanta for competitions, Team Georgia national teams, USA Olympic Coaches, Atlanta Takedown Association functions, visiting speakers, and even the Mongolian Olympic coach and team.

Ron recently retired as executive vice president and chief financial official for several large companies, including Kraft Foods, Nabisco, Home Depot Supply, and the Brinks Company. Melody retired as a band director and music teacher.

The couple married in 1980 and reside in north Atlanta/Sandy Springs. They have four adult children and eight grandchildren.