Introduction

Melissa is a Senior Government Relations Specialist in Fredrikson & Byron’s Government Relations Group. Melissa uses her legislative and political experience to effectively build partnerships and coalitions to promote client agendas at the Capitol. While she has experience working on a broad array of issues, Melissa specializes in state legislative efforts around renewable energy policy, tax policy, and affordable housing and is a disability advocate at the state, local and county level.

Melissa puts her extensive legislative and political background to work in building strategic goals for positive client results. She advises clients on strategic planning, communications, coalition development and grassroots efforts. Prior to joining Fredrikson in 2008, Melissa served as the Executive Assistant to the Speaker of the House, where she was a valuable resource to business, non-profits, labor organizations, agency representatives, and advocates. Melissa was best known for her leadership as the House DFL Caucus Campaign Director where she managed the election efforts that saw record fundraising and brought house democrats to the majority and sustained that majority over four years. She has advised and volunteered on statewide and local campaigns. Melissa has also served as U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar’s Political Coordinator. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and Minneapolis Community and Technical College.

Education

• University of Minnesota, B.A., 2001
• Minneapolis Community and Technical College, A.A., 1999

Practice Areas

• Government Relations

Languages

• Spanish

Selected Publications & Presentations

• “2010 Energy Legislative Update,” FredALERT: 2010 Energy Legislative Update, June 2010
• Speaker, Advertising Industry Legislative Summit, April 22, 2010
• “Energy Legislation Adopted in Minnesota in 2009,” FredNEWS: Energy, September 2009
• Presenter, “The Basics of Campaign Organizing: Getting Ready to Run,” Civic College, August 20, 2009
• Presenter, “Political Fundraising,” Minnesota Credit Union Network Annual Meeting, April 18, 2009

Professional Activities

• League of Women Voters Educational Fund Leaders of Today and Tomorrow Advisory Board, Member
• Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Alumni Advisory Council, Member
• Minneapolis Community & Technical College Foundation, Board Member
• Reach for Resources, Hopkins, MN, Program Volunteer and Board Member
• Minnesota Government Relations Council, Member

Honors & Distinctions

• Awarded Marshall Memorial Fellowship (MMF), 2011