Experience

Ohio Environmental Council

• United States
• Environmental Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Managing Director of Water Policy & Chief of Organizational Planning

  • Oct 2022 - Present

• Interim Water Director

  • Apr 2022 - Oct 2022

• Drinking Water Director

  • Dec 2019 - Oct 2022

  Melanie Houston leads the OEC’s campaigns to secure safe and affordable drinking water for all Ohioans. Melanie has led several climate, water and public health campaigns for the OEC, including work to secure a landmark bill in 2016 to better protect Ohioans’ drinking water from lead contamination. Melanie has briefed congressional and state lawmakers, advised the White House Council on Environmental Quality, and testified in front of committees of the Ohio General Assembly. She has been quoted in numerous newspaper, radio and TV outlets including National PBS. Show less



The Ohio State University

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Communications Associate for Ohio Policy Evaluation Network

  • Dec 2018 - Nov 2019



Ohio Environmental Council

• United States
• Environmental Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of Oil and Gas

  • Mar 2016 - Dec 2018

  Melanie Houston is responsible for establishing and managing several policy initiatives at the OEC. She is the expert on oil and gas policy, running campaigns to secure the strongest fracking standards in the nation and to hold the industry accountable for air, land and water pollution from oil and gas development. She is also OEC’s top expert on the issue of lead contamination in drinking water.During her time at the OEC, Melanie has briefed congressional and state lawmakers, advised the White House Council on Environmental Quality and testified in front of committees of the Ohio General Assembly. Melanie has been quoted in numerous newspaper, radio and TV outlets including Al Jazeera America and National PBS. Show less

• Director of Water Policy & Environmental Health

  • Nov 2011 - Mar 2016

  Melanie Houston is responsible for establishing and managing several policy initiatives at the OEC. She is the expert on oil and gas policy, running campaigns to secure the strongest fracking standards in the nation and to hold the industry accountable for air, land and water pollution from oil and gas development. She is also OEC’s top expert on the issue of lead contamination in drinking water.During her time at the OEC, Melanie has briefed congressional and state lawmakers, advised the White House Council on Environmental Quality and testified in front of committees of the Ohio General Assembly. Melanie has been quoted in numerous newspaper, radio and TV outlets including Al Jazeera America and National PBS. Show less



Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District

• Columbus, Ohio Area

• Internal Communications

  • Jan 2010 - Nov 2011



US Fish and Wildlife Service

• Biologist intern

  • Aug 2009 - Jan 2010



Public Allies

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Intern

  • Sep 2004 - Jun 2005