Experience

CVR Associates

• United States
• Business Consulting and Services
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Senior Vice President

  • Dec 2016 - Present

  Melanie has more than 25 years of executive experience in the affordable housing industry, in matters related to public housing, vouchers, community revitalization, mobility initiatives, healthy homes, and self-sufficiency initiatives. Her expertise includes assessing and problem-solving complex housing authority issues, to which she brings the skills of operational improvements, strategic planning, policy development, communications strategies, intergovernmental relations, and community… Show more Melanie has more than 25 years of executive experience in the affordable housing industry, in matters related to public housing, vouchers, community revitalization, mobility initiatives, healthy homes, and self-sufficiency initiatives. Her expertise includes assessing and problem-solving complex housing authority issues, to which she brings the skills of operational improvements, strategic planning, policy development, communications strategies, intergovernmental relations, and community relations. Show less



U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

• United States
• Government Administration
• 700 & Above Employee

• Special Policy Advisor

  • Apr 2015 - Nov 2016

  Washington, D,C. Special Policy Advisor (April 2015 - November 2016) - Advise the offices of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) and HUD Secretary on matters relating to public housing programs, housing voucher programs, fair housing initiatives, mobility initiatives, healthy homes matters (e.g., smoke-free, lead), opportunity initiatives (e.g., Choice Neighborhoods, ConnectHome digital inclusion, Jobs-Plus), and related rules and regulations. - Serve as point-of-contact for industry groups and grantees, to… Show more Special Policy Advisor (April 2015 - November 2016) - Advise the offices of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) and HUD Secretary on matters relating to public housing programs, housing voucher programs, fair housing initiatives, mobility initiatives, healthy homes matters (e.g., smoke-free, lead), opportunity initiatives (e.g., Choice Neighborhoods, ConnectHome digital inclusion, Jobs-Plus), and related rules and regulations. - Serve as point-of-contact for industry groups and grantees, to receive inquiries and problem-solve, as appropriate. - Oversee communications and messaging to internal and external audiences, including over 1,200 employees and nearly 4,000 public housing authorities, Congressional offices, industry organizations, and advocate groups. - Represent PIH in meetings with Congressional offices and staff. - Coordinate messaging with HUD's offices of Public Affairs, Public Engagement, and Congressional/Intergovernmental Relations for accuracy and effectiveness of communications. - Staff the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and HUD Secretary at various meetings and events in DC and cities across the nation. Show less



Opportunity Home San Antonio

• United States
• Government Relations
• 200 - 300 Employee

• Policy, Planning and Public Affairs Officer

  • Jan 2003 - Apr 2015

  San Antonio, Texas Area Policy, Planning and Public Affairs Officer (2009 – 2015) Vice President of Corporate and Employee Relations (2008 – 2009) Chief of Staff (2007-2008) Vice President of Corporate Relations (2004-2007) Public Information Officer (2003-2004) - Served as a strategic management resource to President/CEO, executive management team and all internal departments on: policy, communications, strategic planning, intergovernmental and legislative matters, and community partnerships. -… Show more Policy, Planning and Public Affairs Officer (2009 – 2015) Vice President of Corporate and Employee Relations (2008 – 2009) Chief of Staff (2007-2008) Vice President of Corporate Relations (2004-2007) Public Information Officer (2003-2004) - Served as a strategic management resource to President/CEO, executive management team and all internal departments on: policy, communications, strategic planning, intergovernmental and legislative matters, and community partnerships. - Provided oversight and guidance on policy matters, to include federal, state and local issues, as well as matters related to the affordable housing industry. - Led the development, tracking and monitoring of the agency’s Strategic Plan through 2020. - Led the agency’s annual Moving to Work planning process and HUD reporting requirements. - Oversaw the planning, development, and implementation of the department’s external and internal communication activities, including strategic communications planning, media relations, intergovernmental relations, employee relations, partner relations and community relations. - Served as the agency’s spokesperson for media interviews regarding operations, programs and issues, and responded to media inquiries and requests. - Oversaw the agency’s data and GIS workgroup, which provides data gathering and verification support to housing programs, development services, capital planning, etc. - Led the development of all materials for meetings for the Board of Commissioners and Board Committees, to include meeting preparation logistics. - Developed and maintained strong working relationships with stakeholders, including customers, public agencies, elected officials, industry leaders, partners and community leaders. - Oversaw all communications programs and initiatives, such as publications, newsletters, Website, annual reports, brochures, advertisements, and news releases. Show less



Curnutt/Hovis, Inc., Communications and Marketing Consultants

• Vice President and Co-owner

  • 1984 - 2003

  San Antonio, Texas Area - Managed operations of the public relations, marketing and strategic communications firm. - Established and managed all budgets, client-specific and operational. - Managed employees and contractors. - Performed a wide range of client account service, including media relations, crisis communications, issues management, special event coordination, print and A/V production and media buying. - Supervised and performed account services for clients in the fields of: Technology, Health… Show more - Managed operations of the public relations, marketing and strategic communications firm. - Established and managed all budgets, client-specific and operational. - Managed employees and contractors. - Performed a wide range of client account service, including media relations, crisis communications, issues management, special event coordination, print and A/V production and media buying. - Supervised and performed account services for clients in the fields of: Technology, Health care, Housing, Transportation, Manufacturing, and Government Show less